Garlic Butter Chicken Parmesan Pasta

This garlic butter chicken bites with savory creamy parmesan pasta transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal right in your kitchen. The tender chicken chunks bathed in garlic butter paired with the velvety pasta creates that perfect comfort food experience that satisfies every time.

I first created this dish when my sister dropped by unexpectedly for dinner. With just what I had in the fridge, this creamy pasta was born, and now it's requested at nearly every family gathering we have.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: provide lean protein and create perfect bite sized pieces that cook quickly and evenly
• Fresh garlic: delivers aromatic flavor that forms the foundation of both the chicken and pasta components
• Heavy cream: creates the luxuriously rich sauce texture that coats every strand of pasta perfectly
• Parmesan cheese: adds nutty depth and natural thickening power to the sauce look for freshly grated for best melting properties
• Italian seasoning: brings a balanced herb profile that complements both the chicken and pasta elements
• Fresh parsley: brightens the entire dish with color and a fresh herbal note that cuts through the richness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil before adding your pasta of choice. Cook according to package directions until al dente typically 8 to 10 minutes. The pasta should have slight resistance when bitten into perfect for holding up to the creamy sauce. Reserve a small cup of pasta water before draining in case you need to adjust sauce consistency later.

Season and Cook the Chicken:

Pat chicken pieces completely dry with paper towels to ensure proper browning. Season evenly with paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper making sure each piece is coated. Heat olive oil in a large skillet until shimmering then add chicken in a single layer without overcrowding. Allow pieces to develop a golden crust before stirring about 2 minutes per side. The chicken should reach 165°F internally when fully cooked.

Create the Garlic Butter Finish:

Add butter and minced garlic to the cooked chicken, lowering heat slightly to prevent burning the garlic. Toss continuously to coat each piece in the fragrant garlic butter allowing the flavors to infuse for 1 to 2 minutes. The garlic should become aromatic but not brown. Transfer chicken to a clean plate and tent loosely with foil to keep warm.

Prepare the Creamy Sauce:

Using the same skillet with all those flavorful chicken bits, melt butter over medium heat then add fresh garlic cooking just until fragrant about 30 to 45 seconds. Pour in heavy cream while whisking to incorporate any browned bits from the pan bottom these contain concentrated flavor. Allow cream to come to a gentle simmer not boiling before stirring in Parmesan in small handfuls to ensure smooth melting.

Combine and Finish:

Add drained pasta directly to the thickened sauce tossing gently but thoroughly to ensure every strand is coated. If sauce seems too thick add small splashes of reserved pasta water. Fold in fresh parsley and taste for seasoning adding more salt and pepper as needed. Return chicken to the skillet nestling pieces throughout the pasta or arrange on top for presentation.

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The Italian seasoning is actually my secret weapon in this recipe. My grandmother always kept a jar of her homemade blend by her stove, and I follow her tradition. The balanced herbs elevate the simplest ingredients to something truly special.

Perfect Pairings

This creamy pasta dish pairs beautifully with light sides that balance its richness. A simple arugula salad dressed with lemon juice and olive oil provides the perfect peppery contrast to cut through the creamy sauce. The bright acidity refreshes your palate between bites of the rich pasta.

Make Ahead Options

While best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare components ahead of time to streamline dinner prep. Cook and season the chicken bites up to a day ahead and refrigerate them separately from the pasta. When ready to serve, simply warm the chicken in a skillet while preparing the fresh pasta and sauce. This approach maintains the ideal texture while saving precious minutes during dinnertime rush.

Ingredient Substitutions

This recipe welcomes adaptations based on what you have available. For a lighter version substitute half and half for heavy cream though the sauce will be slightly thinner. Chicken thighs can replace breast meat for juicier results with more flavor. Plant based alternatives work surprisingly well with firm tofu or chickpeas taking center stage for vegetarians. The versatility of this dish makes it perfect for using whatever ingredients you have on hand.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use different pasta shapes for this dish?

Yes, absolutely! While the original suggests penne or fettuccine, any pasta shape works well with this creamy sauce. Shorter shapes like rotini or farfalle catch the sauce nicely, while longer shapes like linguine or spaghetti offer a different texture experience. Choose based on your preference or what you have available.

→ How can I make this dish lighter?

To create a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream (though the sauce won't be as thick). You can also reduce the butter amounts, use part-skim mozzarella alongside the Parmesan, and increase the ratio of pasta to sauce. Adding extra vegetables like spinach, peas, or broccoli will add volume and nutrients without extra calories.

→ Can I prepare components of this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can meal prep certain elements. Cook and season the chicken bites up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate them. The pasta can be cooked al dente, tossed with a little oil to prevent sticking, and refrigerated. When ready to serve, prepare the cream sauce fresh, then combine with the pre-cooked pasta and chicken, heating everything through together.

→ What sides pair well with this chicken and pasta dish?

This rich dish pairs beautifully with light, acidic sides to balance the creamy elements. Consider a crisp green salad with vinaigrette dressing, roasted asparagus or broccolini, garlic bread for sauce-dipping, or a simple tomato and cucumber salad. For wine pairing, try a light Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio to complement without overwhelming the flavors.

→ How should I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to revitalize the sauce as it tends to thicken when cold. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Microwave reheating works too, but use medium power with frequent stirring for best results.

→ Can I freeze this dish?

Cream-based pasta dishes generally don't freeze well as the sauce can separate and become grainy when thawed. If you must freeze it, store the chicken and pasta separately. When reheating, prepare a fresh small batch of cream sauce to bring everything back together. For best quality, consume frozen portions within 1-2 months.