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- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 8 oz pasta (fettuccine or spaghetti) The main ingredients are key to this dish. The chicken breast provides protein and flavor. I recommend cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This helps it cook evenly and makes it easy to eat. The unsalted butter adds richness. Garlic gives the dish a lovely aroma and taste. Use fresh garlic for the best flavor. The pasta, either fettuccine or spaghetti, serves as the perfect base. It soaks up the garlic butter sauce well. - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped - Zest of 1 lemon Seasoning is vital for enhancing flavor. Italian seasoning brings warmth and depth. Salt and pepper are simple yet essential. Adjust the amounts to your liking. Fresh parsley adds color and freshness. It brightens up the dish. Lemon zest gives a burst of citrus flavor. This lifts the richness of the butter and chicken. - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese Parmesan cheese is a star ingredient. It adds a salty, nutty flavor. I recommend using freshly grated cheese. It melts better and tastes much richer. This cheese blends beautifully with the pasta and chicken. It creates a creamy texture that makes the dish irresistible. For the full list of ingredients and their amounts, check the Full Recipe. 1. Start by boiling salted water in a large pot. This step is key for flavor. 2. Once the water boils, add the pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. 3. When the pasta is ready, drain it carefully, but keep ½ cup of that pasta water. This water is gold for your sauce. 1. Take your chicken breast and cut it into bite-sized pieces. This helps with even cooking. 2. Season the chicken well. Use salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning for a nice flavor boost. 1. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. 2. Add the chicken pieces to the skillet. Cook them for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want them golden brown and fully cooked. 3. Once cooked, take the chicken out and set it aside. 4. In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Let it melt. 5. Add minced garlic next. Sauté this for about a minute until it smells amazing. 6. Now, return the chicken to the skillet. Mix it well with the garlic butter. If it looks dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. 7. Next, toss in the cooked pasta. Make sure it gets coated in that delicious garlic butter. 8. Finally, remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and fresh parsley. This will make everything creamy and flavorful. 9. Serve the garlic butter chicken bites over pasta in bowls. Add extra parsley and Parmesan if you like. For the full recipe, check the main section above. Enjoy your tasty meal! To get the chicken bites just right, pay attention to cooking time. Aim for about 5-7 minutes for a perfect golden brown. If you cut the chicken pieces smaller, they will cook faster. Always check that they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. For the best sear, use a hot skillet. This helps lock in flavors and moisture. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed. This ensures each piece gets that nice brown color. You can add more depth to the dish with extra seasoning. Try adding paprika, garlic powder, or crushed red pepper for a little heat. If you like herbs, fresh thyme or rosemary work great too. Adding vegetables can make your dish colorful and nutritious. Consider bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini. Just sauté them with the garlic for a flavorful mix. When plating, use wide bowls for a nice presentation. Start with a layer of pasta, then add the chicken bites on top. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. For sides, a simple green salad pairs well. A light vinaigrette complements the richness of the dish. You can also serve garlic bread on the side for a complete meal. For the full recipe, check the earlier section. {{image_2}} You can switch up the pasta to fit your needs. Here are some great ideas: - Gluten-free pasta: If you need a gluten-free option, choose rice or quinoa pasta. They cook nicely and taste great. - Whole wheat pasta: For a healthier twist, whole wheat pasta adds more fiber. It gives a nutty flavor that pairs well with garlic butter. You can easily change the protein in this dish: - Substituting chicken with shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly and adds a sweet flavor. Simply sauté shrimp until they turn pink. - Vegetarian options using tofu: For a meat-free meal, use firm tofu. Press it to remove water, then cube and sauté until golden. Want to add a kick or a twist? Try these flavor changes: - Adding spice with red pepper flakes: Sprinkle in red pepper flakes for heat. Just a pinch will make it pop! - Incorporating lemon or lime juice for tanginess: A squeeze of lemon or lime juice brightens up the dish. It adds freshness and balances the richness of the butter. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. To keep your garlic butter chicken bites fresh, use airtight containers. Glass containers work well, but plastic also does the job. Make sure to let the dish cool down before sealing it. In the fridge, you can store leftovers for about 3 to 4 days. This way, you can enjoy your tasty meal later! When reheating, I suggest using the stove for the best results. Heat a skillet on low and add a splash of water. This keeps the pasta moist. Stir often until everything is warm. If using a microwave, cover the dish to trap steam. Heat it in short bursts to avoid overcooking. No one likes dry pasta! If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great choice. Portion out the chicken and pasta into freezer-safe bags. Press out excess air before sealing. This helps prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. For quick meals, you can also microwave it straight from the freezer, but this may take a bit longer. Yes, you can use chicken thighs. They are juicier and have more flavor. Thighs cook well and stay tender. However, they take a few minutes longer to cook. If you prefer leaner meat, stick with chicken breast. To add creaminess, stir in heavy cream while making the sauce. You can also use cream cheese for a rich taste. Adding more Parmesan cheese enhances the flavor too. Just remember to mix it well to get a smooth sauce. If you lack fresh garlic, garlic powder works as a good substitute. Use about 1/4 teaspoon for each clove. You can also try garlic salt, but reduce other salt in the recipe. Another option is to use shallots for a mild garlic taste. To add heat, try red pepper flakes for a mild kick. You can also mix in hot sauce while cooking. Sriracha or chili oil adds flavor and spice. Adjust the amount to match your taste preference. This blog post covered a simple and tasty chicken pasta dish. We discussed the key ingredients, including chicken, butter, and pasta. I provided step-by-step instructions to guide you through cooking and saucing. You learned tips to make your chicken and pasta shine with flavor. In the end, don't hesitate to try different variations or storage methods. Get creative with your cooking, and enjoy the process!

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Parmesan Pasta

Indulge in the deliciousness of Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Parmesan Pasta! This simple recipe features tender chicken pieces sautéed in garlic butter, combined with pasta and tossed in rich Parmesan. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it's a meal the whole family will love. Click to explore the full recipe and elevate your dining experience with this flavorful dish!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

8 oz pasta (fettuccine or spaghetti)

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

Zest of 1 lemon

Instructions
 

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

    Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

      Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.

        Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.

          Combine: Return the chicken to the skillet with the garlic butter, and mix well. If the mixture seems dry, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to create a sauce.

            Add the Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is coated in the garlic butter.

              Finish the Dish: Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and chopped parsley. Mix until the cheese is melted and everything is well combined.

                Serve: Divide the garlic butter chicken bites with pasta into bowls. Garnish with additional parsley and Parmesan if desired.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 25 minutes | 4 servings