Description
Succulent garlic butter chicken bites mingle with creamy parmesan pasta in this irresistible comfort dish. Home cooks can easily craft this delightful meal that brings Italian-inspired flavors to weeknight dinners while satisfying hungry families.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3–4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup (118 ml) unsalted butter
- 4–5 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese (to taste)
- 8 oz (226 g) long pasta (spaghetti or fettuccine)
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare a spacious skillet and gather cooking tools for an efficient meal preparation.
- Activate medium heat and introduce half the butter into the skillet, allowing it to melt smoothly.
- Add minced garlic and swirl, releasing aromatic flavors for approximately 1-2 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper, ensuring even distribution of seasoning.
- Carefully place seasoned chicken into the hot skillet, creating a golden sear on each side within 5-7 minutes.
- Incorporate remaining butter and additional minced garlic, letting ingredients meld together for 3 minutes.
- Gradually stream heavy cream into the skillet, whisking continuously while sprinkling parmesan cheese to create a velvety, cohesive sauce.
- Simultaneously cook pasta in boiling water according to package directions, maintaining al dente texture.
- Reserve one cup of starchy pasta water before draining the pasta completely.
- Transfer pasta directly into the skillet, gently folding chicken and sauce to ensure thorough coating.
- If sauce appears thick, introduce reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency and enhance flavor integration.
- Plate immediately, garnishing with fresh herbs or additional parmesan for an elegant presentation.
Notes
- Customize chicken cuts by using chicken breasts, thighs, or tenders depending on personal preference and texture desired.
- Enhance flavor depth by marinating chicken in garlic, herbs, and olive oil for 30 minutes before cooking for more intense taste profile.
- Reduce calories by substituting heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half for a lighter sauce without compromising creamy texture.
- Accommodate gluten-free diets by using alternative pasta like zucchini noodles, chickpea pasta, or gluten-free pasta varieties.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg