Garlic Butter Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This meal comes together swiftly, making it ideal for busy schedules.
• Rich Flavors: The combination of garlic butter chicken and creamy Parmesan pasta offers a satisfying and indulgent taste.
• Versatile: Easily adaptable to include your favorite vegetables or pasta types.
• Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleaser that appeals to both adults and children.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Bites:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:

• 8 ounces penne or fusilli pasta
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta:
   • Boil the pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken Bites:
   • Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and paprika if using.
   • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.
   • Cook the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
   • In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
   • Return the cooked chicken bites to the skillet, tossing them in the garlic butter sauce to coat evenly. Let them simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. Prepare the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:
   • In a separate saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
   • Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
5. Combine and Serve:
   • Add the cooked pasta to the creamy Parmesan sauce, tossing to ensure each piece is well-coated.
   • Serve the creamy Parmesan pasta topped with the garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 650 kcal

Variations

• Add Vegetables: Incorporate sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for added flavor and nutrition.
• Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the garlic butter sauce for a spicy kick.
• Different Proteins: Substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different protein option.
• Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the garlic butter sauce for an aromatic touch.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to maintain the sauce’s creamy consistency. Stir occasionally until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken. Simply toss it in the garlic butter sauce to heat through before serving with the pasta.

2. What type of pasta works best?

Short pasta shapes like penne or fusilli are ideal as they hold the creamy sauce well, but feel free to use your preferred pasta type.

3. Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the regular pasta with gluten-free pasta, and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

4. How can I make this dish lighter?

To lighten the dish, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of butter used. You can also add more vegetables to increase the fiber content.

5. Is there a dairy-free option?

For a dairy-free version, use plant-based butter and substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a cashew-based cream. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor.

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