Love rich flavors and creamy dishes? You’re in for a treat! This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Pasta recipe is both easy and delicious. You’ll learn how to make tender chicken bites bursting with garlic goodness, paired with creamy fettuccine. Plus, I’ll share tips for perfecting every bite. Get ready to impress your family with a meal they won’t forget! Let’s dive into the details.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
– 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
For the garlic butter chicken bites, start with fresh chicken breast. Cut it into small pieces. You want them to cook quickly and evenly. Minced garlic adds a rich flavor. Unsalted butter gives a creamy taste and helps the chicken brown nicely. Italian seasoning brings a mix of herbs that pairs well with the chicken.
Ingredients for Creamy Pasta
– 8 oz (225g) fettuccine pasta
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Next, for the creamy pasta, fettuccine works great. It holds the sauce well. Heavy cream creates that rich, smooth texture. Grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty bite. Fresh parsley not only adds color but also a fresh taste.
Additional Seasonings and Garnishes
– Salt and pepper
– Zest of 1 lemon
– Extra Parmesan
Don’t forget the salt and pepper. They enhance all the flavors in your dish. Lemon zest gives a bright, zesty note that cuts through the creaminess. Finally, an extra sprinkle of Parmesan on top looks and tastes amazing.
For the full recipe, check out the specific steps that bring these ingredients together in a delightful dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
– Step 1: Melt butter and sauté garlic
First, take a large skillet and place it on medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Allow it to melt slowly. Once melted, add 4 cloves of minced garlic. Stir it for about 1 minute until it smells great.
– Step 2: Cook chicken pieces in the skillet
Now, increase the heat to medium-high. Add 1 pound of chicken breast pieces to the skillet. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want the chicken to turn golden brown and be fully cooked. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Cooking the Creamy Pasta
– Step 3: Boil fettuccine and drain
In a large pot, boil salted water. Cook 8 ounces of fettuccine pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente. When done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
– Step 4: Make the creamy sauce
In the same skillet you used for chicken, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Let it melt. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and bring it to a simmer. Stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens nicely.
Combining the Dishes
– Step 5: Mix everything together
Add the cooked fettuccine and the chicken bites back into the creamy sauce. Toss everything gently to coat the pasta and chicken evenly with the sauce.
– Step 6: Garnish and serve
Finally, add the zest of 1 lemon and mix again. For a lovely touch, sprinkle fresh parsley on top. Serve the dish in large bowls, adding an extra sprinkle of Parmesan if you like. Enjoy your Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Pasta! For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe section.
Tips & Tricks
Cooking Tips for Perfect Chicken Bites
To get the best chicken bites, season your chicken well. Use salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. This mix brings out the flavor. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown. A good skillet is key. I like using a cast-iron or non-stick skillet. They heat evenly and help the chicken cook well.
Pasta Cooking Tips
For pasta, you want it al dente—firm but not hard. Boil salted water first. Add the fettuccine and cook as the package says. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. To stop pasta from sticking, stir it well in the first couple of minutes. You can add a dash of olive oil to the boiling water, too.
Enhancing the Flavor
Want to boost the taste? Add fresh herbs like basil or thyme. They add a great touch. You can also throw in some veggies. Spinach, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers work well. They not only taste good but also make the dish colorful. Check out the Full Recipe for more ideas and tips!
Variations
Alternative Pasta Choices
You can use many types of pasta for this dish. Fettuccine is great, but try penne, linguine, or even rotini for a fun twist. Each pasta type brings its own unique texture. If you prefer gluten-free options, look for rice pasta or chickpea pasta. Both work well and taste delicious. Just be sure to follow the cooking times on the package for the best results.
Protein Variations
For a change, you can swap chicken for shrimp or tofu. If you choose shrimp, cook them for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink. For tofu, use firm tofu, cut into cubes. Sauté it until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Adjust your cooking times based on the protein you pick. Each option brings a new flavor and texture to the dish.
Sauce Variations
To spice things up, you can add red pepper flakes to the creamy sauce. This gives it a nice kick. If you want a fresh taste, consider adding diced tomatoes or fresh basil. Both options add color and flavor to your meal. Mix and match these ideas to create your perfect dish. For the full recipe, check out the original version.
Storage Info
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Pasta in the fridge. Use airtight containers to keep the dish fresh. Make sure to cool it down before sealing. This helps avoid condensation that can make it soggy.
Reheating Suggestions
To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of milk or cream to the pasta. This keeps the sauce creamy and smooth. Stir often to avoid burning. You can also use a microwave, but cover it to keep moisture in. This will help the dish stay tasty.
Freezing Guidelines
Yes, you can freeze Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Pasta! To freeze, place it in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to label it with the date. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it gently to keep the flavors fresh.
FAQs
What can I serve with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Pasta?
You can serve this dish with a fresh salad. A simple green salad with mixed greens works well. You can also pair it with roasted vegetables. Garlic bread is a great choice too. It adds a nice crunch. For a light touch, try serving lemon wedges. They add a zesty flavor that brightens the meal.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Cook the chicken and pasta, then store them separately. Keep the creamy sauce in another container. Store everything in the fridge. When you are ready to eat, reheat each part. Combine them just before serving for the best taste. This way, you save time on busy days.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
To make this dish healthier, you can swap heavy cream for Greek yogurt. This reduces fat while keeping it creamy. You can also use whole wheat pasta instead of regular fettuccine. This adds fiber and nutrients. For a lighter option, cut back on butter. Use just two tablespoons instead of four. Adding more veggies is a great idea too. Spinach or broccoli can boost nutrition and flavor.
For the Full Recipe, check the main section above.
In this blog post, we explored a simple yet delicious recipe for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Pasta. You learned about key ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and helpful tips. Variations allow you to customize flavors and textures. Remember to store leftovers properly and consider reheating the right way. Enjoy this dish with suggested sides to elevate your meal. This recipe is easy to make and perfect for sharing with family. Happy cooking!
