Description
Garlic butter chicken bites with creamy parmesan pasta bring irresistible Italian comfort right to your dinner table. Juicy chicken morsels nestled in a rich, velvety sauce promise a delightful meal that will satisfy hungry appetites and spark culinary joy.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Coating:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Butter and Seasoning:
- 1/4 cup butter
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley
Pasta and Sauce:
- 12 ounces pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Boil pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside, reserving a small amount of pasta water for potential sauce adjustment.
- Mix flour, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish, thoroughly coating chicken pieces until evenly dusted with seasoned flour mixture.
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, carefully adding flour-coated chicken pieces and cooking for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally to achieve golden brown exterior and ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Remove chicken from skillet, keeping warm, and reduce heat to medium-low to prevent garlic from burning.
- Quickly sauté minced garlic in remaining skillet drippings for 30-45 seconds until aromatic but not browned.
- Pour heavy cream into skillet, gently stirring and allowing sauce to simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened and reduced.
- Incorporate Parmesan cheese, whisking continuously to create smooth, creamy consistency, and season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Return chicken bites to skillet, gently coating with creamy sauce and allowing flavors to meld for 1 minute.
- Add cooked pasta directly into skillet, tossing carefully to ensure even sauce distribution, using reserved pasta water if needed to adjust sauce consistency.
- Plate immediately, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley and serving while hot for optimal flavor and texture.
Notes
- Coat chicken thoroughly in seasoned flour for a crispy, golden exterior that locks in moisture and adds extra flavor.
- Use room temperature ingredients like butter and cream to ensure smooth, even sauce consistency and prevent curdling.
- Customize protein by swapping chicken with shrimp, tofu, or plant-based alternatives for dietary preferences or restrictions.
- Add red pepper flakes or cayenne for a spicy kick, or include roasted vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini to boost nutritional value.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 683 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 376 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 22 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 135 mg