Description
Savory garlic butter chicken bites nestled atop creamy Parmesan pasta create a comforting Italian-inspired meal. Tender chicken pieces glazed with rich garlic butter complement the silky, cheese-laden pasta for a satisfying dinner that delights palates.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450 g) chicken breasts, boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 ½ cups (360 ml) heavy cream
- 2 tbsps olive oil
- 4 tbsps unsalted butter
- ½ cup (50 g) Parmesan cheese, grated
- 300 g (10 oz) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsps fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- salt, to taste
- black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Pasta Preparation: Boil salted water and cook pasta according to package instructions, then drain completely and set aside.
- Chicken Seasoning: Thoroughly coat chicken pieces with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to enhance flavor profile.
- Chicken Sautéing: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, add seasoned chicken, and cook for 5-7 minutes, rotating occasionally until golden-brown and fully cooked through.
- Garlic Butter Infusion: Add butter and minced garlic to the skillet, thoroughly coating chicken and allowing flavors to meld for 1-2 minutes, then transfer chicken to a separate plate.
- Sauce Creation: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant, then pour in heavy cream while continuously stirring. Incorporate Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, gently simmering and whisking until sauce reaches a luxurious, slightly thickened consistency.
- Pasta and Sauce Fusion: Combine cooked pasta with the creamy Parmesan sauce, ensuring thorough and even coating.
- Final Touches: Fold chopped parsley into the pasta mixture, adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Plate the creamy pasta, strategically arranging garlic butter chicken bites on top, and garnish with additional fresh parsley. Serve immediately to maintain optimal temperature and texture.
Notes
- Chicken Doneness Check: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internally, preventing undercooking and potential foodborne illness.
- Pasta Texture Control: Cook pasta al dente to maintain slight firmness, preventing mushiness when mixed with creamy sauce.
- Garlic Burning Prevention: Sauté garlic quickly at medium-low heat to release flavor without scorching, which creates bitter taste.
- Sauce Consistency Tip: Whisk Parmesan cheese gradually into cream to prevent clumping and achieve smooth, silky sauce texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg