Introduction
Welcome to a delightful dish that perfectly marries the rich flavors of garlic butter and creamy Parmesan cheese — Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta! This recipe is a heartfelt blend of tender chicken and a luscious pasta that promises to bring comfort to your dinner table. Whether you’re in a rush on a weeknight or looking to impress during a cozy gathering, this meal is both quick and irresistibly delicious. Let’s dive into the cooking magic!
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 ounces pasta (your choice)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Directions and Instructions
- Start by cooking the pasta according to package instructions until it is perfectly al dente. Once done, drain it and set aside. This pasta forms the base of our creamy goodness!
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat until it begins to bubble invitingly.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about one minute, allowing the aroma to fill your kitchen and awaken your senses.
- Now, increase the heat to medium-high and toss in the chicken bites. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the chicken is beautifully golden, reduce the heat back to medium. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until the sauce is smooth and creamy — it’s the magic moment!
- Gently add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing until every strand is luxuriously coated in that rich, cheesy sauce.
- Finally, remove the skillet from heat and garnish your hearty meal with fresh parsley before serving it up hot. Enjoy the warmth!
Notes or Tips
For an extra touch of flavor, feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for some heat. This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or warm garlic bread. And if you have any leftovers, they make for a fantastic next-day meal!
Cooking Techniques
The key technique here is the sautéing of the garlic, which sets the stage for the entire dish — be sure to watch it closely so it doesn’t burn! Additionally, cooking the chicken until it achieves that golden brown color ensures maximum flavor and tenderness. When combining the heavy cream and Parmesan, stirring continuously keeps your sauce perfectly creamy without lumps.
FAQ
Can I use other types of meat? Absolutely! This recipe works beautifully with shrimp, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist.
What if I don’t have heavy cream? You can use half-and-half, or for a lighter version, try using whole milk combined with a bit of butter to achieve that creamy texture.
Conclusion
There you have it! Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta is more than just a meal; it’s an experience that warms the heart and satisfies the belly. This dish is perfect for any occasion, and I guarantee it will quickly become a family favorite. Happy cooking!