Description
These Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Spaghetti are a quick, comforting meal that’s packed with flavor. Tender, juicy chicken pieces are seared in a rich garlic butter sauce and served over a bed of perfectly cooked spaghetti. The combination of garlic, butter, and Parmesan creates a simple yet irresistible dish the whole family will love!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 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 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
For the Spaghetti:
- 8 oz spaghetti (or pasta of choice)
- Salt, for boiling the pasta
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or water)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Juice of 1/2 lemon (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Spaghetti:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside. - Prepare the Chicken:
While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken bites to the skillet in a single layer. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. - Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt 2 tbsp of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth (or water) and bring to a simmer. Stir in the red pepper flakes, grated Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice (if using), cooking for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. - Combine the Chicken and Spaghetti:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic butter sauce. Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet, tossing everything together until the pasta is coated with the sauce and the chicken is evenly distributed. - Serve:
Serve the garlic butter chicken bites and spaghetti immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Notes
- For added flavor, you can sprinkle some extra red pepper flakes or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving.
- You can substitute the spaghetti with any other pasta, like fettuccine, linguine, or penne.
- If you prefer a creamier sauce, you can add a splash of heavy cream or milk to the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Sautéing, Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian, American Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (chicken and pasta)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 90mg