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To make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Pasta, gather these simple ingredients: - 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, thyme, basil mix) - Salt and pepper to taste - ½ cup chicken broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated - 8 ounces fettuccine or your choice of pasta - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) These ingredients create a rich and tasty dish. You get juicy chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. With just a few steps, you can turn this list into a meal your family will love. The chicken gives great flavor, while the garlic and herbs add depth. The cream and cheese make the sauce rich and smooth. You can switch the pasta type if you prefer something different. Make sure to have fresh parsley on hand for a bright finish. To start, fill a large pot with water. Add a good amount of salt to the water. This helps flavor the pasta. Bring the pot to a boil over high heat. Once it boils, add your choice of pasta. I like fettuccine for this dish. Cook the pasta until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes, but follow the package instructions. When ready, drain the pasta and set it aside. Remember to reserve about half a cup of that pasta water for later. For the chicken, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add four tablespoons of unsalted butter. Once the butter melts and starts to bubble, add the chicken pieces. Make sure to season them well with salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs. I use a mix of oregano, thyme, and basil. Sauté the chicken for about 5-7 minutes. You want it golden brown and cooked through. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning. Next, it is time for the garlic. Reduce the heat to medium before adding the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté it gently for about 1-2 minutes. The goal is to make it fragrant, not burnt. After that, pour in half a cup of chicken broth. Bring it to a simmer and let it cook for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly. Now, lower the heat again and add one cup of heavy cream. Gradually stir in one cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until you have a smooth and creamy sauce. If it feels too thick, add the reserved pasta water a little at a time to get the right consistency. Now, your pasta and sauce are ready to combine! To achieve golden brown chicken, use medium-high heat. This helps the chicken cook evenly. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan. This allows the chicken to brown nicely. A cast-iron skillet works best for sautéing. It holds heat well and gives a nice sear. For a creamy and flavorful sauce, add the cream slowly. Stir constantly as you add Parmesan cheese. This helps it melt and blend well. Avoid overcooking the garlic; it should become fragrant, not burnt. If your sauce gets too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time. This keeps the sauce smooth. Garnish your dish with fresh parsley for color and taste. It adds a nice touch to the meal. Consider pairing with a light salad or steamed veggies. These sides balance the richness of the pasta and chicken. Enjoy your meal with family or friends for a great time! {{image_2}} You can switch up the protein in this dish. Shrimp works great in place of chicken. Simply sauté shrimp until they turn pink. Tofu is another option. Use firm tofu, and cook it until golden brown. For a vegetarian twist, try adding chickpeas. They add protein and texture. Fettuccine is the classic choice, but feel free to use any pasta you like. Penne, rotini, or even spaghetti can work well. For a low-carb option, consider zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. These choices give you a similar feel with fewer carbs. If you need a gluten-free option, use rice pasta or quinoa pasta. Adding vegetables can boost flavor and nutrition. Spinach wilts nicely into the sauce, adding color and health. Sun-dried tomatoes bring a sweet, tangy flavor. They mix well with the creamy sauce. You can also experiment with herbs. Try fresh basil or thyme for a different taste. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick too! To store leftovers safely, let the dish cool down first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps the chicken bites and pasta fresh. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. When you're ready to eat, reheat in a skillet over low heat. Stir frequently to warm it evenly. Add a splash of chicken broth if the sauce seems too thick. If you want to keep this dish longer, freezing is a great option. First, let the dish cool completely. Then, portion it into freezer-safe containers. Make sure to leave some space at the top of the container. This allows for expansion as it freezes. You can freeze it for up to three months. To thaw, move the container to the fridge overnight. When ready to eat, reheat in a skillet on medium heat. Stir often to prevent burning. If the sauce is too thick, add a little chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency. It takes about 15 minutes to prep. The cooking time adds another 15 minutes. So, the total time is about 30 minutes. This dish is quick and easy, perfect for busy nights. You can impress guests with little effort. Yes, you can make this dish ahead. Cook the chicken and sauce, then store them in the fridge. You can cook the pasta fresh when you are ready to eat. This way, the pasta stays nice and firm. Reheat the chicken and sauce on the stove, adding a splash of broth if needed. You can serve this dish with many sides. A light salad pairs well, like a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette. Garlic bread is another tasty option. You can also add steamed veggies, like broccoli or green beans, for color and nutrition. In this article, we explored the ingredients, steps, and tips for making Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Pasta. I shared how to cook the chicken perfectly and create a rich, creamy sauce. You learned about variations and storage tips, making this dish easy to customize and preserve. Overall, this meal is delicious and simple to prepare. You can enjoy it any night of the week or impress guests. With the right techniques, you can make a dish that everyone will love.

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Pasta

Indulge in Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Pasta, a delightful dish that’s easy to make and incredibly satisfying! This recipe features tender chicken cooked in rich garlic butter, combined with fettuccine tossed in a luscious creamy sauce topped with Parmesan. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion, it's a hit with everyone.
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Ingredients
  

1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, thyme, basil mix)

Salt and pepper to taste

½ cup chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

8 ounces fettuccine or your choice of pasta

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water.

    Sauté Chicken Bites: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.

      Add Garlic: Reduce the heat to medium, add the minced garlic to the skillet, and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

        Create Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.

          Add Cream and Cheese: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach your desired consistency.

            Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to combine everything well and ensuring the pasta is coated with the creamy garlic butter sauce.

              Serve: Plate the creamy pasta with garlic butter chicken bites on top, garnished with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4