Name: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Spaghetti Aglio e Olio and Blistered Tomato
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: PT-484086H47M17S
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1¼ lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; ¼ tsp salt; ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper; ⅛ tsp paprika; 1 tbsp olive oil; 3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided; 1½ tbsp minced fresh garlic (about 4 cloves); 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley; 12 oz spaghetti; 1 large bunch lacinato kale, de-stemmed and chopped; 5 cloves garlic, thinly sliced; 1 tsp red pepper flakes; ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil + 1 tbsp; 1 cup reserved pasta water; Parmesan cheese, for serving; 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes

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You’re in for a treat with this dish! Imagine tender garlic butter chicken bites, paired with perfectly cooked spaghetti aglio e olio, and sweet, blistered tomatoes. The chicken is juicy and flavorful, while the spaghetti is aromatic with olive oil, garlic, and a little heat. And those tomatoes? They’re like little bursts of sunshine. Trust me, you’re going to love this combo! It’s a meal that’s as comforting as it is impressive. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Spaghetti Aglio e Olio and Blistered Tomato

This dish is a total game-changer, and here’s why:

Versatile: Perfect for a cozy night in or as a show-stopping dinner at a gathering. It has that “wow” factor, but you can still whip it up without breaking a sweat.
Budget-Friendly: Simple ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen—no need for a fancy grocery list here!
Quick and Easy: Even if you’re not a pro in the kitchen, this recipe is super straightforward and easy to follow. It’s a stress-free way to make something impressive.
Customizable: Want to make it spicier? Add a little chili flake to the spaghetti. Prefer a milder dish? Just adjust the seasoning to your liking.
Crowd-Pleasing: It’s one of those recipes that kids and adults alike will be asking for seconds. The garlic butter chicken, garlic spaghetti, and sweet tomatoes just work so well together.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this flavorful dish to life:

Chicken Bites: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces. When sautéed in garlic butter, these little morsels soak up all the flavors and turn tender and golden.

Garlic Butter: The foundation of flavor. Rich, creamy butter with plenty of garlic creates the most irresistible coating for the chicken.

Spaghetti: A classic choice for pairing with garlic butter, this will soak up all the delicious oil and garlic from the pan and add that perfect pasta bite.

Olive Oil: For cooking the spaghetti and for making the aglio e olio sauce. It’s light, rich, and packs so much flavor.

Blistered Tomatoes: These little tomatoes get charred in the pan, releasing their juices and becoming sweet and tangy—just the perfect topping.

Red Pepper Flakes: For a bit of spice! If you like things extra zesty, you can always add more.

Parmesan: Grated parmesan adds a rich, salty finish that ties everything together perfectly.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Preheat Your Pan: Start by preheating a large skillet over medium heat for the chicken and another pot of water for the spaghetti. It’ll save you time and get things cooking faster.

Sear the Chicken Bites: Add the chicken to the preheated pan with some olive oil, and cook until golden and cooked through. This should take about 5-7 minutes. When they’re done, set them aside and keep them warm.

Cook the Spaghetti: While the chicken is cooking, toss the spaghetti into boiling salted water and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain, but make sure to reserve a cup of pasta water.

Make the Aglio e Olio Sauce: In the same skillet you used for the chicken, melt your butter and add the garlic. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes, just until the garlic gets fragrant and golden. Add a bit of pasta water to create the sauce base.

Blister the Tomatoes: While the garlic is sautéing, add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Let them cook until they blister and burst—this only takes about 3-4 minutes.

Combine Everything: Toss the cooked spaghetti into the garlic butter sauce and mix in the chicken bites. Give everything a good stir to coat the pasta and chicken in that rich, garlicky goodness.

Serve: Plate your pasta, top with those blistered tomatoes, a sprinkle of parmesan, and a few red pepper flakes if you’re feeling adventurous. Serve immediately!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 450

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Spaghetti Aglio e Olio and Blistered Tomato

This dish pairs wonderfully with a few sides to round out the meal:

Fresh Salads: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the rich, buttery flavors of the dish.
Crusty Bread: Garlic bread or a simple baguette will help soak up all that delicious sauce.
Creamy Accompaniments: A little sour cream or Greek yogurt on the side would be a perfect creamy contrast.
Vegetable Sides: Try roasted vegetables like zucchini, asparagus, or roasted carrots—they add color and freshness to the plate.
As a Standalone: Sometimes, all you need is the dish itself. Garnish with fresh parsley for that perfect finishing touch.

Presentation matters too! Serve it on a big platter, and don’t forget to drizzle a little extra olive oil and sprinkle some fresh herbs for that extra pop.

Additional Tips

Prep Ahead: Save time by chopping your chicken and garlic the night before. Store in airtight containers and you’ll be good to go.
Spice It Up: If you like a kick, add more chili flakes or even a dash of smoked paprika.
Dietary Adjustments: Want it gluten-free? Swap out the spaghetti for gluten-free pasta. You can also try dairy-free butter if you’re avoiding dairy.
Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Double the Batch: This recipe makes for great leftovers, and it freezes really well. Just double the recipe and enjoy it later!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I substitute chicken with another protein?
A1: Yes! You can use shrimp, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian version. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Definitely! You can cook everything ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Reheat when you’re ready to serve.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove with a splash of water to loosen up the sauce.

Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes! Freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A5: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a bit of water or broth if needed. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals.

Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Absolutely! Just make sure your skillet is large enough to handle the extra ingredients, or you can cook in batches.

Q7: How can I add more flavor to the spaghetti?
A7: You can toss in some freshly chopped basil or parsley for a fresh, herby kick. A squeeze of lemon juice is also great for adding a burst of freshness.

Q8: Is this dish spicy?
A8: It has a mild spice from the red pepper flakes, but it’s not overwhelmingly hot. Feel free to adjust the amount of chili flakes if you like it spicier.

Q9: Can I make this recipe with gluten-free pasta?
A9: Yes, you can! Just swap out the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety. The recipe will still taste amazing.

Q10: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A10: Absolutely! Simply swap the chicken for a plant-based protein like tofu or mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian version.

Conclusion

And there you have it—Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Spaghetti Aglio e Olio and Blistered Tomato! This dish is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen, with its easy prep, incredible flavors, and just the right balance of comforting and exciting. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or serving it to a crowd, you can’t go wrong with this recipe. So go ahead, try it out, and enjoy every bite. Happy cooking!