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- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 8 ounces pasta (your choice, such as spaghetti or fettuccine) Chicken breast is the star here. It’s tender and cooks quickly. Choose fresh chicken for the best taste. I like to cut it into small bites for even cooking. Garlic and butter create a rich flavor. Garlic adds a nice kick, while butter keeps the chicken moist. Use unsalted butter to control the salt level. You can use any pasta you love. Spaghetti and fettuccine work well. Just make sure to cook the pasta until it is al dente for the best texture. - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped - Zest of 1 lemon (optional) Italian seasoning adds a herby touch. It blends well with garlic and chicken. Adjust salt and pepper according to your taste. Parmesan cheese is a must. It gives a creamy finish to the pasta. You can sprinkle more on top for extra flavor. Fresh parsley adds color and freshness. Chop it finely and mix it in just before serving. If you want a zesty twist, add lemon zest. It brightens the dish beautifully. These ingredients come together to create a simple but flavorful meal. Each step builds layers of taste, making this dish a delight for all. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. I like to bring it to a rolling boil. 2. Add your pasta to the water. Cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. 3. Once the pasta is done, reserve ½ cup of that tasty pasta water. This water will help your sauce later. 4. Drain the pasta and set it aside. Make sure to shake off any excess water. 1. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Let it melt fully. 2. Add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté it for about 1 minute until it smells amazing. Be careful not to let it burn. 3. Now, raise the heat to medium-high. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the skillet. 4. Season the chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring often. You want the chicken to be golden brown and cooked through. 1. Once your chicken is ready, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Stir until it melts completely. 2. Pour in the reserved pasta water and add the drained pasta. Toss everything together to create a rich, buttery sauce. 3. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until the pasta is nicely coated. 4. If you like, add some lemon zest for a fresh touch. 5. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley. Make sure everything is mixed well before serving. - Avoiding burnt garlic: Cook garlic over medium heat. Watch it closely. Garlic can burn fast. When it turns golden, it is ready. - Ensuring perfectly cooked pasta: Boil pasta in salted water. Follow the package instructions. Test it a minute early for al dente. This means it should still have a slight bite. - Presentation ideas for serving: Use large bowls for serving. Sprinkle extra Parmesan and parsley on top. Add a lemon wedge for color and flavor. It looks great and tastes fresh. - Pairing options for a complete meal: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites go well with a simple green salad or garlic bread. You can also serve it with steamed veggies for a healthy touch. - Overcooking chicken: Cook chicken until golden brown. Check for a temp of 165°F. If it cooks too long, it can dry out. - Not reserving enough pasta water: Save at least ½ cup of pasta water. It helps make the sauce creamy. If you forget, the pasta can be too dry. Pro Tips Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides a more vibrant flavor compared to pre-minced varieties. Always opt for fresh when possible! Perfect Pasta Cooking: To achieve perfectly al dente pasta, follow the package instructions closely and taste a strand a minute before the suggested cooking time. Butter Temperature: Allow the butter to melt over medium heat to prevent it from browning too quickly, which can add an undesirable flavor to your dish. Garnish with Citrus: Adding lemon zest not only brightens the dish but also enhances the overall flavor profile. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving can elevate it even more! {{image_2}} If you want to switch up the protein, shrimp or tofu work well. Shrimp cooks quickly and adds a sweet flavor. Tofu gives a nice texture and absorbs all the tasty garlic butter. For pasta, feel free to use any shape you like. Penne, rotini, or even whole wheat pasta can make this dish your own. Adding vegetables can make this dish even better. Spinach wilts nicely into the warm pasta, adding color and nutrition. Sun-dried tomatoes bring a tangy kick. You can also play with cheese. Instead of Parmesan, try Pecorino Romano or a creamy goat cheese. These will give a different twist to the dish. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta. There are many great brands out there that taste just as good. If you're dairy-free, swap butter with olive oil or a plant-based butter. Nutritional yeast can replace cheese, giving a cheesy flavor without dairy. These options keep the dish delicious while meeting dietary needs. To keep your garlic butter chicken bites fresh, store leftovers in the fridge. Use airtight containers to prevent moisture loss. Make sure to cool the dish before sealing it. This helps it stay tasty for up to three days. You can reheat your chicken bites in a few ways. The best method is using a skillet. Heat it over medium heat. Add a splash of water or chicken broth to keep it moist. Stir occasionally for about 5-7 minutes until heated through. You can also use a microwave. Place the dish in a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals until warm. To freeze the dish, let it cool completely first. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. You can also use freezer bags, removing as much air as you can. This helps prevent freezer burn. It can last for up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, defrost it in the fridge overnight. Reheat using the skillet method to regain its original flavor. It takes about 25 minutes to make this dish. - Prep time: 10 minutes - Cook time: 15 minutes This quick meal fits into busy days. You can have dinner ready in no time. Yes, you can prep some parts in advance. - Chicken: Cut it into bite-sized pieces and store it in the fridge. - Pasta: Cook it ahead of time and toss it with a little oil to prevent sticking. - Garlic butter: You can mix butter and garlic in advance. Assemble everything when you're ready to eat. This saves time and stress during busy nights. A few sides work well with this dish. - Steamed broccoli: Adds nice color and nutrition. - Garlic bread: A classic choice that complements the garlic flavor. - Caesar salad: A crisp side that balances the richness. These options make for a complete and tasty meal. In this article, we explored how to make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Parmesan Pasta. We covered key ingredients like chicken, garlic, and pasta, along with seasonings and garnishes. I shared step-by-step instructions for cooking and combining flavors, plus tips to avoid common mistakes. You can adapt this dish to suit various diets and store leftovers with ease. Remember, cooking can be fun and easy. With practice, you’ll create a meal that impresses everyone. Enjoy your cooking journey!

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Parmesan Pasta

A delicious dish featuring tender chicken bites in a garlic butter sauce served over pasta with Parmesan cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • 8 ounces pasta (your choice, such as spaghetti or fettuccine)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 lemon zest (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Start by cooking the pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  • Increase the heat to medium-high, then add the chicken pieces to the skillet. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is cooked through and golden brown.
  • Once the chicken is cooked, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Stir until melted, then add the reserved pasta water and cooked pasta. Toss to combine and create a buttery sauce.
  • Add the Parmesan cheese and mix well until the pasta is coated. If desired, sprinkle in the lemon zest for added brightness.
  • Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Ensure everything is well mixed.

Notes

Serve in large pasta bowls, sprinkle with extra Parmesan and parsley, and add a lemon wedge on the side for an extra touch.
Keyword butter, chicken, garlic, Parmesan, pasta