– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8 ounces pasta (fettuccine or your choice)
– 1 cup heavy cream
– ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (optional)
Creating Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Pasta is simple if you follow these easy steps:
1. Boil the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
3. Add Garlic: Reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
4. Create the Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and stir, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the pan. Allow the cream to simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Incorporate Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until creamy. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
6. Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the chicken and sauce. Toss until everything is well coated in the creamy sauce.
7. Finish with Butter: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter for that extra richness.
8. Garnish and Serve: Top with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately while hot.