Description
A comforting one-skillet meal featuring juicy chicken bites, tender pasta, and a rich garlic Parmesan sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 8 oz dry spaghetti or fettuccine
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp kosher salt, divided
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper, divided
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta cooking water, divided
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the cooking water. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 1/2 teaspoon of the kosher salt, then add the spaghetti or fettuccine. Cook according to the package directions until al dente, usually 8 to 11 minutes.
- Reserve water and drain. Scoop out 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta cooking water before draining. Drain the noodles in a colander, but do not rinse them.
- Season the chicken. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Sprinkle them evenly with the paprika, remaining 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
- Brown the chicken bites. Heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, until golden and centers reach 165°F.
- Cook the garlic. Reduce the heat to medium, add the remaining butter and minced garlic. Stir for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant.
- Build the cream sauce. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the skillet to loosen browned bits. Stir in the heavy cream and remaining black pepper, simmer for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Melt the Parmesan. Lower the heat and gradually sprinkle in the Parmesan, stirring until melted and smooth. Add 1/4 cup reserved pasta water and stir.
- Combine and finish. Return the chicken and its juices to the skillet, add the drained pasta and toss over low heat. Fold in the parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
To add variety, consider using different pasta shapes or adding vegetables like spinach or mushrooms.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 840
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 46g
- Saturated Fat: 24g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 49g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: chicken, pasta, creamy sauce, garlic, family dinner, one-skillet meal