Description
Mediterranean-inspired Lemon & Garlic Chicken Bites with Creamy Rigatoni Parmesan deliver bold flavor in one comforting skillet. Juicy chicken, tangy lemon, and rich parmesan create a perfect harmony that draws diners into a delightful culinary experience.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsps olive oil
- 2 tbsps butter
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsps lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 12 oz (340 g) rigatoni pasta
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsps butter
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional, for extra depth)
- ½ cup reserved pasta water (as needed, to adjust sauce thickness)
- 2 tbsps fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Pasta Preparation: Bring a generously salted water vessel to a rolling boil. Immerse rigatoni and cook until perfectly tender, then carefully drain and reserve.
- Chicken Enhancement: Generously coat chicken morsels with aromatic seasonings, massaging spices thoroughly into the meat. Ignite a skillet with olive oil and butter, searing chicken until achieving a golden exterior and ensuring complete internal cooking.
- Flavor Infusion: Introduce minced garlic into the sizzling skillet, allowing its essence to bloom. Drizzle vibrant lemon juice and scatter zest, gently tossing to distribute flavors evenly. Remove from heat and temporarily set aside.
- Sauce Creation: In the same skillet, melt butter and awaken garlic’s fragrance. Stream heavy cream and chicken broth, whisking to create a harmonious liquid. Allow gentle simmering to develop depth. Incorporate grated Parmesan, seasoning with salt, pepper, and a whisper of nutmeg. Continue stirring until sauce transforms into a luxurious, velvety consistency.
- Final Assembly: Cascade rigatoni into the creamy sauce, ensuring each pasta curve becomes lavishly coated. Artfully arrange pasta on serving plates, crown with succulent lemon-garlic chicken bites. Scatter fresh parsley, delicate basil leaves, and an additional dusting of Parmesan to elevate the presentation.
Notes
- Cook rigatoni just until al dente to maintain a firm texture and prevent mushiness in the final dish.
- Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in flavor and moisture.
- Gradually add Parmesan cheese while stirring constantly to prevent clumping and create a silky, creamy sauce.
- Adjust lemon zest and juice to taste, as citrus intensity can vary depending on the lemons used.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg