Description
Succulent garlic butter chicken bites dance alongside creamy parmesan pasta in this irresistible comfort meal. Hearty flavors meld together, promising a delightful culinary experience that satisfies your craving for a quick and delicious dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound (1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
Spices and Seasonings:
- Salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Dairy and Flavor Enhancers:
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Additional Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (8 oz) pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your choice)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by coating it with a blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika, ensuring each piece is evenly seasoned.
- Heat a large skillet over medium temperature, melt butter, and carefully place the seasoned chicken pieces into the pan.
- Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes, rotating periodically to achieve a golden-brown exterior and ensure thorough internal cooking.
- Introduce minced garlic to the skillet, sautéing for an additional minute to release its aromatic essence.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside, keeping it warm for later incorporation.
- Simultaneously, bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook the pasta until it reaches al dente perfection.
- Before draining, carefully extract and reserve 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water.
- In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt additional butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until it becomes fragrant and lightly golden, approximately 1-2 minutes.
- Pour heavy cream into the skillet, then incorporate Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning.
- Stir continuously until the cheese melts completely, creating a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Adjust the sauce’s consistency by gradually adding reserved pasta water if needed.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper to enhance its flavor profile.
- Introduce the cooked pasta to the sauce, gently tossing to ensure complete coating.
- Return the golden chicken bites to the skillet, delicately mixing with the creamy pasta.
- Allow the dish to simmer briefly, enabling the flavors to meld together harmoniously.
- Finish by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately while piping hot.
Notes
- Ensure chicken pieces are similar in size for even cooking, preventing some bites from being undercooked or overdone.
- Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help achieve a golden-brown, crispy exterior that locks in moisture.
- Experiment with alternative protein options like tofu, shrimp, or plant-based chicken for dietary adaptations.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make the dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities, maintaining the same creamy, rich flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 698 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 470 mg
- Fat: 45 g
- Saturated Fat: 26 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 39 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg