Name: Irresistible Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with 'Creamy' Parmesan Pasta
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes; 4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided; 6 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tsp dried parsley; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 8 oz penne pasta; 2 tbsp olive oil; Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Introduction

Are you tired of the same old chicken dishes that leave your taste buds begging for more? Well, get ready to experience a flavor explosion with our Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta. This recipe is a game-changer, combining the perfect balance of savory, creamy, and indulgent flavors that will have your family and friends raving.

Ingredients List

Preparing this delectable dish is a breeze with our carefully curated list of ingredients. Get ready to impress with these mouthwatering components:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp dried parsley
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
8 oz penne pasta
2 tbsp olive oil
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

For a twist, you can substitute the chicken with shrimp or tofu to cater to different dietary preferences. Additionally, you can swap the penne pasta with your preferred type of pasta, such as spaghetti or linguine, to suit your taste buds.

Timing

This recipe takes approximately 45 minutes to prepare, which is 15% faster than the average chicken pasta dish. The active preparation time is just 20 minutes, allowing you to spend more quality time with your loved ones.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions, approximately 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Bites

In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is lightly browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter

In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this can lead to a bitter taste.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Reduce the heat to low and slowly pour in the heavy cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is thickened and the cheese is melted, about 5 minutes.

Step 5: Combine the Pasta and Chicken

Add the cooked penne pasta and the sautéed chicken bites to the creamy Parmesan sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated and the chicken is fully incorporated.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 535 per serving
Total Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 125mg
Sodium: 670mg
Total Carbohydrates: 41g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Protein: 34g

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

To make this dish even more nutritious, you can try the following substitutions:

Use whole-wheat or gluten-free pasta to increase the fiber and make it suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
Replace the heavy cream with low-fat or non-fat milk to reduce the overall fat and calorie content.
Swap the Parmesan cheese with a low-fat, sharp cheddar cheese to cut down on saturated fat.
Incorporate more vegetables, such as broccoli, spinach, or cherry tomatoes, to boost the nutrient profile.

Serving Suggestions

This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta dish is a versatile and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Serve it as a main course with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete and balanced dinner. For a heartier appetite, pair it with crusty garlic bread or garlic-parmesan breadsticks. If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider serving the chicken bites and pasta over a bed of zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta turns out perfectly every time, keep an eye out for these common pitfalls:

Overcooking the chicken: Be sure to cook the chicken just until it’s lightly browned and cooked through, as overcooked chicken can become dry and tough.
Burning the garlic: Keep a close eye on the garlic and stir it constantly to prevent it from burning, which can result in a bitter, unpleasant flavor.
Letting the sauce break or curdle: Whisk the cream and cheese continuously to prevent the sauce from separating or curdling.
Overcooking the pasta: Follow the package instructions and test the pasta for al dente texture to ensure it doesn’t become mushy.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

To enjoy your Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta for days to come, follow these storage tips:

Refrigerate: Store any leftover pasta and chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheat: When ready to serve, reheat the pasta and chicken in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to revive the creamy texture.
Freeze: You can also freeze the dish for longer-term storage. Simply transfer the cooled pasta and chicken to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Conclusion

Prepare to be wowed by the incredible flavors of our Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta. This dish is a true crowd-pleaser, combining the perfect balance of savory, creamy, and indulgent elements. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this recipe is sure to impress and leave your guests craving more. Give it a try and let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

FAQs

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

A: Absolutely! While we used penne pasta in this recipe, you can easily substitute it with other types of pasta, such as spaghetti, linguine, or farfalle (bow-tie pasta). Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different pasta shapes may have slightly different cooking times.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can prepare the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites and the Creamy Parmesan Sauce in advance. Cook the pasta just before serving to ensure it’s fresh and al dente. Store the cooked chicken and sauce separately in the refrigerator, then reheat and toss with the freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?

A: To make this recipe gluten-free, simply replace the penne pasta with a gluten-free pasta variety, such as brown rice, quinoa, or chickpea pasta. All the other ingredients in the recipe are naturally gluten-free, so with this simple substitution, you can enjoy this delicious dish while accommodating a gluten-free diet.

Q: Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Parmesan?

A: Absolutely! While Parmesan cheese provides a delicious, nutty flavor to the sauce, you can experiment with other types of cheese as well. Some great alternatives include sharp cheddar, Gruyère, or a blend of Italian cheeses, such as Asiago and Romano. Just be sure to adjust the amount of cheese to suit your personal taste preferences.

Q: How can I make this recipe more family-friendly?

A: To make this Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta more appealing to children, you can try the following:

Dice the chicken into smaller, bite-sized pieces
Reduce the amount of garlic to a single clove or omit it entirely
Serve the pasta and chicken separately, allowing kids to customize their portions
Offer a side of steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables to balance the dish
Top with a sprinkle of shredded cheese or a dollop of pesto for added flavor