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- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (combination of oregano, thyme, and basil) - ½ cup chicken broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Salt and pepper to taste - 8 ounces fettuccine or your preferred pasta In this recipe, the main ingredients are vital for flavor and texture. The chicken breast provides protein, and the unsalted butter adds richness. Garlic infuses the dish with a fragrant aroma. For the pasta and sauce, dried Italian herbs bring warmth and depth. Chicken broth adds a savory base, while heavy cream creates a luscious texture. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese gives that cheesy finish we all love. Don’t forget the optional ingredients. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. Salt and pepper enhance the overall taste. You can use any pasta you enjoy, but I recommend fettuccine for its perfect pairing with creamy sauces. Gather all these ingredients, and you're set to make a delicious meal that will impress! - Start by filling a large pot with water. - Add a generous pinch of salt to the water. - Bring the water to a vigorous boil. - Once boiling, add 8 ounces of fettuccine. - Cook the pasta for 8-10 minutes until it's al dente. - Reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water before draining. - Set the drained pasta aside while you make the sauce. - In a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. - Wait until the butter bubbles but does not brown. - Add 1 pound of bite-sized chicken pieces to the skillet. - Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of dried Italian herbs. - Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes, stirring it often. - Make sure the chicken is golden and cooked through. - Lower the heat to medium after the chicken is cooked. - Add 4 minced cloves of garlic to the skillet. - Sauté the garlic for 1-2 minutes until it smells great. - Be careful not to let the garlic burn. - Pour in ½ cup of chicken broth and let it simmer. - Let it cook uncovered for 2-3 minutes to reduce. - Now pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. - Stir in 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. - If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water. - Mix until the sauce is creamy and smooth. - Toss the cooked fettuccine with the sauce and chicken. - Make sure every piece of pasta is well-coated. - Serve the dish and enjoy the creamy goodness! To ensure your chicken bites are juicy and packed with flavor, use fresh chicken breast. Cut it into bite-sized pieces. This helps it cook evenly. Keep your heat at medium-high when you sauté. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring often, until golden brown. Check that the chicken is fully cooked by cutting into the largest piece. It should not be pink inside. To adjust your sauce's consistency, save some pasta water before draining. Add this starchy water to your creamy sauce if it feels too thick. Start with a tablespoon and mix it in well. This will help you achieve the perfect creaminess. The sauce should coat your pasta nicely without being runny. For garnishing, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top. This will add color and freshness. You can also drizzle extra olive oil for a touch of shine. Serve the garlic butter chicken bites on a bed of creamy pasta. For a gourmet look, use a microplane to grate fresh Parmesan cheese over the dish before serving. This adds a rich flavor and makes your meal look fancy. {{image_4}} You can switch the chicken for shrimp or tofu. Shrimp cooks fast and adds a nice flavor. Just sauté it for 3-4 minutes until it turns pink. Tofu is great for a plant-based meal. Use firm tofu, cut it into cubes, and sauté until golden. This gives you tasty options that still pair well with the creamy sauce. If you want gluten-free pasta, many brands offer it now. Look for rice or lentil pasta for a healthy choice. Whole-wheat pasta is another option; it adds fiber and a nutty flavor. Cook it just like regular pasta, and it will work beautifully in this dish. Adding vegetables can really boost this meal. Try spinach, bell peppers, or peas; they not only add color but also nutrients. You can toss them in when you add the garlic. For spices, a pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick. Experiment with your favorites to find the perfect blend that suits your taste. To keep your garlic butter chicken bites fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. Place the container in the fridge. This dish stays good for up to three days. If you want, you can separate the pasta and chicken to keep textures nice. When it's time to eat again, you can reheat in two ways. The stovetop method works best. Heat a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of broth, and stir. This keeps the pasta creamy and moist. If you use the microwave, place the dish in a microwave-safe bowl. Add a little broth, cover it, and heat in short bursts. Stir often to avoid dry spots. You can freeze this dish for longer storage. To do this, let it cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Be sure to remove air to prevent freezer burn. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stovetop for the best results. Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to thaw it first. This helps the chicken cook evenly. If you start with frozen chicken, plan for a longer cook time. You may need an extra 5-10 minutes. Always check the chicken for doneness. It should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. If you want a lighter option, you can use half-and-half. This gives a creamy texture but with less fat. For a dairy-free choice, try coconut milk or almond milk. These options can alter the flavor slightly, but they work well. You can also use Greek yogurt mixed with a bit of water for a thicker sauce. To add heat, include red pepper flakes while cooking the chicken. Start with a pinch, and add more if you like it spicy. You can also use hot sauce or diced jalapeños. Mixing in a bit of smoked paprika adds flavor and heat, too. Don’t forget to taste as you go to find your perfect spice level! This post showed you how to make garlic butter chicken bites with pasta. We covered the main ingredients like chicken and garlic, plus the steps to cook pasta and sauté chicken. I shared tips for perfecting the dish and adding your twist. In the end, enjoy experimenting with flavors and options. Remember, cooking can be fun and creative! Enjoy your meal!

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Pasta

Indulge in the rich flavors of Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Pasta that are sure to impress! This delicious recipe combines tender chicken, garlic, and creamy Parmesan sauce over fettuccine for a meal that's easy to whip up and perfect for any night. Discover the steps to create this comforting dish in just 30 minutes!
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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 (combination of oregano, thyme, and basil)

Salt and pepper to taste

½ cup chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated

8 ounces fettuccine or your preferred pasta

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring it to a vigorous boil. Once boiling, add the fettuccine and cook according to the package directions until al dente, which typically takes around 8-10 minutes. Reserve about ½ cup of the starchy pasta water before draining the rest of the pasta in a colander. Set the drained pasta aside while you prepare the sauce.

    Sauté Chicken Bites: In a spacious skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter until bubbling but not browned. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the skillet. Season generously with salt, pepper, and the dried Italian herbs. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is thoroughly cooked through and nicely golden on all sides.

      Add Garlic: Once the chicken is cooked, lower the heat to medium. Incorporate the minced garlic into the skillet. Sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently until the garlic becomes fragrant; be cautious not to let it burn as it can quickly turn bitter.

        Create Sauce: Carefully pour in the chicken broth and allow it to come to a gentle simmer. Let it cook uncovered for about 2-3 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly and deepen in flavor.

          Add Cream and Cheese: With the heat on low, pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Gradually mix in the grated Parmesan cheese, continuing to stir as you go. The sauce should become rich and creamy; if it is too thick, gradually add a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water until you achieve your desired sauce consistency.

            Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the cooked fettuccine into the creamy garlic butter sauce and chicken in the skillet. Ensure that all the pasta is well-coated in the luscious sauce, giving it a gentle stir to combine everything evenly.

              Serve: Dish out the creamy pasta into individual bowls or a serving platter. Top generously with the garlic butter chicken bites and finish by sprinkling with chopped fresh parsley, adding a pop of color and freshness to your dish.

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

                  - Presentation Tips: For an added touch, drizzle a bit of extra olive oil over the plate before serving, or use a microplane to add fresh Parmesan on top along with the parsley for a gourmet finish.