Savor the Flavor: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites and Creamy Pasta Delight
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Learn how to make delicious Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Pasta. Easy recipe with step-by-step instructions.
Total Time:45 minutes
Yield:4 servings
Ingredients
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
8 ounces fettuccine or pasta of your choice
2 tablespoons chopped parsley, for garnish
Optional substitution: Use shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood twist.
Instructions
Start by cooking the pasta according to package instructions. Once cooked, reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and drain the rest. Set the pasta aside.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Add the chicken pieces to the skillet, season with salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
Reduce the heat to medium and add the heavy cream and lemon juice to the skillet. Stir well to combine, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly, which should take about 2 minutes.
Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts into the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it gently to coat with the creamy sauce and chicken. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to ensure everything is heated through.
Finish with the remaining tablespoon of butter, stirring until it melts into the sauce for an extra layer of richness.
Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately for the best flavor.