Description
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Spaghetti recipe features tender bite-sized chicken pieces cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce, seasoned with Italian herbs, and served over perfectly cooked spaghetti. Enhanced with Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and a hint of lemon, this dish is a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner that satisfies the whole family.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Sauce
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or water)
- Juice of 1/2 lemon (optional)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
Pasta
- 8 oz spaghetti (or pasta of choice)
- Salt, for boiling the pasta
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water. Toss the drained pasta with 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Set aside and keep warm.
- Cook the Chicken Bites: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Combine Sauce and Chicken: Add the chicken broth (or water) and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet. Stir to combine and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly. Return the cooked chicken bites to the skillet and gently toss to coat in the garlic butter sauce. Add the juice of half a lemon if you desire a touch of brightness.
- Serve: Plate the buttered parmesan spaghetti and top with the garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- You can use any pasta of choice; linguine or fettuccine work well too.
- Adjust red pepper flakes amount to control the heat level.
- For a creamier sauce, add a splash of heavy cream before adding the chicken back.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated gently on stovetop or microwave.
