Savor Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

This recipe introduces how to make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta. Key points are summarized below:

**Dish Features:**

* **Irresistible Flavor:** Every bite is bursting with garlicky and rich buttery flavor, leaving a lingering aftertaste.

* **Quick Preparation:** The entire dish takes less than 30 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for busy weekday evenings.

* **Classic Comfort:** Combining two classic dishes—buttery chicken and creamy pasta—for a truly comforting experience.

* **Variety:** Vegetables can be added or protein sources can be substituted according to personal preference, offering a variety of options.

* **Family-Friendly:** Suitable for both picky eaters and food lovers, making it an excellent choice for family gatherings.

**Dish Features:** Ingredients Needed

Pasta

8 oz. Spaghetti (faba or macaroni recommended for better texture)

Chicken

1 lb. Chicken breast (can be substituted with shrimp or turkey, cooking time will need to be adjusted)

1 tsp. Chili powder

1 tsp. Italian herbs

Salt and pepper (for seasoning)

2 tbsp. Olive oil (can be substituted with vegetable oil)

4 tbsp. Butter (olive oil is optional if dairy-free)

4 cloves. Minced garlic (main seasoning)

Creamy Sauce

1 cup. Heavy cream (can be substituted with a 50/50 ratio of cream and milk for a lighter texture)

1 cup. Parmesan cheese (freshly grated is best for easy melting)

A pinch of nutmeg (optional, adds a warm aroma)

2 tbsp. Fresh parsley (for garnish, can be substituted with basil)

Instructions

Cooking the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the pasta, and cook according to package directions until al dente (chewy). Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later use to adjust the sauce consistency.

Prepare the chicken: Marinate the chicken pieces with paprika, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet and sear the chicken until golden brown, about 4-6 minutes. Add minced garlic and sear for another minute, then remove the chicken and set aside.

Make the creamy Parmesan sauce: Melt more butter in the same skillet and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream, stirring constantly, then gradually add Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and thick. Adjust the thickness of the sauce as needed using reserved pasta cooking water.

Assemble and plate: Toss the cooked pasta with the creamy sauce, top with the chicken pieces, and garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Best served hot.

Storage and Freezing

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness and flavor for up to 3 days.

Freeze: If freezing, place the cooled dish in a freezer-safe container and it will be stored for up to 2 months. Thaw the sauce overnight in the refrigerator, then heat over low heat, adding a little milk or cream to restore its thickness.

Preparation Tips:

Pasta Selection: Fettuccine or macaroni is recommended, as they absorb the sauce better, ensuring every bite is flavorful.

Fresh Cheese: Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a smoother melting effect and a better sauce texture.

Chicken Cooking: Avoid overcooking the chicken; maintain its golden color and tender, juicy texture.

Seasoning Balance: Don't neglect the role of salt and pepper; they enhance the overall flavor and make the dish more delicious.

Sauce Thickness: Adjust the sauce thickness to your liking using the reserved pasta cooking water.