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Easy chicken with creamy pasta

Featured in Heartwarming Main Course Recipes.

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites combined with creamy Parmesan pasta create a delicious and hearty meal perfect for dinner. The dish features tender chicken pieces cooked in garlicky butter and paired with rich, creamy Parmesan pasta seasoned with Italian herbs. Made in just 35 minutes, this recipe is great for weeknight dinners or small gatherings, and it offers flexibility by allowing substitutions like shrimp or tofu for the protein. Serve it garnished with fresh parsley for that extra pop of color and flavor that will impress everyone.
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Rose
Updated on Tue, 11 Mar 2025 16:07:56 GMT
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta Pin it
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta | lovelylifewithrose.com

This indulgent garlic butter chicken and creamy Parmesan pasta combines tender, perfectly seasoned chicken bites with a rich, velvety pasta that's absolutely irresistible. I've perfected this recipe over countless family dinners, striking the perfect balance between the garlic-infused chicken and that heavenly Parmesan sauce.

After countless iterations in my kitchen, this has become my go-to recipe when hosting dinner parties. The way the garlic butter sauce clings to those chicken pieces is simply magical.

Key Ingredients and Selection Tips

  • Chicken breasts: Choose fresh, evenly-sized pieces for consistent cooking
  • Heavy cream: Full-fat is essential for the right sauce consistency
  • Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated only - pre-grated won't melt properly
  • Garlic: Fresh cloves provide superior flavor to pre-minced
  • Pasta: Bronze-cut varieties grip the sauce better
  • Italian seasoning: Look for blends without added salt for better control

Step-by-Step Instructions

Pasta Preparation:
Bring well-salted water to a rolling boil
Cook pasta just until al dente - timing is crucial
Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining
Chicken Excellence:
Season chicken evenly with spices
Heat pan until oil shimmers before adding chicken
Cook in batches to avoid overcrowding
Achieve golden-brown crust before turning
Sauce Creation:
Start with low heat when adding cream
Gradually incorporate Parmesan while stirring constantly
Maintain gentle simmer to prevent separation
Adjust thickness with reserved pasta water

I've noticed my family's energy levels actually improve after enjoying this protein-rich meal, especially my teenage daughter who plays sports.

Serving Suggestions

  • Pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables
  • Add a light side salad for balance
  • Crusty bread is perfect for sauce-soaking
  • Leftovers reheat wonderfully for lunch

This recipe has earned its place in my regular rotation, not just for its incredible flavor but for how it brings my family together at the dinner table. The combination of tender chicken and silky pasta creates a comfort food experience that's both satisfying and sophisticated.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta like penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti based on your preference.
→ Can I substitute the chicken for another protein?
Absolutely! You can use shrimp, tofu, or even beef as a protein substitute.
→ How can I add more flavor to the dish?
You can add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or use fresh herbs like oregano or thyme.
→ Do I need freshly grated Parmesan?
Freshly grated Parmesan is recommended for the best flavor and texture, but pre-grated works too.
→ Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and pasta separately and combine them just before serving.

Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta

Tender chicken bites with creamy Parmesan pasta in a garlic butter sauce.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
35 Minutes
By: Rose

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American-Inspired

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ For the Chicken

01 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
02 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
04 3 cloves garlic, minced
05 1 teaspoon paprika
06 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
07 Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ For the Pasta

08 300 g (10 oz) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
09 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
10 2 cloves garlic, minced
11 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) heavy cream
12 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
13 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
14 Salt and black pepper, to taste
15 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (plus extra for garnish)

Instructions

Step 01

Bring a large pot of water to a boil, season with salt, and cook the pasta as per the package instructions. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 02

In a bowl, mix the chicken pieces with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet on medium heat, then add the chicken. Let it cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Add butter and minced garlic, stir well, and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 03

In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and stir for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and mix. Once it starts simmering lightly, add the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Stir frequently for 2-3 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.

Step 04

Add the freshly cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy Parmesan sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated. Stir in the chopped parsley and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Step 05

Serve the creamy pasta on plates and top each portion with the garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish with extra parsley if desired, and enjoy immediately.

Notes

  1. For an extra kick, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
  2. You can swap chicken for shrimp or tofu to customize this recipe.
  3. Using freshly grated Parmesan cheese enhances the flavor and texture.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet
  • Pot for boiling pasta
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Mixing bowl
  • Strainer or colander

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (contains butter, cream, and Parmesan cheese)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 92
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~