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- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - 8 oz pasta (preferably fettuccine or linguine) - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish - Zest of 1 lemon I love picking fresh ingredients for this dish. The chicken breasts are the star here. They get tender and juicy when cooked right. Unsalted butter adds richness, while garlic gives a bold flavor. For seasonings, smoked paprika and Italian herbs make the chicken pop. Don't forget salt and pepper; they elevate all the flavors. When it comes to pasta, I prefer fettuccine or linguine. They hold the sauce well. Cherry tomatoes add a sweet burst, and Parmesan cheese brings a savory touch. Fresh parsley adds color and freshness. The lemon zest ties it all together with brightness. For the full recipe, check the details above. Enjoy cooking! Start by filling a large pot with water. Add a good pinch of salt to it. Turn on the heat and bring the water to a rolling boil. Once it boils, add the pasta. Cook it according to the package directions until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. After cooking, drain the pasta but save 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later. In a large skillet, set the heat to medium. Add 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter and let it melt. Once melted, add bite-sized chicken pieces. Season the chicken with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes. Stir it occasionally until it turns golden brown and is fully cooked. When done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside. Now, use the same skillet. Lower the heat to low and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. As the butter melts, add minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes. Make sure to stir it often. You want the garlic to be fragrant, not brown. Burning the garlic will give it a bitter taste. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the halved cherry tomatoes too. Gently toss the chicken and tomatoes in the garlic butter. Heat everything together for about 2 minutes. This helps to mix the flavors nicely. Add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss it well with the chicken and tomato mix. If it looks dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. Stir until you reach your desired sauce consistency. This step makes the dish creamy and flavorful. Once everything is mixed, remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and lemon zest. Taste and adjust the flavors with more salt and pepper if needed. This final touch will elevate the dish. - To keep chicken tender, don’t overcook it. Cook until golden brown. - Use a meat thermometer. Aim for 165°F (75°C) for safe chicken. - Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before cutting. This helps keep juices in. - To boost garlic flavor, add more cloves than the recipe suggests. - Sauté garlic on low heat. This makes it fragrant without bitterness. - For a stronger taste, consider using roasted garlic. It adds a sweet depth. - Pair your dish with a fresh garden salad. It balances the richness of the pasta. - Serve with crusty bread to soak up the garlic butter sauce. A great addition! - For a drink, try a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc. It complements the flavors well. - If you prefer non-alcoholic, serve with sparkling water and lemon. It’s refreshing! - For a creative plate, stack the pasta in the center. This gives a nice height. - Use a fork to twirl pasta. Place it neatly on the plate for a fancy look. - Add a sprinkle of grated cheese on top. It adds flavor and a nice touch. - Don’t forget fresh parsley! It adds color and freshness to your dish. {{image_4}} You can switch chicken for shrimp or tofu. Shrimp cooks fast, so check it closely. Sauté shrimp for about 3-4 minutes until it's pink. Tofu is a great option too. If you choose tofu, use firm tofu and press it first. Cut it into cubes and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until golden. Try whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to suit your needs. Whole wheat adds a nutty flavor and more fiber. Gluten-free pasta is great for those with allergies. You can also use different shapes, like penne or farfalle. Each shape holds sauce differently, which can change your dish's feel. Want to spice things up? Add red pepper flakes for heat or fresh basil for a sweet touch. Both can brighten the dish. For a creamier sauce, mix in some heavy cream. This gives a rich texture that pairs well with the garlic butter. Each variation brings new life to your garlic butter chicken bites with pasta. Explore what you love! Check the Full Recipe for more ideas. After enjoying your garlic butter chicken bites with pasta, it's key to store any leftovers properly. First, let the dish cool down to room temperature. This step is important as it helps prevent bacteria growth. Once cooled, transfer the leftovers into airtight containers. I recommend using glass or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids. You can store the dish in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it for a longer time, consider freezing it. In that case, use freezer-safe containers. Properly stored, this dish can last up to 2 months in the freezer. Just remember to label your containers with the date! Reheating your pasta dish can be simple and effective. The best method is to use the stovetop. Start by adding a little water or broth to a skillet. Heat it on low to medium heat. Once warm, add your pasta and chicken mixture. Stir gently to avoid sticking. Alternatively, you can use the microwave. Place your leftovers in a microwave-safe bowl. Add a splash of water to keep it moist. Cover the bowl with a lid or microwave-safe wrap. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until it’s warmed through. To ensure even heating and avoid drying out, check the dish often. Enjoy your meal just as delicious as when you first made it! Making Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Pasta takes about 30 minutes. You spend 10 minutes prepping the ingredients. The cooking time lasts around 20 minutes. This quick process makes it perfect for busy nights. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Cook the chicken and pasta, then store them separately in the fridge. When ready to eat, just reheat and combine. This method keeps the flavors fresh and tasty. If you're allergic to garlic, try using shallots or chives. Both options offer a mild flavor. You could also use garlic-infused oil for a hint of garlic taste without the actual garlic. To keep your chicken juicy, don’t overcook it. Use a meat thermometer to check for 165°F (75°C) inside. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before cutting. This helps the juices stay locked in. Fettuccine and linguine are great choices for this dish. They hold the garlic butter sauce well. You can also try penne or rotini, which add a fun twist to the meal. Yes, adding vegetables is a great idea! Try spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini. Just sauté them with the chicken. This adds nutrition and color to your dish. This blog post covered everything you need to make delicious Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with pasta. We explored main ingredients, seasonings, and tasty garnishes. We detailed step-by-step instructions to ensure perfect results. Also, helpful tips, variations, and storage info make this dish flexible and easy to enjoy later. With the right ingredients and methods, you can impress anyone at your table. Now, it’s time to gather your ingredients and create a meal that brings joy. Happy cooking!

- Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Pasta

Savor the delightful flavors of garlic butter chicken bites with pasta in just 30 minutes! This easy recipe combines tender chicken, fresh cherry tomatoes, and fettuccine all tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce. It's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that will impress your family and friends. Ready to whip up this delicious dish? Click through to discover the full recipe and make dinner a breeze tonight!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

8 oz (225g) pasta (preferably fettuccine or linguine)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Zest of 1 lemon

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring it to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook following the package directions until it's al dente. Drain the pasta, but be sure to reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later.

    Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet set over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of the unsalted butter. Once melted, add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the skillet, seasoning them with the smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it turns golden brown and is cooked through. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside.

      Prepare the Garlic Butter: In the same skillet, lower the heat to low and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. As it melts, add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let it brown as this can result in a bitter taste.

        Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the halved cherry tomatoes. Gently toss the chicken and tomatoes in the garlic butter, allowing everything to heat together for about 2 minutes.

          Mix with Pasta: Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing it together with the chicken and tomato mixture. If the pasta appears dry, gradually add a splash of the reserved pasta water, stirring until you reach your desired sauce consistency.

            Finish and Serve: Once everything is well combined, remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and lemon zest, adjusting the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

              Garnish: Plate your delicious garlic butter chicken pasta and finish with a generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for an appealing touch.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4