Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Creamy Parmesan Chicken Bites with Garlic Butter Pasta. This dish combines succulent chicken cubes enveloped in a velvety Parmesan cream sauce with al dente pasta, all perfected with a delightful aroma of garlic butter. Ideal for a cozy dinner, this recipe promises a delightful culinary experience that is both satisfying and impressively easy to prepare.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- 8 oz pasta (penne or rotini preferred)
- 4 tbsp butter, divided
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Step-by-step Directions
1. Cook the Pasta
Boil the pasta in salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside while reserving ½ cup of the pasta water for later use.
2. Prepare the Chicken
In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until it becomes fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Add the cubed chicken to the skillet and cook until the chicken is golden and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce
Using the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Gradually stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, and cook until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
4. Combine
Return the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce, folding it gently to coat. Add the cooked chicken bites back to the skillet, and stir to combine everything evenly. If the sauce feels too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is achieved.
5. Garnish and Serve
Garnish the pasta with freshly chopped basil and additional Parmesan cheese. Serve hot for a comforting and hearty meal.
Servings & Preparation Time
This recipe serves approximately 4 people. The total preparation time, including cooking, is about 30 minutes.
Tips for Storage & Reheating
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For reheating, gently warm the pasta and chicken over medium heat on the stove. Add a little water or additional heavy cream if the sauce has thickened too much in the fridge.
- Avoid microwaving as it can unevenly heat the dish and may affect the texture of the sauce and pasta.
Conclusion
Creamy Parmesan Chicken Bites with Garlic Butter Pasta is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a quick and straightforward recipe that suits any weeknight dinner. Each bite offers a delightful blend of creamy, cheesy flavors complemented by the aromatic richness of garlic butter. Perfect for those who appreciate a meal that’s both gourmet and easy to prepare, this dish is sure to become a new favorite.
Print
Creamy Parmesan Chicken Bites with Garlic Butter Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Creamy Parmesan Chicken Bites with Garlic Butter Pasta. This dish combines succulent chicken cubes enveloped in a velvety Parmesan cream sauce with al dente pasta, all perfected with a delightful aroma of garlic butter. Ideal for a cozy dinner, this recipe promises a delightful culinary experience that is both satisfying and impressively easy to prepare.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- 8 oz pasta (penne or rotini preferred)
- 4 tbsp butter, divided
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta in salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside while reserving ½ cup of the pasta water for later use.
- Prepare the Chicken: In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until it becomes fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Add the cubed chicken to the skillet and cook until the chicken is golden and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: Using the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Gradually stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, and cook until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
- Combine: Return the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce, folding it gently to coat. Add the cooked chicken bites back to the skillet, and stir to combine everything evenly. If the sauce feels too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is achieved.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the pasta with freshly chopped basil and additional Parmesan cheese. Serve hot for a comforting and hearty meal.