Description
Delicious Garlic Butter Chicken Bites served with a creamy Parmesan pasta make for a quick and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken breast is cooked in garlic butter, then combined with a luscious Parmesan cream sauce and tossed with your favorite pasta. Garnished with fresh basil, this comforting dish balances rich flavors and simple ingredients for an irresistible dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Sauce
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- 4 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta
- 8 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
Garnish
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Cook Chicken and Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the cubed chicken breast and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Make Creamy Parmesan Sauce: Lower the heat to medium-low. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese into the skillet with the chicken and garlic. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes creamy, about 3-5 minutes. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce and chicken. Toss well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce and chicken pieces are well distributed.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat. Serve the garlic butter chicken bites with creamy Parmesan pasta hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and freshness.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and smoother sauce.
- If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
- Cook the garlic gently to avoid burning and bitterness.
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra nutrition.
- This recipe can be doubled for larger gatherings or meal prep.
