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- Chicken and Pasta Essentials - 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces - 8 oz (225g) fettuccine or pasta of your choice - Aromatics and Seasonings - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (a mix of oregano, basil, and thyme) - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - Additional Components for Creamy Sauce - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 cup heavy cream - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) Gathering these ingredients sets you up for success. Each one plays a vital role in creating rich flavors. The chicken gives protein, while the pasta adds heartiness. Garlic and herbs bring depth. Cream and cheese create a smooth sauce. Fresh parsley adds a bright touch. Use the full recipe for detailed steps and enjoy the cooking process! To start, boil salted water in a large pot. Use enough water so the pasta can move freely. Once it boils, add the fettuccine. Cook it according to the package directions. Aim for al dente, which means the pasta should be firm but not hard. Before draining, remember to save ½ cup of the pasta water. This water helps adjust the sauce's thickness later. After saving the water, drain the pasta and set it aside. Next, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in the skillet. Once it’s melted, add the chicken pieces. Season them with salt, pepper, and the dried Italian herbs. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes. Look for a nice golden brown color. Stir occasionally for even cooking. Timing is key here for tasty chicken. Now, it’s time to make the sauce. Lower the heat to medium-low. Add minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until you smell the garlic. Be careful not to burn it. Next, pour in the chicken broth and increase the heat slightly. Let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes. This helps concentrate the flavors. Then, gradually stir in the heavy cream. Bring it to a gentle boil. Add the remaining butter and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until melted and creamy. This sauce should feel smooth and rich. Finally, combine the cooked pasta into the skillet. Toss gently to coat each piece with the creamy sauce. If it looks too thick, add some reserved pasta water gradually. This will help you get the creamy texture you want. For the full recipe, refer back to the section above. - Suggestions for Additional Seasonings: To boost flavor, try adding chili flakes for heat. A pinch of smoked paprika adds depth. Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can brighten the dish. - Recommended Cooking Techniques: Searing the chicken well gives it a nice crust. Use a hot skillet to lock in juices. Stirring often while cooking ensures even heat and flavor. - Creative Plating for Serving: Serve the chicken and pasta in shallow bowls. Twirl the pasta for a fun look. Layer the chicken on top for a beautiful finish. - Garnishes That Elevate the Dish: Fresh parsley adds color and freshness. Extra Parmesan cheese on top makes it feel special. A sprinkle of black pepper adds visual appeal and flavor. For the full recipe, check out the main article. {{image_4}} You can swap chicken for shrimp or tofu. Shrimp cooks quickly, so adjust your cooking time. Cook shrimp for just 3-4 minutes until it turns pink. For tofu, use firm tofu and cut it into bite-sized pieces. Sauté it until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Both options work great in the creamy sauce. Try whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if you prefer. Whole wheat adds a nutty flavor and more fiber. Gluten-free pasta fits a special diet and still tastes amazing. You can also use different shapes like penne or rotini. These shapes hold sauce well and make each bite flavorful. To keep your Garlic Butter Chicken Bites fresh, use airtight containers. Glass containers are great since they do not stain and do not hold odors. If you use plastic, ensure it is BPA-free to avoid any health risks. Allow the dish to cool before sealing to prevent moisture buildup. For best results, store your leftovers in the fridge. They stay good for about 3 to 4 days. When reheating, use a microwave or a skillet. If using a microwave, cover the dish to retain moisture. Stir halfway to heat evenly. In a skillet, add a splash of water to help steam the chicken and pasta, keeping them moist. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Your Garlic Butter Chicken Bites can last up to 2 months in the freezer. Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight. This slow thawing helps maintain texture. For reheating, you can use the microwave or a skillet, just like with leftovers. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating. If the sauce seems thick, add a little chicken broth or water to restore the creaminess. It takes about 30 minutes to make this dish. You need around 10 minutes to prep the ingredients. The cooking time is about 20 minutes. This includes cooking the chicken and making the creamy sauce. It is quick and perfect for weeknight dinners. Yes, you can. If you want a lighter option, use half-and-half. You can also use milk, but the sauce may be less rich. For a dairy-free version, try coconut cream or cashew cream. These options will give you a nice creamy texture. This dish pairs well with a few sides. A simple green salad is a great choice. Garlic bread also complements the meal nicely. You might like roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli for a healthy touch. These sides balance the creamy pasta well. Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Store them in airtight containers. When ready to serve, just heat them and cook the pasta fresh. This makes it easy to enjoy a delicious meal later in the week. This blog post showed you how to make delicious garlic butter chicken with creamy pasta. We covered all the ingredients needed, from chicken and pasta to seasonings and sauces. I explained how to cook everything step by step, with tips for the perfect taste and texture. You learned about flavor boosts, presentation ideas, and even variations for different diets. With this recipe, you can impress anyone at your table. Enjoy your meal and make it your own!

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Pasta

Indulge in the deliciousness of Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Pasta! This easy recipe combines tender chicken, a rich garlic sauce, and pasta for a mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. With simple ingredients and quick steps, you’ll have dinner on the table in just 30 minutes. Discover how to make this comforting meal by clicking through to explore the full recipe now!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided

4 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (a mix of oregano, basil, and thyme)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

1 cup chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

8 oz (225g) fettuccine or pasta of your choice

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the pasta water to help adjust the sauce later. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

    Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the chicken pieces. Season them generously with salt, pepper, and the dried Italian herbs. Cook for approximately 5-7 minutes or until the chicken is nicely browned and cooked through, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.

      Incorporate Garlic: Lower the heat to medium-low. Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic becomes aromatic, being careful not to burn it.

        Prepare the Sauce: Pour the chicken broth into the skillet and increase the heat to bring it to a gentle simmer. Allow it to reduce slightly for about 3-4 minutes, concentrating the flavors.

          Cream it Up: Gradually stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter along with the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce becomes creamy and cohesive.

            Combine Pasta: Introduce the cooked pasta into the skillet, gently tossing it to ensure each strand is well coated in the creamy garlic sauce. If the sauce appears too thick, incorporate some of the reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired creamy consistency is achieved.

              Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the dish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Give everything a final toss before serving warm.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the chicken and creamy pasta in shallow bowls, and consider garnishing each plate with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper for an elegant touch. Add a slice of crusty bread on the side for a complete meal.