Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the chicken and pasta separately and store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the chicken in a skillet and the pasta with a splash of milk or cream to refresh the sauce.

Is this recipe suitable for freezing?

The chicken component freezes well for up to 2 months. However, the creamy pasta sauce may separate when frozen and thawed. For best results, prepare fresh pasta when ready to serve with frozen (thawed) chicken.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken to save time?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully in this recipe. Simply shred or cube the chicken and add it to the garlic butter sauce to warm through before serving over the creamy pasta.

What can I substitute for heavy cream to make it lighter?

Half-and-half or a mixture of milk and Greek yogurt (2:1 ratio) makes an excellent substitute that reduces calories by approximately 30% while maintaining creaminess.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not as written, but you can easily substitute gluten-free pasta for a celiac-friendly version. Ensure all other ingredients, especially any pre-packaged seasonings, are certified gluten-free.

How can I add more vegetables to this dish?

Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers make excellent additions. Add mushrooms while cooking the chicken, and stir in other vegetables when combining the sauce and pasta.

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Description

Juicy chicken pieces sautéed in aromatic garlic butter and served over creamy parmesan pasta. This restaurant-quality meal comes together in just 30 minutes for the perfect weeknight dinner that impresses every time.

Ingredients

Scale

1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
4 tablespoons unsalted butter (for chicken)
6 cloves garlic, minced (for chicken)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
Juice of half a lemon
12 ounces fettuccine pasta
1 cup heavy cream
1.5 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for pasta)
2 cloves garlic, minced (for pasta)
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped

Instructions

Season chicken with salt, pepper, paprika and half the Italian seasoning. Let marinate for 5 minutes.
Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water before draining.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (165°F). Transfer to a plate.
In the same skillet, melt 4 tablespoons butter, add minced garlic and remaining Italian seasoning. Sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant.
Return chicken to skillet, toss to coat in garlic butter sauce. Cook 1-2 minutes more. Add lemon juice and parsley, then remove from heat.
In a separate saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Add heavy cream, bring to gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low, gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until smooth. Season with nutmeg, salt and pepper.
Toss drained pasta with sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed for desired consistency.

Serve pasta topped with chicken bites, garnished with additional Parmesan and fresh basil.

Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
Calories: 650
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 720mg
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 42g
Cholesterol: 155mg

Keywords: garlic butter chicken bites with creamy parmesan pasta