Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Pasta Recipe

A savory, creamy, and comforting dish, Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Pasta combines tender chicken pieces with rich, buttery garlic sauce, served with your choice of pasta. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner that’s both easy to make and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re a fan of creamy pasta sauces, tender chicken, or rich, garlicky flavors, this recipe will surely become a staple in your kitchen.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

• Begin by cutting your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, around 1-inch cubes, ensuring they cook quickly and evenly. Season them with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika (if using), and dried Italian seasoning. This blend of spices will give your chicken great flavor.

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• Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add the chicken pieces to the skillet in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will cause the chicken to steam rather than brown.

• Sauté the chicken for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pieces are golden brown on all sides and fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

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2. Cook the Pasta:

• While your chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon of salt to the water, then drop in your pasta. Stir the pasta occasionally to prevent it from sticking together.

• Cook the pasta according to the package directions until it is al dente (slightly firm to the bite). Once done, drain the pasta and set aside. To prevent it from sticking while you prepare the sauce, you can drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the pasta and toss it gently.

3. Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce:

• In the same skillet you used for the chicken (don’t clean it out – all those delicious bits of chicken left behind will add flavor to the sauce), melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.

• Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, until the garlic becomes fragrant but not burnt. Keep an eye on it, as garlic can burn quickly.

• Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and reduce slightly.

• Stir in the heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version) and bring the mixture back to a simmer. Let it cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.

• Season with salt and pepper to taste, and if you like a bit of heat, add the crushed red pepper flakes. Stir in the Parmesan cheese (if using), allowing it to melt into the sauce for a creamy, cheesy texture.

4. Combine Everything:

• Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the garlic butter sauce to coat the noodles evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a little bit of pasta cooking water (about 1/4 cup at a time) to loosen it up.

• Gently fold the cooked chicken pieces back into the skillet with the pasta, stirring to combine all the ingredients.

5. Finish and Serve:

• Give everything a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes based on your preference.

• Sprinkle the chicken and pasta with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

• Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

Cooking Tips and Tricks:

1. Choosing the Right Chicken:

   • Chicken breasts are lean and cook quickly, but chicken thighs offer more juiciness and flavor. You can substitute thighs for the breasts if you prefer a more flavorful, tender chicken.

2. Cutting the Chicken:

   • Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces to ensure they cook quickly and evenly. Cutting the chicken small also helps the flavors of the garlic butter sauce coat the chicken better.

3. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:

   • When cooking the chicken, avoid crowding the pan. If there are too many pieces in the skillet, the chicken will steam instead of browning, which reduces its flavor and texture. Cook the chicken in batches if necessary.

4. Use Fresh Garlic:

   • Fresh garlic gives the sauce a more vibrant flavor. Avoid using pre-minced garlic, as it doesn’t have the same potency or fragrance.

5. Pasta Cooking Tip:

   • To prevent the pasta from sticking together, make sure to stir it occasionally while it’s cooking. You can also add a tablespoon of olive oil to the pasta after draining it, which will further prevent it from clumping.

6. Make It Spicy:

   • If you like a spicy kick, consider adding chopped fresh chili peppers or increasing the amount of red pepper flakes. You could also use a spicy chili oil in the sauce for a different flavor profile.

7. Creaminess Variations:

   • If you’re looking to cut down on calories, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with chicken broth or use a lighter milk. For an even richer taste, you can increase the amount of butter or add a little more cream cheese.

8. Add Vegetables:

   • Consider adding vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms to this dish for extra texture and flavor. You can toss them in with the garlic butter sauce for a bit of color and nutrition.

Variations and Customizations:

1. Make It Pesto-Flavored:

   • Stir in some fresh pesto to the garlic butter sauce for an herby, nutty twist. This will pair beautifully with the chicken and pasta for a rich, flavorful sauce.

2. Add Bacon or Pancetta:

   • For a smoky and savory touch, crisp up some bacon or pancetta and sprinkle it on top of the pasta right before serving.

3. Mushroom Lovers:

   • Add sautéed mushrooms to the sauce for an earthy, savory flavor. Mushrooms pair perfectly with garlic butter, adding both texture and depth.

4. Lemon Zest and Juice:

   • Add some fresh lemon zest and a squeeze of lemon juice for a refreshing burst of citrus that will brighten the dish and balance the richness of the sauce.

5. Gluten-Free Version:

   • You can easily make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta. There are many great options available that hold up well in creamy sauces.

6. Low-Carb Version:

   • For a low-carb or keto version, use a vegetable-based pasta like zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles. They won’t give you the exact same texture but will still deliver the delicious garlic butter sauce and chicken.

Pairing Suggestions:

1. Wine Pairing:

   • A light, crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay would pair wonderfully with the garlic butter sauce. If you prefer red wine, a light Pinot Noir or a medium-bodied Merlot would complement the dish without overpowering the flavors.

2. Side Dishes:

   • For a complete meal, serve this pasta with a side of garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. The freshness of the vegetables will balance out the richness of the pasta.

Conclusion:

This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Pasta is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chicken, creamy garlic butter sauce, and your favorite pasta in one dish. It’s easy to make, flavorful, and versatile, with plenty of options for customization. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Try it once, and it will quickly become a regular recipe in your rotation.

Yield: 4

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Pasta Recipe

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A savory, creamy, and comforting dish, Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Pasta combines tender chicken pieces with rich, buttery garlic sauce, served with your choice of pasta. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner that’s both easy to make and deeply satisfying. Whether you're a fan of creamy pasta sauces, tender chicken, or rich, garlicky flavors, this recipe will surely become a staple in your kitchen.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 8 oz (225g) pasta (such as penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
• 3 tbsp butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half and half for a lighter version)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta:In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water, and set aside.
2. Cook the chicken:Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5-7 minutes, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the garlic butter sauce:In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
4. Create the sauce:Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly. Add the heavy cream and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, until it thickens.
5. Combine the chicken and pasta:Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss it in the garlic butter sauce. Then, add the cooked pasta and a bit of the reserved pasta water to help combine everything smoothly.
6. Serve:Toss everything together until well coated and serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

• Substitutions:
  You can swap the chicken for shrimp or even grilled vegetables for a different twist.
  If you don’t have heavy cream, milk or a dairy-free option can be used.
  Add a squeeze of lemon juice for a fresh, zesty finish.
  
• Extra tips:
  For more flavor, add a handful of spinach, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes to the pasta just before combining.
  If you want a crispy texture, you can sear the chicken bites longer before removing them.