Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Delight (Print version)
Juicy garlic butter chicken bites tossed with penne in a creamy parmesan sauce. A 30-minute weeknight dinner that tastes like restaurant comfort food.
# Ingredients:
For the chicken
01 -
1 lb (450 g) boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
02 -
1/2 tsp garlic powder
03 -
1/2 tsp paprika
04 -
Salt and black pepper
05 -
2 tbsp olive oil
For the creamy parmesan pasta
06 -
12 oz (340 g) penne pasta
07 -
4 tbsp unsalted butter
08 -
5 cloves garlic, minced
09 -
1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
10 -
1/2 cup (50 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
11 -
1/4 cup (60 ml) reserved pasta water
12 -
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
# Instructions:
01 -
Toss the chicken with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4 to 5 minutes, turning once, until golden and cooked through. Remove to a plate.
02 -
Cook the penne in a large pot of well-salted boiling water until just shy of al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water, then drain.
03 -
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
04 -
Lower the heat to medium-low. Pour in the heavy cream and add the parmesan a small handful at a time, stirring until smooth. Add pasta water a tablespoon at a time if the sauce is too thick.
05 -
Return the chicken and drained pasta to the skillet. Fold everything together until glossy and coated. Remove from the heat, sprinkle with parsley, and serve immediately.
# Good to know:
01 -
Best served immediately while the sauce is silky.