Rich, savory, and oh-so-comforting, garlic butter chicken bites with pasta are the kind of dish that will make your taste buds sing and your heart dance. Picture tender chicken chunks coated in a luscious garlic butter sauce, served over a bed of perfectly cooked pasta that soaks up every last drop of that heavenly flavor. It’s like a warm hug for your stomach on a chilly day.
Every time I whip up this dish, I’m transported back to family gatherings where laughter filled the air and the aroma of garlic wafted through the kitchen. It’s perfect for cozy weeknights or impressing guests at dinner parties. Trust me, once you’ve tasted these delightful bites, you’ll be counting down the days until you can make them again.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The ease of preparation means you’ll spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying life
- With its rich flavor profile, this dish will have everyone asking for seconds
- The visual appeal is undeniable; the golden chicken against a backdrop of creamy pasta is simply stunning
- Versatile enough for any occasion, it can be dressed up or down depending on your mood
Everyone raved about these garlic butter chicken bites after I served them at my last dinner party; they practically licked their plates clean.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: These tender morsels cook quickly and absorb flavors beautifully; aim for about 3-4 breasts.
Fresh Garlic: Use firm cloves for maximum flavor; nothing beats fresh garlic when it comes to aroma!
Butter: Opt for unsalted butter so you can control the saltiness while achieving that rich creaminess.
Pasta: Choose your favorite type; fettuccine or penne works wonderfully here to capture the sauce.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated adds a nutty kick; it’s like confetti for your pasta party.
Parsley: Fresh parsley brings color and brightness to the dish; don’t skip this final touch!
For the Sauce:
Chicken Broth: Low-sodium broth enhances flavor without overpowering; it’s your secret weapon for depth.
Cream: Heavy cream makes everything richer and more decadent; think of it as a luxurious blanket for your dish.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prep Your Ingredients: Begin by gathering all your ingredients on the counter to streamline cooking. Chop garlic finely and cut chicken into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and add pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente before draining but reserve some pasta water.
Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt half the butter. Add chicken bites seasoned with salt and pepper. Sauté until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Add Garlic Bliss: Toss in minced garlic after removing chicken from skillet. Sauté until fragrant—about 30 seconds—and watch those glorious aromas fill your kitchen.
Create the Sauce: Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet with garlic. Stir well to combine while scraping up any tasty bits from the bottom—this is where flavor lives!
Combine Everything!: Add cooked pasta back into the skillet along with remaining butter and Parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly until everything is coated in that luscious sauce.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley for an appealing finish that will wow everyone at your table!
You Must Know
- This recipe for garlic butter chicken bites with pasta not only satisfies cravings but is also quick to make
- With a combination of savory garlic, tender chicken, and creamy pasta, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser
- The aroma alone will have everyone wandering into the kitchen
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by searing the chicken until golden brown, then cook the pasta while preparing the garlic butter sauce. This method ensures everything finishes at the same time without overcooking any component.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out chicken for shrimp or add veggies like spinach and cherry tomatoes for extra color. Experiment with different herbs like basil or oregano for flavor variations.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on low in a skillet with a splash of broth or water to keep it moist.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve perfectly cooked chicken bites, cut them into even sizes for uniform cooking
- Always use fresh garlic for that vibrant flavor boost
- Don’t forget to reserve some pasta water; it works wonders in sauces!
Cooking this dish reminds me of the time I had friends over, and they couldn’t stop raving about how good it was! Their compliments made my evening unforgettable, and now I always make it when I want to impress.
FAQ
What is the best type of pasta for garlic butter chicken bites with pasta?
Fettuccine or penne works best as they hold onto the sauce well.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, prepare everything but mix until just before serving to maintain freshness.
How can I adjust the spice level in garlic butter chicken bites?
Add red pepper flakes for heat or keep it mild by omitting them entirely.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Pasta
Garlic butter chicken bites with pasta is a comforting dish that combines tender chicken pieces in a rich garlic butter sauce served over perfectly cooked pasta. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests. The delightful flavors will leave everyone asking for seconds, making it a must-try for any occasion.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Prep your ingredients by chopping garlic and cutting chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente; reserve some pasta water before draining.
- In a large skillet, melt half the butter over medium heat. Sauté chicken bites seasoned with salt and pepper until golden brown (5-7 minutes).
- Remove chicken and add minced garlic to the skillet, cooking until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well and scraping any flavorful bits from the skillet.
- Return cooked pasta to the skillet along with remaining butter and Parmesan cheese; mix until everything is coated in sauce.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 350g)
- Calories: 590
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
