Description
Succulent garlic butter chicken bites meet creamy parmesan pasta in this irresistible culinary masterpiece. Cheesy, garlicky goodness promises a quick and satisfying meal that will delight dinner companions and make weeknight cooking a breeze.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1.5 pounds (680 grams) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
Chicken Seasoning:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Pasta and Sauce Ingredients:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1.5 cups (360 milliliters) heavy cream
- 1 cup (100 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 cup (15 grams) chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the pasta according to package guidelines, ensuring it reaches a perfect al dente texture. Once cooked, drain thoroughly and set aside, allowing excess water to evaporate.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature. Introduce chicken pieces seasoned with paprika, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Sauté the meat, occasionally stirring, until it develops a rich golden-brown exterior and cooks completely through.
- Infuse the chicken with aromatic garlic and optional red pepper flakes during the final cooking moments. Gently transfer the flavorful chicken bites to a separate plate, keeping them warm and ready for later incorporation.
- In the same skillet, melt additional butter and sauté minced garlic until its fragrance fills the kitchen. Gradually pour in heavy cream, whisking to create a smooth base for the sauce.
- Allow the cream to reach a delicate simmer, then gracefully fold in grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese melts completely, creating a luxurious, velvety sauce. Season with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor profile.
- Combine the reserved pasta with the creamy Parmesan sauce, ensuring each strand is generously coated with the rich, silky mixture.
- Reintroduce the golden chicken bites into the skillet, gently folding them into the pasta and sauce to create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
- Elevate the dish by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley over the top, adding a touch of vibrant color and fresh herbal notes. Serve immediately while the dish remains piping hot and invitingly aromatic.
Notes
- Opt for bite-sized chicken pieces to ensure even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
- Pat chicken dry before seasoning to achieve a perfect golden-brown exterior and crispy texture.
- Experiment with different protein alternatives like shrimp, tofu, or plant-based chicken for dietary variations.
- Use fresh garlic for a more intense and robust flavor profile compared to pre-minced options.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 680
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 21g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 59g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 150mg