Description
Scrumptious roasted Ina Garten chicken with buttered noodles emerges as a comforting classic from her Barefoot Contessa kitchen. Classic ingredients blend seamlessly, while home cooks can savor this simple yet elegant meal that delivers warmth on any evening.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (453 g) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 8 oz (226 g) small pasta shells
- ½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) salted butter
- 2 tsps garlic, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp chicken bouillon powder
- 2 tsps chicken bouillon powder
- ¼ cup (25 g) parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish (optional)
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- parsley, for garnish
- salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Seasoning Preparation: Blend onion powder, salt, black pepper, and sweet paprika in a mixing bowl, creating a robust flavor profile for the chicken.
- Chicken Searing: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then carefully place seasoned chicken cubes to develop a golden-brown crust, cooking 8-10 minutes and rotating midway to ensure even cooking and reaching 165°F internal temperature.
- Pasta Cooking: Bring salted water to a rolling boil, add chicken bouillon powder, and cook pasta shells until al dente, reserving some cooking liquid before draining.
- Sauce Creation: In the same pot, melt butter, incorporate chicken bouillon powder and minced garlic, then gradually introduce reserved pasta water to create a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Final Assembly: Reintroduce pasta shells and parmesan cheese, gently tossing to combine flavors and adjust sauce consistency as needed.
- Serving: Plate pasta, top with seared chicken, garnish with fresh parsley and an additional sprinkle of parmesan cheese, serving immediately to preserve optimal temperature and texture.
Notes
- Seasoning Strategy: Mix spices thoroughly to ensure each chicken cube gets maximum flavor infusion and even coating.
- Searing Technique: Let chicken develop a golden-brown crust without moving too frequently, which locks in moisture and creates deeper taste profiles.
- Pasta Water Magic: Reserve cooking liquid as a secret weapon for creating silky, restaurant-quality sauce that binds ingredients seamlessly.
- Temperature Control: Use medium-high heat for chicken searing and monitor internal temperature to guarantee perfectly cooked, juicy meat without drying out.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 40 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg