Description
Succulent skillet garlic butter chicken dances with parmesan pasta in a symphony of rich, comforting flavors. Creamy sauce and golden-seared chicken promise a delightful meal that brings Italian-inspired warmth directly to your plate.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound (1 lb) chicken breast, cubed
Dairy and Cheese:
- 4 tablespoons (4 tbsp) butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings and Aromatics:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Pasta:
- 8 ounces (8 oz) pasta (penne or rotini preferred)
- Salt for pasta water
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
Garnish (Optional):
- Fresh basil, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook pasta until tender, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of starchy water for later use.
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat around 350°F. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until aromatic.
- Introduce cubed chicken to the skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring periodically, ensuring chicken reaches golden brown color and internal temperature of 165°F.
- Remove chicken from skillet and set aside. In the same pan, melt remaining butter.
- Pour heavy cream into the pan, stirring consistently. Gradually whisk Parmesan cheese until sauce transforms into a smooth, velvety consistency.
- Adjust sauce seasoning with salt and pepper to personal preference.
- Add cooked pasta to the creamy sauce, thoroughly coating each piece. Incorporate chicken bites and blend well.
- If sauce appears too dense, introduce reserved pasta water incrementally until reaching desired texture.
- Enhance dish by sprinkling fresh basil and additional Parmesan cheese on top.
- Serve hot, immediately after preparation, for optimal flavor and temperature.
Notes
- Ensure chicken is uniformly cubed for even cooking and consistent texture.
- Use room temperature ingredients to help sauces blend smoothly and prevent curdling.
- Pat chicken dry before seasoning to achieve golden-brown crispy exterior when sautéing.
- Customize protein by substituting chicken with shrimp, tofu, or plant-based alternatives for dietary preferences.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 686 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 48 g
- Saturated Fat: 26 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 43 g
- Cholesterol: 160 mg