Description
Garlic butter chicken bites weave magic through this comforting pasta dish from Southern kitchens. Creamy parmesan sauce and golden chicken pieces create a memorable meal that satisfies hearty appetites.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound (454 grams) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsps cornstarch or flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsps butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
- 8 oz (226 grams) pasta such as cavatappi or penne
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp butter
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Seasoning Preparation: Generously coat chicken pieces with garlic powder, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring uniform coverage.
- Coating Application: Dust chicken with cornstarch or all-purpose flour to create a light, protective layer that guarantees a crispy exterior when cooking.
- Skillet Searing: Heat a blend of unsalted butter and extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, creating an ideal environment for golden-brown chicken.
- Chicken Cooking: Carefully place seasoned chicken into the hot skillet, allowing each side to develop a rich, caramelized crust for 4-5 minutes until reaching an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Aromatic Enhancement: Introduce finely minced fresh garlic to the skillet, sautéing briefly to release intense flavor without burning.
- Pasta Preparation: Simultaneously boil salted water and cook pasta until perfectly al dente, reserving a small amount of starchy cooking water for potential sauce modification.
- Sauce Creation: In the same skillet, melt butter and slowly incorporate heavy cream, allowing it to simmer and develop a luxurious consistency.
- Cheese Integration: Gradually add freshly grated parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce transforms into a smooth, velvety texture.
- Flavor Balancing: Season the cream sauce with additional salt and black pepper to elevate its depth and complexity.
- Final Assembly: Combine cooked pasta with the creamy parmesan sauce, ensuring complete coating, then top with golden garlic butter chicken bites.
- Elegant Finishing: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and optional extra parmesan cheese to add a final layer of sophistication and flavor.
Notes
- Coat Chicken Carefully: Use a light, even layer of cornstarch or flour to create a perfectly crispy exterior without overwhelming the meat’s natural flavor.
- Prevent Garlic Burning: Sauté minced garlic for exactly 60 seconds to release maximum flavor without bitter scorching, which can ruin the entire dish’s taste profile.
- Monitor Cooking Temperature: Maintain medium-high heat to achieve golden-brown chicken without drying out the meat, ensuring each bite remains juicy and tender.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Keep a small amount of starchy cooking liquid to help emulsify and adjust sauce consistency, creating a silky smooth texture that clings perfectly to pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 710
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 45 g
- Saturated Fat: 27 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 37 g
- Cholesterol: 180 mg