Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Truffle Parmesan Pasta

Introduction

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Truffle Parmesan Pasta is the ultimate combination of tender, flavorful chicken and a rich, creamy pasta that’s elevated with the luxurious touch of truffle oil. This dish is a perfect blend of comfort and sophistication, ideal for a cozy family dinner or a dinner party where you want to impress your guests. Juicy chicken bites cooked in a fragrant garlic butter sauce meet a creamy Parmesan pasta enhanced with the subtle, earthy aroma of truffle oil, making it a restaurant-quality meal you can create at home.

Ingredients:

For the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites:

• 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Truffle Parmesan Pasta:

• 12 oz (340 g) pasta (such as fettuccine or spaghetti)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp truffle oil (or more to taste)
• ¼ tsp ground black pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ cup pasta water (reserved from cooking pasta)
• Freshly chopped chives or parsley (optional for garnish)

Preparation:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain the rest. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Bites

1. While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

1. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter and allow it to melt. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
2. Return the cooked chicken bites to the skillet, tossing them in the garlic butter sauce until well-coated. Remove from heat and keep warm.

Step 4: Prepare the Truffle Parmesan Sauce

1. In a separate large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until soft and aromatic.
2. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring occasionally until it begins to simmer. Lower the heat to prevent it from boiling.
3. Slowly add the Parmesan cheese while whisking continuously to ensure the sauce is smooth and creamy.
4. Add the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed. Stir in the truffle oil, ground black pepper, and salt. Mix until the sauce is well combined.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Chicken

1. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the truffle Parmesan sauce. Toss well to coat each strand of pasta with the creamy mixture.
2. Add the garlic butter chicken bites on top of the pasta. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley or chives for garnish.

Cooking Note:

• Make sure the Parmesan cheese is freshly grated for the best melt and texture. Pre-grated cheese may not melt as smoothly.
• The truffle oil should be added at the end to preserve its delicate aroma; avoid cooking it over high heat.
• Adjust the amount of truffle oil based on your preference. A little goes a long way, so start with a teaspoon and add more if you desire a stronger flavor.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve this dish with a side of roasted vegetables, like asparagus or Brussels sprouts, to add a touch of green and balance the richness.
• A light green salad with a lemon vinaigrette can help cut through the creamy pasta, refreshing the palate.
• A glass of white wine, such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, pairs beautifully with the creamy and truffle-infused flavors of the dish.

Tips:

• Chicken Tips: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs if you prefer a juicier cut of meat.
• Pasta Water: Always reserve a bit of pasta water before draining. It’s a great way to adjust the consistency of the sauce.
• Truffle Oil Quality: Invest in high-quality truffle oil for the best flavor; it makes a noticeable difference in the dish.
• Cooking Pasta Al Dente: Ensure that the pasta is cooked just to al dente so it absorbs the sauce without becoming too soft.
• Sauce Consistency: If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of milk or more pasta water to achieve the desired creaminess.

Prep Time:

20 minutes

Cooking Time:

25 minutes

Total Time:

45 minutes

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 620
• Protein: 35g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fat: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 50g

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Truffle Parmesan Pasta is a delightful dish that delivers both comfort and elegance. The tender chicken bites are full of garlicky goodness, while the creamy truffle Parmesan sauce takes the pasta to new heights. This is a perfect dish to serve when you want something easy yet gourmet, satisfying for both casual weeknight dinners and special occasions. Give it a try, and watch it become a household favorite!

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Truffle Parmesan Pasta

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• Author: Imili Johnson
• Total Time: 45 minutes

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites:

• 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Truffle Parmesan Pasta:

• 12 oz (340 g) pasta (such as fettuccine or spaghetti)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp truffle oil (or more to taste)
• ¼ tsp ground black pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ cup pasta water (reserved from cooking pasta)
• Freshly chopped chives or parsley (optional for garnish)

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Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain the rest. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Bites

1. While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

1. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter and allow it to melt. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
2. Return the cooked chicken bites to the skillet, tossing them in the garlic butter sauce until well-coated. Remove from heat and keep warm.

Step 4: Prepare the Truffle Parmesan Sauce

1. In a separate large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until soft and aromatic.
2. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring occasionally until it begins to simmer. Lower the heat to prevent it from boiling.
3. Slowly add the Parmesan cheese while whisking continuously to ensure the sauce is smooth and creamy.
4. Add the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed. Stir in the truffle oil, ground black pepper, and salt. Mix until the sauce is well combined.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Chicken

1. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the truffle Parmesan sauce. Toss well to coat each strand of pasta with the creamy mixture.
2. Add the garlic butter chicken bites on top of the pasta. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley or chives for garnish.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes

Nutrition

• Calories: 620
• Sodium: 780mg
• Protein: 35g