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- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces - 8 ounces pasta (like fettuccine or penne) - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - Salt and pepper to taste The chicken breast is the star of this dish. It cooks quickly and stays juicy. You want to cut it into bite-sized pieces for easy eating. For the pasta, I often choose fettuccine or penne. Both hold sauce well, making each bite flavorful. Butter and garlic transform this meal into a delight. The unsalted butter adds richness, while minced garlic gives a wonderful aroma and taste. The oregano and basil bring in classic Italian flavors. Don’t forget to season well with salt and pepper! - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat) - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) If you enjoy a little kick, add red pepper flakes to the mix. Just a pinch adds nice heat without overpowering. For extra creaminess, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese at the end. It melts beautifully into the dish. Finally, fresh parsley not only adds color but also a bright flavor. For the complete preparation details, check out the Full Recipe. Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add salt to the water for flavor. Once the water is boiling, add your pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until it's al dente. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Once it's done, drain the pasta but save a cup of the pasta water. This water helps later to make the dish creamy. In a large skillet, melt two tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once the butter is hot and bubbly, add the chicken pieces. Season them with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes until it turns golden brown. Next, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Stir it for about one minute until it smells good. Then, mix in the oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes if you like some heat. Let it cook for another minute to blend the flavors. Now it's time to bring everything together. Turn the heat to low and add the remaining two tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Let it melt completely. Toss the drained pasta into the skillet with the chicken and garlic butter. Mix everything well, making sure the pasta is coated. If it looks a bit dry, splash in some of that reserved pasta water until it’s just right. Finally, sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until everything is well mixed. Taste it, and if you want, add more salt, pepper, or cheese. Serve hot and finish with fresh parsley for a nice touch. Enjoy your Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Pasta! For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe section. To ensure your chicken remains juicy, use a meat thermometer. Cook the chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F. This way, you avoid overcooking. Sear the chicken until golden brown for added flavor. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps keep the juices inside. For achieving al dente pasta, follow the package directions closely. Start checking the pasta a minute before the time is up. It should be firm yet tender. Drain it but save a little pasta water. This water can help if the dish needs a bit more moisture later. To boost flavor, try adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. A squeeze of lemon juice adds brightness. You might also experiment with spices like paprika or onion powder. These will give your dish a unique twist. Pair the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with a simple side salad or steamed veggies. A light, fresh side balances the richness of the garlic butter. You can also serve it with garlic bread for a complete meal. This makes your dinner fun and filling. For more cooking tips and tricks, check out the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} You can switch up ingredients for variety. If you want an alternative to chicken, try shrimp or tofu. Both options work well with garlic butter and pasta. Shrimp cooks fast, so be careful not to overdo it. Tofu absorbs flavors nicely, making it a great choice for a meatless meal. For those who need gluten-free options, choose a gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great alternatives that taste just as good. Quinoa pasta or rice pasta are popular choices. They keep the dish light and tasty. Adjust the spice levels to fit your taste. If you like it spicy, add more red pepper flakes. You can also try crushed black pepper for a different heat. On the other hand, if you prefer mild flavors, skip the red pepper. Incorporating seasonal vegetables can also enhance your dish. Think about adding fresh spinach, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini. These veggies add color and nutrients. Just sauté them in the skillet before adding the pasta. This adds a fresh touch and makes the meal more balanced. For the full recipe, check the detailed cooking instructions. To keep your Garlic Butter Chicken Bites fresh, follow these tips: - Place leftovers in an airtight container. - Let the dish cool down before sealing. - Store in the fridge right away. You can keep the leftovers for up to three days. After that, the flavors may fade. To reheat without losing moisture, I recommend these methods: - Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to keep it moist. Heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway. - Stovetop: Use a pan over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it juicy. Stir until heated through. Both methods work well, but stovetop gives better texture. Enjoy your tasty meal! For more ideas, check out the Full Recipe. To add spice, you can use more red pepper flakes. You might also try cayenne pepper, chili powder, or hot sauce. Each of these will bring heat and flavor to the dish. Make sure to taste as you go to find the right spiciness for you. Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just remember, frozen chicken takes longer to cook. It’s best to thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight before cooking. If you need to cook it from frozen, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Always ensure it reaches a safe internal temperature. For this dish, a crisp white wine works great. Try a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. If you prefer red, a light-bodied option like Pinot Noir is lovely. These wines will enhance the garlic and butter flavors without overpowering the dish. In this post, I shared a simple recipe for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Pasta. You learned about the main ingredients like chicken, pasta, and key seasonings. I guided you through cooking pasta and chicken, then combining everything for tasty results. Don't forget my tips for perfect cooking and variations that suit your taste. Store your leftovers right, and you'll enjoy this dish again. Cooking should be fun and easy, so get creative and make it your own!

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Pasta

Indulge in irresistible Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Pasta that are quick and packed with flavor! This dish combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich garlic butter sauce for a meal that’s sure to impress. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights. Want to try this easy and delicious recipe? Click through to explore step-by-step instructions and transform your dinner tonight!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

8 ounces pasta (like fettuccine or penne)

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

Salt and pepper to taste

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Begin by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water.

    In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter.

      Once the butter is melted and bubbly, add the bite-sized chicken pieces. Season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.

        Add the minced garlic to the skillet, stirring for about 1 minute, until fragrant.

          Stir in the oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for an additional minute to combine flavors.

            Reduce the heat to low and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet, allowing it to melt.

              Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the chicken and garlic butter, mixing well. If the pasta seems dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until you get the desired consistency.

                Remove from heat and add grated Parmesan cheese, tossing to combine until everything is well coated.

                  Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or cheese if desired.

                    Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley on top for color and freshness.

                      Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4