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I came up with these Buttery Garlic Chicken Chunks with Luscious Parmesan Pasta one night when I wanted something both satisfying and fancy. It's turned into our top pick for a treat-yourself dinner. The way those golden nuggets of chicken shine with buttery garlic while resting on creamy Parmesan pasta makes every bite absolutely wonderful.
What Makes Us Come Back For More
The thing I adore about this meal is how it brings restaurant-quality comfort straight to our dining table. I can throw this together on hectic evenings and still feel like I've created something extraordinary. The mix of buttery garlic and Parmesan brings out flavors that have everyone wanting more.
Your Ingredient List
- Chicken Breasts: A pound chopped into small, even chunks.
- Quality Olive Oil: Just what you need for that beautiful golden color.
- Genuine Butter: Pick unsalted so we can adjust flavoring ourselves.
- Garlic Cloves: Finely chop six juicy ones with care.
- Flavor Boosters: Salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning blend make everything taste amazing.
- Parsley Leaves: They add such nice brightness and color.
- Pasta Of Choice: Fettuccine works great for grabbing all that delicious sauce.
- Thick Cream: Creates that incredibly smooth texture.
- Tasty Chicken Stock: Gives everything a richer flavor.
- Authentic Parmesan: Always grate it fresh in my kitchen.
- More Garlic Butter: Because sometimes extra is exactly right.
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Cooking Steps Breakdown
- Preparing Your Noodles
- Fill a pot with lots of salty water and cook those noodles till they're just right then set them aside for when we need them later.
- Browning Your Chicken
- Heat your largest skillet with some olive oil then watch as those seasoned chicken bits turn beautifully golden brown.
- Creating Flavor Magic
- Toss in your butter and fresh minced garlic filling your kitchen with the most incredible smell imaginable.
- Whipping Up Sauce Goodness
- Fresh garlic meets melted butter again then pour in cream stock and hand-grated Parmesan watching it turn into something gloriously smooth.
- Combining Everything
- Mix those cooked noodles into our velvety sauce top with our buttery garlic chicken and dinner is ready to enjoy.
Best Way To Serve
Bring this dish straight to the table while everything's hot and creamy. We usually add a green salad on the side for some freshness. That last drizzle of garlic butter and sprinkle of fresh parsley makes it look absolutely stunning.
Storing Leftovers
If you end up with extras they'll stay good for a few days in the fridge. Just heat everything slowly either in a pan or with short bursts in the microwave. The sauce stays nice and smooth as long as you warm it up gently.
Customization Ideas
Sometimes I use whatever pasta shapes are hanging around in my cupboard. Swapping chicken for shrimp turns this into something really fancy. A bit of fresh lemon juice makes everything taste brighter and a pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice warmth when we want some kick.
Tips From My Kitchen
I've learned you should always use freshly grated Parmesan it really changes how the sauce turns out. That tiny bit of lemon at the very end truly does lift all the flavors just like professional cooks always say.
Getting Ready Earlier
When I know we've got a crazy evening ahead I often get things ready in advance. The chicken and sauce can be kept apart nicely in the refrigerator. When it's time to eat just boil fresh pasta warm everything up and you're all set.
Great Pairings
A cold glass of white wine or some sparkling water with a lemon wedge makes dinner feel extra special. We can't resist some toasted garlic bread for mopping up sauce and a simple Caesar salad gives such a nice balance.
The Reason It's So Popular
This meal has become my go-to dish for good reason. It's easy enough for regular weeknights but fancy enough when friends come over. The way it mixes creamy comfort with those garlicky chicken chunks makes everyone feel totally spoiled and happy.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I switch pasta types?
- Absolutely, any shape works fine! Use options like spaghetti, penne, or bow ties, and follow the cooking directions on the package.
- → What's a good swap for heavy cream?
- You can go for whole milk or half-and-half! The sauce won't be as rich, but still tasty. Heavy cream is best for a smooth finish.
- → Is it okay to make this ahead of time?
- Sure! Cook the parts separately. Warm the sauce slowly and add a splash of cream or broth if it needs some moisture during reheating.
- → How do I stop the sauce from splitting?
- Use low-to-medium heat and stir nonstop while making the creamy sauce. Adding cheese too fast or cooking it too hot will ruin it.
- → Can I use chicken thighs instead?
- Yes, boneless thighs are perfect and even juicier than breasts! Dice them into equal pieces so they cook evenly.