Description
Succulent garlic butter chicken bites nestle perfectly atop creamy parmesan pasta in this irresistible dish. Mediterranean flavors merge with classic comfort, inviting you to savor each delectable bite of this hearty, restaurant-quality meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (454 g) chicken breast, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsps (45 ml) unsalted butter
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare a pot of generously salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Cook pasta until perfectly tender yet firm, typically 8-10 minutes at high heat. Carefully extract 1/2 cup of starchy cooking liquid before draining pasta thoroughly.
- Cube chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces. Generously coat with paprika, salt, and freshly cracked pepper. Heat a skillet over medium-high temperature, allowing butter to melt and become slightly foamy.
- Sear chicken pieces until golden brown and crisp, approximately 4-5 minutes per side. Midway through cooking, introduce minced garlic, stirring quickly to prevent burning. Transfer chicken to a separate plate once fully cooked.
- Without cleaning the skillet, reduce heat to medium-low. Add fresh butter, then pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Whisk continuously while incorporating grated Parmesan cheese until sauce transforms into a smooth, velvety consistency.
- Season sauce with additional salt and pepper, adjusting flavors to taste. Introduce cooked pasta directly into the creamy mixture, gently tossing to ensure complete coating. Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce thickness if needed.
- Return crispy chicken bites to the skillet, nestling them atop the creamy pasta. Gently mix to warm chicken and integrate flavors. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley for a vibrant finishing touch.
- Plate immediately while sauce remains warm and glossy, serving directly from the skillet for maximum appeal and temperature retention.
Notes
- Achieve golden-brown chicken by patting meat dry before seasoning, ensuring a crispy exterior without excess moisture.
- Customize heat levels by adjusting paprika or adding red pepper flakes for those who enjoy spicier dishes.
- Control sauce thickness by gradually adding reserved pasta water, creating a silky texture that perfectly coats noodles.
- use gluten-free pasta, plant-based butter, and dairy-free cream alternatives for versatile meal preparation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 7200 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0.2 g
- Protein: 31 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg