Introduction
Transform humble chicken breasts and rotini pasta into a sensational, cheesy garlic delight! This recipe is all about easy weeknight dinners that the whole family will adore. Get ready for happy faces and clean plates – this one’s a keeper!
Why This Works
This recipe is a winner because it’s ridiculously easy, incredibly flavorful, and comes together quickly. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. The cheesy garlic sauce is the star, coating tender chicken bites and perfectly cooked rotini.
Key Ingredients
- 🐔 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 🧄 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 🧀 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 🧀 ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 🌿 ½ cup chopped fresh parsley
- 🍝 1 pound rotini pasta
- 🧈 4 tablespoons butter
- 🧂 Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2️⃣ Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken cubes and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
3️⃣ Garlic Butter Sauce: Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken and cook for 1 minute, or until fragrant. Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter until melted.
4️⃣ Cheese Please: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
5️⃣ Combine & Serve: Add the cooked rotini to the skillet and toss to coat everything in the cheesy garlic sauce. Stir in the fresh parsley. Serve immediately.
Handy Tips
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and Italian seasoning for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- If you don’t have fresh parsley, dried parsley works too (use about 1 tablespoon).
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet when cooking the chicken; cook in batches if necessary to ensure even browning.
Heat Control
Medium-high heat is best for browning the chicken, ensuring a nice sear. Lowering the heat to low when adding the cheese prevents burning and creates a smooth, creamy sauce.
Crunch Factor
While this dish is primarily creamy and comforting, you can add a little crunch by sprinkling some toasted breadcrumbs or chopped nuts over the finished dish before serving.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- For even faster cooking, use pre-minced garlic.
- A splash of white wine added to the sauce enhances the flavor beautifully!
- Rotisserie chicken can be used as a shortcut! Simply shred it and add it to the sauce with the pasta.
Storage Tips
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or skillet.
Gift Packaging Ideas
This dish isn’t typically gifted, but you could package individual portions in cute containers for a potluck or a friendly gathering.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
🌟 Italian Herbs: Use a blend of Italian herbs instead of just parsley.
🌟 Creamy Mushroom: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic before adding the chicken.
🌟 Sun-dried Tomato: Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes along with the parsley for a burst of tangy flavor.
Troubleshooting
- Dry Chicken: If your chicken is dry, ensure you don’t overcook it. Cooking it to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is key.
- Lumpy Sauce: Make sure to stir the cheese constantly as it melts to prevent lumps.
- Too much garlic: If you used too much garlic, try adding a squeeze of lemon juice to balance the flavor.
FAQ
- Can I use different pasta? Yes! Any short pasta shape will work well.
- Can I make this ahead of time? It’s best served fresh, but you can cook the chicken and pasta separately ahead and combine just before serving.
- What kind of cheese can I substitute? A blend of provolone and fontina would also be delicious.
- Can I freeze this dish? It’s not ideal to freeze due to the creamy sauce, but you could freeze the cooked chicken and pasta separately and reheat with fresh sauce later.
- Is this recipe gluten-free? No, due to the presence of rotini pasta. Gluten-free pasta can be substituted.
Conclusion
This Irresistible Cheesy Garlic Chicken Bites with Buttered Rotini recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! It’s simple, delicious, and perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. Give it a try and let us know what you think! Remember to share your culinary creations with us on social media using #AngelRecipes! Enjoy!