As the sun set, the kitchen filled with the smell of garlic and butter. This smell meant dinner was ready. For me, it’s a special time, combining juicy chicken bites with creamy Parmesan sauce over pasta.
This simple pleasure is a comfort in our busy lives. It’s a moment to slow down and enjoy a delicious meal.
Key Takeaways
- Quick and easy 30-minute dinner recipe perfect for busy weeknights
- Combines tender chicken bites with a delectable garlic butter sauce and creamy Parmesan pasta
- Yields 4 servings, making it a perfect family-friendly meal
- Features a fusion of classic comfort food and Italian-American flavors
- Requires simple, readily available ingredients and minimal preparation time
Understanding This Quick and Comforting Weeknight Dinner
If you’re a busy parent looking for easy meals, try the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan. It’s quick, simple, and full of flavor. Your family will love it.
Why This Recipe Is Perfect for Busy Families
This family-friendly recipe is great for busy nights. It takes only 10 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook. It’s easy to make, even for beginners.
Key Benefits of Making This Dish
This dish is not just convenient. It’s also delicious. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and pasta make it a hit. Plus, you can make more for leftovers or bigger families.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparation
Save time by prepping ahead. Chop the chicken and garlic early. Use pre-minced garlic to speed things up.
This recipe is a winner for easy weeknight meals. It’s quick, tasty, and flexible. Add it to your family’s favorites.
Essential Ingredients and Kitchen Equipment Needed
To make this tasty Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta, you’ll need some key ingredients and tools. Let’s look at the ingredients first:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Unsalted butter
- Fresh garlic, minced
- Italian seasoning blend
- Heavy cream
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Pasta of your choice, such as fettuccine, penne, or linguine
You’ll need a big skillet or pan for cooking the chicken, a pot for boiling pasta, a cutting board, a sharp knife, and measuring tools. Using freshly grated Parmesan cheese is best for better melting and taste.
The recipe also works with gluten-free pasta, making it good for those with dietary needs. With these chicken ingredients, pasta ingredients, and kitchen tools, you’re ready to make a tasty weeknight dinner.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts | 1 lb, cut into bite-sized pieces |
| Unsalted butter | 4 tbsp, divided |
| Fresh garlic, minced | 6 cloves, divided |
| Italian seasoning | 1 tsp |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup |
| Freshly grated Parmesan cheese | 1 cup |
| Pasta (fettuccine, penne, linguine) | 12 oz |
With these ingredients and tools, you’re set to make a delicious Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Get ready to make a delicious Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta in just 25 minutes! It’s a quick and comforting dinner perfect for busy families. Follow these steps to make this tasty dish.
Preparing the Chicken Bites
Begin by preparing the cooking chicken. Cut the chicken breasts into thin cutlets or bite-sized pieces. Season with salt, pepper, and spices. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, add oil, and cook the chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the chicken’s internal temperature is 165°F. Set the cooked chicken aside.
Creating the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. This will create the delicious garlic butter recipe for your dish. Set the garlic butter sauce aside.
Making the Creamy Parmesan Pasta
While the chicken is cooking, boil a large pot of salted water. Cook the penne pasta until al dente. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot. In a separate saucepan, combine heavy cream, chicken broth, and grated Parmesan cheese. Whisk the ingredients together and heat until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. This will be your creamy pasta sauce. Toss the cooked pasta with the creamy Parmesan sauce.
To serve, place the creamy Parmesan pasta on a plate or in a bowl, and top it with the garlic butter chicken bites. Enjoy this delicious and easy-to-make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta!
| Nutrition Facts | Value per Serving | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 380 | – |
| Total Fat | 22g | 29% |
| Saturated Fat | 12g | 46% |
| Cholesterol | 125mg | 42% |
| Sodium | 430mg | 18% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 5g | 2% |
| Protein | 36g | 72% |
| Iron | 2mg | 9% |
Recipe Tips and Variations for Perfect Results
Discover the best ways to enjoy your Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan. These tips and variations will help you enhance flavors and make the dish lighter. There’s something for everyone, whether you’re looking for more taste or a healthier option.
For a richer sauce, use fresh Parmesan cheese instead of pre-shredded. Adding a squeeze of lemon juice can also enhance the flavors. It adds a nice acidity to balance the creaminess.
Want to try something new? Add sautéed veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes. You can also swap chicken for shrimp or tofu for different protein options. For a spicy twist, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
To make the dish lighter, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. Or, try zucchini noodles instead of regular pasta. This reduces calories and adds a fresh twist to your meal.
| Nutritional Information (per serving) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 633 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 67g |
| Protein | 38.5g |
| Fat | 22.9g |
| Cholesterol | 98.2mg |
| Sodium | 494mg |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 6.9g |
| Vitamin A | 155.5IU |
| Vitamin C | 1mg |
With these tips and variations, you can make the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan your own. Try different ingredients to find your favorite version of this comforting dish.
“The perfect balance of savory, creamy, and indulgent – this dish is a must-try for any pasta lover!”
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
Proper leftover pasta storage and reheating are key to enjoying Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. Follow these tips to keep your meal fresh and tasty.
Proper Storage Methods
Put leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The Garlic Parmesan sauce can last 3 to 5 days in the fridge. You can freeze the sauce for up to 3 months for longer storage.
Best Practices for Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the pasta and sauce on the stovetop over low heat. Stir occasionally to avoid drying out the sauce. If it gets too thick, add a bit of milk or cream to make it creamy again.
Make-Ahead Options
- Prepare the chicken ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it with the sauce when you’re ready.
- Cook the pasta a day before. Store it with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Assemble all ingredients the night before. Then, reheat and cook the pasta fresh for serving.
Follow these reheating pasta dishes tips for a tasty weeknight meal. Even with leftovers, your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta can be a hit. Serve it with your favorite sides for a complete family dinner.
“Proper storage and reheating techniques are the keys to enjoying your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta dish to the fullest.”
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a great choice for weeknight dinners. It’s quick to make and full of flavor. This dish is perfect for busy families who want a comforting meal.
You can make it your own by using chicken thighs, different pasta, or adding veggies. This way, everyone can enjoy it their way.
This dish is a hit with its tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a new favorite for many families. Plus, you can store leftovers and reheat them, making it easy for meal planning.
If you’re looking for a tasty parmesan cheese recipes or quick quick dinner ideas, try this recipe. It’s a must-try for any home cook.
So, why not give Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta a try? It’s a delicious and easy meal that everyone will love.
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