Description
Succulent garlic butter chicken bites dance alongside creamy parmesan pasta in this irresistible comfort meal. Rich flavors and simple ingredients combine for a quick dinner that satisfies hunger and delights senses, leaving you craving every delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 1 pound chicken breast or thighs, cubed
Seasonings:
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Cooking Fats and Aromatics:
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Sprinkle chicken cubes with paprika, salt, and pepper, ensuring even coating.
- In a skillet, combine olive oil and butter over medium heat. Sear chicken pieces until golden and fully cooked, approximately 5-7 minutes at 165°F internal temperature.
- Incorporate minced garlic into the skillet, stirring for 30 seconds to release aromatic flavors. Transfer chicken to a separate plate.
- Prepare pasta in boiling water according to package guidelines, making sure to extract 1/2 cup of starchy cooking liquid before draining.
- Using the same skillet, melt additional butter and quickly sauté fresh garlic until it becomes fragrant and lightly golden.
- Pour heavy cream into the skillet, whisking in reserved pasta water and grated Parmesan cheese until sauce transforms into a smooth, luxurious consistency.
- Introduce cooked pasta into the creamy sauce, gently tossing to ensure complete and even coating.
- Arrange pasta on serving plates, strategically positioning the golden garlic butter chicken bites on top.
- Optional: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant garnish and additional flavor complexity.
Notes
- Swap chicken for tofu or plant-based protein to create a vegetarian version that maintains the rich, creamy flavor profile.
- Toast dried herbs like oregano or thyme in the skillet before adding chicken to enhance the aromatic depth of the dish.
- Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
- Reduce heavy cream calories by substituting half with Greek yogurt or using a lighter cream alternative without compromising texture.
- 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: 450 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg