Description
Succulent garlic butter chicken bites meld perfectly with creamy parmesan pasta in this irresistible comfort dish. Home cooks can quickly elevate weeknight dinners with this simple yet flavorful Italian-inspired recipe that promises satisfaction in every delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs (680 g) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 tbsps butter, divided
- 2 tbsps olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
- 2 tbsps butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1.5 cups (360 ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (100 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.25 cup (15 g) chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Pasta Preparation: Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside to allow excess moisture to dissipate.
- Chicken Searing: Warm olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken seasoned with paprika, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Sauté until chicken develops a golden-brown crust and cooks through completely, stirring intermittently.
- Garlic Infusion: During the final moments of cooking, incorporate minced garlic and red pepper flakes into the chicken. Transfer expertly seasoned chicken bites to a separate plate, maintaining their warmth.
- Sauce Creation: Using the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until aromatic. Pour in heavy cream, whisking to create a smooth base. Bring to a gentle simmer, then gradually integrate Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce becomes creamy and fully incorporated.
- Pasta and Sauce Fusion: Toss the reserved pasta into the velvety Parmesan sauce, ensuring complete and even coating. Reintroduce the golden chicken bites, gently folding them into the pasta to marry the flavors.
- Final Presentation: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley to add a vibrant touch and fresh herbal essence. Serve immediately while the dish remains hot and tantalizing.
Notes
- Select Fresh Ingredients: Choose high-quality chicken breasts, fresh garlic, and authentic Parmesan cheese for maximum flavor depth and texture.
- Control Cooking Temperature: Maintain medium-high heat to achieve golden-brown chicken without burning, ensuring even caramelization and preventing dry meat.
- Prevent Sauce Separation: Whisk heavy cream slowly and consistently when adding Parmesan to create smooth, creamy sauce without curdling or breaking.
- Adjust Dietary Needs: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free alternatives, use lactose-free cream, or replace chicken with tofu for vegetarian modifications while maintaining recipe’s core flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3
- Calories: 710
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 40 g
- Saturated Fat: 24 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg