Description
Succulent Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta deliver a comforting Italian-inspired meal perfect for weeknight dinners. Crispy chicken pieces nestled in rich, garlicky sauce complement silky pasta for a satisfying culinary experience you’ll crave again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs (680 g) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 garlic cloves, minced (4 for chicken, 4 for sauce)
- 2 tbsps olive oil
- 4 tbsps butter, divided
- 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
- 1.5 cups (360 ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (100 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsps butter
- ½ tsp salt (for chicken)
- ½ tsp black pepper (for chicken)
- ½ tsp salt (for sauce)
- ½ tsp black pepper (for sauce)
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- ¼ cup (15 g) chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Pasta Preparation: Boil salted water and cook pasta to al dente perfection. Drain and set aside, preserving pasta’s ideal texture.
- Chicken Searing: Heat olive oil and butter in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken seasoned with paprika, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Sauté until golden-brown and fully cooked, approximately 5-6 minutes.
- Aromatic Enhancement: Introduce minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes, allowing flavors to intensify for 1-2 minutes. Remove chicken and preserve skillet’s flavorful remnants.
- Sauce Development: Reduce skillet heat and melt butter. Add minced garlic until fragrant, then pour heavy cream to create a luxurious base. Gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese, transforming the mixture into a silky, smooth sauce.
- Flavor Harmonization: Season sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Fold reserved pasta into the creamy Parmesan sauce, ensuring complete coverage. Reintegrate seared chicken bites, gently stirring to distribute flavors evenly.
- Finishing Touch: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, creating a vibrant presentation. Serve immediately while piping hot, maximizing the dish’s aromatic and textural appeal.
Notes
- Choose Chicken Wisely: Select boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs cut into uniform bite-sized pieces for even cooking and tender results.
- Control Cooking Temperature: Maintain medium-high heat to achieve golden-brown chicken exterior without burning, allowing perfect caramelization and moisture retention.
- Cheese Melting Technique: Add Parmesan cheese gradually and whisk continuously to prevent clumping, ensuring a smooth, creamy sauce without grainy texture.
- Pasta Timing Matters: Cook pasta just until al dente, as it will continue absorbing sauce after mixing, preventing potential mushiness in final dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 763
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 1000 mg
- Fat: 42 g
- Saturated Fat: 23 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 47 g
- Cholesterol: 165 mg