Description
Savor the rich flavors of these Indulgent Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites paired perfectly with al dente rigatoni pasta, all coated in a creamy, garlicky Parmesan sauce. This quick and comforting dish is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner that feels gourmet yet is simple to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 pound Chicken Breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (for seasoning)
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper (for seasoning)
- 1 teaspoon Paprika (adjust based on spice preference)
Sauté and Sauce
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (for sautéing)
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (key for creamy sauce)
- 3 cloves Garlic (freshly minced)
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (for rich base)
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated)
Pasta and Garnish
- 8 ounces Rigatoni Pasta (can substitute with penne)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and pat dry with paper towels. Season thoroughly with salt, black pepper, and paprika to infuse flavor.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil and unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot and butter is melted, add the chicken bites. Sear each side for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Cook Pasta: In a separate pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add rigatoni pasta and cook until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
- Make Garlic Cream Sauce: Return skillet to medium heat and melt remaining butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Stir in heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine Ingredients: Gently fold the cooked rigatoni and seared chicken into the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce, ensuring the pasta and chicken are fully coated.
- Serve: Plate the cheesy garlic butter chicken bites with rigatoni immediately. Garnish generously with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese for a burst of freshness and flavor.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if it becomes too thick.
- For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes with the garlic.
- You can substitute rigatoni with penne or any similar pasta shape.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and melting properties.
- Make sure not to burn the garlic while sautéing to avoid bitterness.
