🍋 Lemon & Garlic Chicken Bites with Creamy Penne Parmesan Pasta 🧀

Treat your taste buds and nourish your body with a dish that's perfect for a family dinner or impressing guests at your next gathering!

🍽️ Ingredients 🍽️

**For the Creamy Penne Parmesan Pasta:**
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
- Lemon wedges for serving

**For the Lemon Garlic Chicken Bites:**
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 3 cloves garlic, minced

🧑‍🍳 Directions 🧑‍🍳

1. **Marinate the Chicken**: In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice and zest, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken pieces and stir until well coated. Allow to marinate for at least 15 minutes.
2. **Prepare the Pasta**: Fill a large pot with water, season with salt, and bring to a boil. Cook the penne pasta as per the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. **Cook the Chicken**: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and golden brown. Remove from skillet and keep warm.
4. **Create the Sauce**: Using the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and simmer gently. Stir in Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper, cooking until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
5. **Combine and Serve**: Add the cooked penne and chicken bites back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat evenly. Serve the pasta and chicken garnished with chopped parsley and accompanied by lemon wedges.

🍎 Nutritional Information 🍎

Per serving:
- Calories: 785
- Carbohydrates: 62g
- Protein: 44g
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 21g
- Cholesterol: 165mg
- Sodium: 610mg
- Fiber: 3g

💡 Tips and Tricks 💡

- For an extra zesty flavor, add more lemon zest to the pasta before serving.
- If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute half of the heavy cream with chicken broth.
- Make sure to not overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.

⏳ Preparation time ⏳

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Serving: 4