Description
Garlic butter chicken bites dance deliciously with creamy parmesan pasta, creating a comforting meal that blends Italian-inspired flavors and rich textures. Succulent chicken pieces nestled in silky pasta promise a satisfying dinner that will quickly become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cubed (454 grams)
Seasonings and Spices:
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Cooking Fats:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the seasoning blend by mixing salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian herbs. Evenly coat chicken cubes with the spice mixture.
- Heat a skillet with butter and olive oil over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until aromatic.
- Introduce seasoned chicken cubes to the skillet. Cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even golden browning and complete internal cooking.
- Remove chicken and set aside. In the same skillet, melt additional butter and briefly sauté fresh garlic.
- Pour heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet. Whisk in parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and velvety.
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions. Before draining, reserve one cup of pasta water.
- Incorporate pasta into the creamy parmesan sauce, using reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
- Plate the creamy pasta and top with golden garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finish.
Notes
- Enhance chicken flavor by marinating cubes in seasoning for 15-30 minutes before cooking for deeper taste penetration.
- Control sauce thickness by gradually adding reserved pasta water, creating a silky texture that coats pasta perfectly.
- Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for lighter version, maintaining creamy consistency while reducing calories.
- Adapt recipe for gluten-free diets by using alternative pasta like chickpea or zucchini noodles and ensuring seasonings are gluten-free certified.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg