Prepare for a culinary journey that combines crispy, golden chicken bites with a luxuriously creamy pasta sauce that will make your taste buds dance! This dish transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal that’s both comforting and elegant. Get ready to experience a perfect balance of crispy chicken, rich sauce, and aromatic garlic that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
For the Garlic Chicken
- 4 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces (500g / 1.1 lbs)
- 4 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- 300g (10.5 oz) pasta (fettuccine, penne, or tagliatelle)
- 200ml (6.8 fl oz) heavy cream
- 100g (3.5 oz) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon whole-grain mustard (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or pasta cooking water
- Fresh basil or parsley leaves for garnish
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Prepare the Golden Garlic Chicken
- Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook chicken for 5-7 minutes until golden brown on all sides.
- Add minced garlic and paprika, cook for 1-2 more minutes.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Create the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain, reserve pasta water.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Sauté minced garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add heavy cream, bring to a gentle boil, then simmer for 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and whole-grain mustard.
- Adjust sauce consistency with chicken broth or pasta water if needed.
- Season with salt and pepper.
3. Assemble the Dish
- Toss cooked pasta in the creamy Parmesan sauce.
- Arrange golden garlic chicken bites on top of the pasta.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition and Serving Details
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Calories: Approximately 550-600 per serving
Why This Recipe is a Culinary Triumph
This dish is more than just a meal—it’s a perfect harmony of textures and flavors. The golden, crispy chicken bites provide a delightful crunch, while the creamy Parmesan sauce offers a rich, velvety backdrop. Packed with protein and bursting with garlic and cheese flavors, it’s a balanced dish that satisfies both comfort food cravings and gourmet expectations.
Pro Tips
- Add sautéed vegetables like spinach or zucchini for extra nutrition.
- Enhance the sauce with a touch of lemon juice or zest.
- Sprinkle toasted pecans or slivered almonds for added crunch.
- Pair with a light green salad to balance the richness.
Bon appétit! Get ready to fall in love with this irresistible chicken and pasta combination.