Garlic Butter Chicken Bites With Spaghetti Aglio E Olio And Blistered Tomato Recipe

Sizzling Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Spaghetti Aglio E Olio Recipe

These irresistible garlic butter chicken bites dance perfectly with spaghetti aglio e olio, creating a symphony of flavors that will make your taste buds sing.

Simple ingredients come together in a harmonious blend of comfort and elegance.

The tender chicken, coated in rich garlic butter, promises a mouthwatering experience.

blistered tomatoes add a burst of freshness and vibrant color to the plate.

Each bite promises a delightful balance of herbs, butter, and perfectly seasoned protein.

The classic Italian-inspired pasta provides a delectable backdrop to these succulent chicken morsels.

You won’t be able to resist this restaurant-quality meal that feels like a warm culinary embrace.

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Pasta: Why It Works

  • Bake with Minimal Effort: This cake requires simple mixing and layering, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: The combination of chocolate, coconut, and pecans creates an irresistible flavor profile that delights everyone at gatherings.
  • No-Fuss Preparation: Mixing ingredients directly in the pan and using a cake mix means less cleanup and quick assembly, ideal for busy home cooks.
  • Texture Sensation: The unique swirled cream cheese topping and gooey center make this cake a delightful departure from traditional desserts, offering a surprising and indulgent experience.

Ingredients Required for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites and Pasta

Protein:
  • Chicken Breast: A lean and tender protein that serves as the main star of the dish.
Seasonings and Spices:
  • Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper, Paprika: A blend of herbs and spices that adds depth and warmth to the chicken.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Provides a subtle heat and complexity to the garlic oil.
Aromatics and Herbs:
  • Garlic: Adds a pungent and robust flavor to both the chicken and pasta sauce.
  • Parsley: Brings a fresh, bright note to the chicken.
Fats and Oils:
  • Olive Oil: A versatile cooking oil that helps with sautéing and adds a subtle fruity flavor.
  • Butter: Provides richness and helps create a luxurious garlic butter sauce.
Pasta and Vegetables:
  • Spaghetti: A classic Italian pasta that serves as the base for the Aglio e Olio.
  • Kale: Adds nutrition and a slight earthy flavor to the pasta dish.
  • Cherry Tomatoes: Provides a burst of sweetness and acidity when blistered.
Finishing Touches:
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, umami flavor to the pasta.

How to Prepare Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Pasta

Step 1: Spice Up the Chicken

Grab your chicken pieces and give them a flavor explosion. Sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and paprika all over, making sure each piece gets a delicious coating.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat up a non-stick skillet and add olive oil and butter. Let the pan sizzle, then carefully place chicken pieces in a single layer.

Cook until they turn a gorgeous golden brown, about 3 minutes per side. Work in batches if needed to keep that crispy exterior.

Step 3: Boost with Garlic Magic

Toss in the remaining butter, freshly chopped garlic, and parsley. Stir everything around for a minute, letting the garlic work its aromatic wonder.

Scrape up those tasty browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

Step 4: Prepare Pasta Powerhouse

Bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil.

Drop in spaghetti and cook until it’s perfectly al dente. Sneak in some chopped kale during the last two minutes of cooking.

Save a cup of pasta water before draining – this liquid gold will help your sauce later.

Step 5: Create Spicy Garlic Oil

In the same pot, pour olive oil and heat it up.

Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, letting them dance and turn golden for a few minutes.

Step 6: Marry Pasta and Sauce

Reunite the drained spaghetti and kale with the spicy garlic oil.

Toss everything together, adding splash of reserved pasta water to create a silky sauce.

Step 7: Blister Those Tomatoes

In a separate skillet, heat olive oil and add cherry tomatoes.

Let them sizzle and pop, releasing their sweet juices without mashing them.

Step 8: Bring It All Together

Plate your spicy spaghetti, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, and nestle the blistered tomatoes alongside.

Crown the dish with those irresistible garlic butter chicken bites.

Expert Suggestions for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Pasta

  • Ensure even coating by tossing chicken pieces thoroughly with Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and paprika before cooking.
  • Use medium-high heat and avoid overcrowding the pan to achieve perfectly crispy, golden-brown chicken bites.
  • Add minced garlic at the end of cooking to prevent burning and maximize its aromatic intensity.
  • Save and use reserved pasta water to create a silky, well-integrated sauce that clings perfectly to spaghetti.
  • Cook cherry tomatoes gently to release juices without mashing, creating a vibrant, fresh accompaniment.

Different Twists on Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Pasta

  • Protein Swap: Replace chicken with shrimp, tofu, or white fish for a different protein experience.
  • Vegetarian Version: Use plant-based chicken alternatives or extra firm tofu seasoned with same spices.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Substitute spaghetti with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary needs.
  • Low-Carb Adaptation: Replace pasta with cauliflower rice or spiralized vegetables for a lighter meal option.

Suitable Foods to Serve with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio perfectly complement the garlic and herb notes of the chicken and pasta, cutting through the richness with their bright acidity.
  • Enhance with Fresh Herb Salad: Create a light mixed green salad with basil, parsley, and arugula to balance the rich garlic butter chicken and add a fresh, peppery contrast to the dish.
  • Serve Alongside Crusty Garlic Bread: Toasted sourdough or ciabatta bread with a light garlic butter spread provides the perfect vehicle for soaking up the delicious garlic oil and chicken juices.
  • Complement with Chilled Citrus Sparkling Water: A refreshing lemon or lime sparkling water helps cleanse the palate between bites of the rich, garlicky chicken and pasta.

How to Keep Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Fresh

  • Store chicken and pasta separately in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Transfer cooled chicken and pasta to freezer-safe containers or bags. Chicken can be frozen for 2-3 months, while pasta is best consumed within 1 month for optimal texture.
  • Place chicken and pasta on a microwave-safe plate. Sprinkle a few drops of water over the pasta to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.

FAQs

  • Why use Italian seasoning on the chicken?

Italian seasoning blends herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme, adding depth and authentic Mediterranean flavor to the chicken, making each bite more aromatic and delicious.

  • What makes the chicken juicy and flavorful?

Cooking the chicken in a combination of olive oil and butter, then finishing with garlic butter creates a rich, moist exterior with a golden-brown crust that locks in the chicken’s natural juices.

  • Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

While spaghetti works best, you can substitute with linguine or fettuccine to maintain a similar texture and ability to absorb the garlic oil sauce.

Print
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Garlic Butter Chicken Bites With Spaghetti Aglio E Olio And Blistered Tomato Recipe

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites With Spaghetti Aglio E Olio And Blistered Tomato Recipe


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4.6 from 28 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Garlic butter chicken bites meld perfectly with spaghetti aglio e olio, creating a Mediterranean-inspired symphony of flavors. Crispy chicken, silky pasta, and juicy blistered tomatoes invite you to savor each delectable bite of this simple yet elegant Italian-style feast.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 1/4 pounds (0.57 kilograms) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons (22 milliliters) minced fresh garlic (about 4 cloves)
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) unsalted butter, divided

Seasonings:

  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/8 teaspoon paprika

Garnish:

  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) finely chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Prepare chicken by mixing with Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and paprika to ensure even coating.
  2. Heat non-stick skillet to medium-high and add olive oil and butter, creating a sizzling surface for golden-brown chicken.
  3. Arrange chicken pieces in a single layer, cooking 3 minutes until crisp and golden, then flip and cook additional 2 minutes until nearly done.
  4. Enhance flavor by adding remaining butter, minced garlic, and parsley, stirring for 1 minute until chicken is fully cooked and garlic becomes aromatic.
  5. Simultaneously prepare pasta by boiling salted water and cooking spaghetti until al dente, incorporating chopped kale during final 2 minutes of cooking.
  6. Create garlic infusion by heating olive oil and sautéing garlic with red pepper flakes for 2-4 minutes until golden and fragrant.
  7. Combine drained pasta and kale with garlic oil, using reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.
  8. Simultaneously blister cherry tomatoes in a separate skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, releasing subtle juices without crushing.
  9. Plate spaghetti with kale, sprinkle Parmesan cheese, arrange blistered tomatoes, and serve alongside garlic butter chicken bites.

Notes

  • Ensure chicken pieces are similar in size for even cooking, preventing some pieces from overcooking while others remain undercooked.
  • Use high-quality butter and fresh garlic for maximum flavor depth and aromatic richness in the dish.
  • Swap kale with spinach or Swiss chard for variety, maintaining the nutritional green component of the recipe.
  • For gluten-free option, replace spaghetti with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising taste.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 160
  • Sugar: 0.2 g
  • Sodium: 510 mg
  • Fat: 11 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 1.5 g
  • Fiber: 0.3 g
  • Protein: 16 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
Jess Martinez

Jess Martinez

Contributing Recipe Writer & Nutrition Consultant

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cooking, Nutritional analysis and healthy recipe planning, Cultural food traditions, Modifying traditional dishes for better health

Education

Santa Fe Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focused on mastering the flavors and cooking methods of traditional Southwestern cuisine.


Jess’s love for bold, homegrown flavors led her straight into the world of Southwestern cooking and cultural nutrition.
After completing her Certificate in Culinary Arts at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to show that good-for-you food can still taste incredible.
At saltytart.com, Jess shares vibrant, health-conscious recipes with roots in tradition but a fresh, modern twist. When she’s not testing new recipes, you’ll find her at local growers’ markets, tending her herb garden, or digging into food history books.

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