Description
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Spaghetti is a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner featuring tender chicken breast pieces seared to golden perfection and tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce with al dente spaghetti. Finished with Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and a hint of lemon juice, this American-inspired main course offers a perfect balance of protein and comforting pasta for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Cooking and Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Pasta and Garnish
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Juice of ½ lemon
Instructions
- Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and set aside for later.
- Season the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, season the bite-sized chicken pieces evenly with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to infuse the meat with flavor before cooking.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and fully cooked through. Push the chicken to one side of the skillet to make room for the sauce.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes to the empty side of the skillet. Sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned, allowing the butter to absorb the garlic and spice flavors.
- Toss Pasta and Chicken Together: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet. Toss everything together thoroughly so the pasta is coated with the garlic butter sauce and mixed with the chicken pieces.
- Finish and Garnish: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the dish. Mix well and serve immediately. Optionally, sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top before serving for added flavor.
Notes
- Chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breasts for a juicier texture.
- Add steamed broccoli, spinach, or cherry tomatoes for a vegetable boost and added nutrition.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the level of spiciness.
- For a lighter version, use reduced-fat butter or less Parmesan cheese.
