Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Ingredients:

For the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:

• 8 oz pasta (such as fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil the Pasta:
   • Cook the pasta according to package directions in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

1. Cook the Chicken:
   • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer and season with salt, pepper, thyme, and oregano. Cook for 5-7 minutes, turning the chicken occasionally, until it’s golden brown on all sides and cooked through.
2. Add the Garlic and Butter:
   • Once the chicken is cooked, reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir and cook for 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant and the butter is melted and bubbly. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Finish with Fresh Parsley:
   • Garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Parmesan Pasta

1. Prepare the Sauce:
   • In the same skillet (add more butter if needed), melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
2. Add the Cream and Parmesan:
   • Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cream has thickened slightly. Gradually stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
3. Toss the Pasta:
   • Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly in the creamy Parmesan sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
4. Season the Sauce:
   • Season with salt, pepper, and optional crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

1. Combine Chicken and Pasta:
   • Gently toss the garlic butter chicken bites into the creamy Parmesan pasta. If needed, warm everything together for an additional 1-2 minutes on low heat.
2. Serve:
   • Serve the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta immediately. Garnish with more fresh parsley and extra grated Parmesan if desired.

Tips:

• Vegetables: Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli to the pasta for extra flavor and color.
• Make It Spicy: Add a bit of red pepper flakes to the pasta sauce if you like some heat.
• Chicken Variations: You can substitute chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful option.
• Pasta Type: This recipe works with various types of pasta like penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti. Choose your favorite!

This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta recipe is the perfect combination of rich, creamy pasta and savory, buttery chicken. It’s a comforting and satisfying dish that’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for guests. Enjoy!