Recipes Justalittlebite: The Ultimate Guide to Quick and Delicious Meals
Equipment
- Large skillet or pan For cooking the chicken and sauce
- Pot To boil the pasta
- Wooden Spoon For stirring the sauce
- Chef’s knife For chopping garlic and chicken
- Cutting Board For preparing ingredients
- Measuring Cups & Spoons For accurate ingredient portions
- Grater For grating Parmesan cheese
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp Olive oil Extra virgin
- 2 tbsp Butter Unsalted
- 2 cloves Garlic Minced
- 1 lb Chicken breast Boneless skinless, cut into strips
- 1 tsp Salt Adjust to taste
- ½ tsp Black pepper Freshly ground
- ½ tsp Paprika Optional for added flavor
- 2 cups Heavy cream For a rich creamy sauce
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese Freshly grated
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning Or dried oregano & basil
- 12 oz Pasta Fettuccine or preferred type
- ½ cup Pasta water Reserved from cooking
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley Chopped for garnish
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Sauté the Chicken
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chicken strips, season with salt, black pepper, and paprika, and cook until golden brown and fully cooked (about 5-6 minutes per side).
- Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Make the Garlic Cream Sauce
- In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp butter and minced garlic, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and stir well.
- Add grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, whisking until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Combine Everything
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat it in the sauce.
- Add the cooked pasta and mix well, ensuring every strand is coated in the creamy sauce.
- If needed, add a little reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
Garnish and Serve
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley.
- Serve hot, optionally with extra Parmesan and black pepper on top.
Notes
Recipe Notes:
- Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh garlic, Parmesan, and herbs enhance the flavor significantly.
- Pasta Choice Matters – Fettuccine works best, but you can use linguine, spaghetti, or penne.
- Adjust Sauce Consistency – If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Customize the Protein – Substitute chicken with shrimp, salmon, or tofu for variety.
- Make It Lighter – Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or evaporated milk for a lighter version.
- Storage & Reheating:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream to maintain the creamy texture.