Garlic Butter Chicken Parmesan Pasta

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is that dinner you turn to when you want pure comfort without a ton of fuss. Tender chicken bites soaked in garlicky butter get tossed onto a bed of seriously creamy Parmesan pasta—the kind of meal that always gets requests for seconds.

This dish first came together when I had leftover chicken and an urgent craving for something cheesy. Since then I have made it for my best friend’s birthday and even my picky niece always begs for more chicken bites.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: sliced small for faster cooking and better flavor absorption
• Olive oil: gives the chicken bites a golden sear and helps prevent sticking choose extra virgin for richness
• Fresh garlic: grated or finely chopped infuses both the chicken and pasta with bold aroma and sharpness
• Dried Italian seasoning: brings herbs and subtle warmth if possible use one with real basil and oregano
• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper: keep the flavors balanced always taste and adjust as needed
• Butter: for browning the chicken and making the sauce it deepens flavor
• Pasta: try classic penne fettuccine or whatever shape you love just cook until barely tender for the perfect bite
• Chicken broth: helps build up a savory base for the creamy sauce aim for a low sodium version to control seasoning
• Heavy cream: thickens the sauce to silky perfection use full fat for best results
• Parmesan: grated fresh melts beautifully into the sauce creating a velvety blanket of flavor use real Parmigiano Reggiano if you can
• Fresh parsley: adds color and brightness scatter it on right before serving for a pop of freshness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Pasta:

Bring salted water to a rolling boil and add your favorite pasta cooking it just until al dente or slightly firm this protects the pasta from becoming mushy later drain but save a splash of the cooking water to adjust sauce texture

Sear the Chicken Bites:

Heat olive oil in a big pan over medium high until shimmering scatter bite sized chicken pieces evenly do not crowd or they steam season with salt Italian seasoning and pepper let them get golden for about five minutes flip only when they release easily stir in butter and garlic cooking a minute more to infuse every piece with flavor transfer chicken out onto a plate to rest

Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:

Use the same pan with all its tasty browned bits touch of butter and minced garlic go in stir just till aromatic pour in chicken broth and heavy cream stirring to meld flavors gently heat until the sides start to bubble reduce to low and stir in Parmesan until smooth add cooked pasta tossing so strands are coated if the sauce is too thick stir in a spoonful or two of reserved pasta water until glossy

Assemble the Dish:

Tumble the chicken bites over the creamy pasta and toss or keep them arranged on top if you fancy presentation scatter over fresh parsley and get ready for applause at the table

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Storage Tips

Once cooled leftovers keep well in a sealed container in the fridge for two to three days Reheat gently with a splash of cream or milk in a skillet If freezing separate pasta and chicken for best texture warm slowly to keep sauce from splitting

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap chicken for turkey breast or even peeled shrimp for something different If you like more green try stirring in spinach at the end Any pasta works just watch cook time For lightening it up sub half and half for cream and cut butter in half

Serving Suggestions

This is a meal on its own but crusty bread makes it extra comforting A side salad of arugula with lemon sets off the richness beautifully Try roasted broccoli or asparagus if you want vegetables on the table

Pasta with Chicken in Italy

While creamy chicken pasta is more Italian American than old world you will find many Italian families love their pollo alla crema and make cheesy chicken pasta for celebration nights It is a dish perfect for bringing everyone together

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I keep chicken bites juicy?

Use medium-high heat to quickly sear the chicken, locking in moisture. Do not overcook; remove from heat as soon as pieces are cooked through.

→ Can I substitute the heavy cream?

Yes, use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter sauce, though the result will be less rich and creamy than with heavy cream.

→ Which pasta shapes work best?

Penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti complement the creamy sauce well, though most sturdy shapes can be used depending on preference.

→ How do I prevent the pasta sauce from becoming too thick?

Reserve pasta water and add a splash as needed to reach the desired sauce consistency while tossing with the noodles.

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead?

The chicken and pasta can be cooked in advance, but for best texture and flavor, assemble and toss them together just before serving.