Indulge in the comforting flavors of tender chicken bites sizzling in a rich garlic butter sauce, paired perfectly with creamy Parmesan pasta. This dish strikes a delightful balance between savory and creamy, making it an ideal choice for a cozy weeknight dinner that satisfies both the palate and the soul.
Whether you are craving a hearty meal or aiming to impress guests with an effortless yet impressive plate, this chicken pasta delivers on all fronts. The garlic-infused butter gently coats each piece of chicken and pasta, creating a luscious texture and vibrant aroma that fills your kitchen with warmth.
- The combination of garlic butter and creamy Parmesan pasta elevates simple ingredients into a rich, flavorful meal.
- Quick and easy preparation makes it perfect for busy weeknights without compromising taste or quality.
- Customizable with different proteins or pasta shapes to suit your preferences and dietary needs.
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Tender and lean chicken cut into bite-sized pieces for perfect weeknight cooking and easy eating.
- Olive oil: Adds subtle fruitiness and helps sear the chicken evenly in the skillet for a golden crust.
- Unsalted butter: Provides a rich, creamy base that enhances the garlic flavor and smooths the sauce texture.
- Garlic cloves: Minced fresh garlic injects robust aroma and essential savory notes into both the chicken and the sauce.
- Paprika: Adds a mild smoky flavor and vibrant color, complementing the garlic seasonings perfectly.
- Garlic powder: Boosts the garlic depth, layering flavors in the chicken seasoning mix.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the natural flavors and balance the richness.
- Pasta (penne or fettuccine): Your choice of pasta shape that holds the creamy sauce beautifully and adds satisfying texture.
- Heavy cream: Creates the luscious, velvety base of the sauce that envelops the pasta with indulgent flavor.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, nutty richness that melts into the creamy sauce for a classic Italian-inspired taste.
- Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs enhancing the sauce with savory complexity.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped parsley adds a bright, herbaceous freshness and vibrant color as a finishing touch.
Instructions
- Cook the pasta to al dente
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Properly cooked pasta provides the perfect texture that holds the sauce nicely without becoming mushy. Drain and set aside to keep warm.
- Season and cook the chicken bites
Pat the chicken pieces dry and season them evenly with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. This technique ensures juicy, flavorful bites with a lovely seared exterior.
- Infuse chicken with garlic butter
Add unsalted butter and minced garlic to the skillet with chicken, stirring to coat every piece. The garlic butter enriches the chicken with deep savory notes and a silky finish. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to meld the flavors before removing the chicken from the pan and setting aside.
- Create the creamy Parmesan sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in heavy cream and gently simmer to combine. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, cooking until the sauce thickens slightly—this step develops a rich, velvety texture perfect for coating the pasta.
- Toss pasta in sauce and add parsley
Add the cooked pasta directly to the creamy sauce in the skillet, tossing gently to ensure every strand is coated. Stir in chopped fresh parsley for a burst of freshness and season with salt and pepper to taste. This melding process integrates flavors beautifully.
- Plate and serve with garlic butter chicken bites
Serve the creamy Parmesan pasta on plates and top generously with the garlicky butter-coated chicken bites. Garnish with extra parsley for color and freshness. Serve immediately to enjoy the dish at its warm, creamy best.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the richest flavor and smoothest sauce texture.
- Adjust seasoning carefully, especially salt, as Parmesan cheese adds salty notes.
- Adding red pepper flakes during sauce preparation gives a delightful spicy kick to balance the richness.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat with a splash of cream or water to restore the creamy texture without drying out the chicken.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chicken pasta alongside a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal. A glass of crisp white wine pairs beautifully to complement the creamy and savory flavors.
- Pat chicken dry before seasoning to promote even browning and prevent steaming.
- Use medium heat when cooking garlic to avoid burning, which can cause bitterness.
- Finish the sauce with fresh parsley right before serving to preserve its bright color and flavor.
FAQs
- Can I use a different type of protein instead of chicken?
Yes, shrimp or tofu are great alternatives that absorb the garlic butter flavor well and cook quickly.
- What type of pasta works best?
Penne, fettuccine, or any pasta with ridges or shape to hold creamy sauce work perfectly in this dish.
- Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free butter and cheese alternatives to keep it creamy and flavorful.
- Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook the chicken and pasta in advance and store separately, then quickly reheat and assemble when ready to serve.
- How do I prevent the sauce from being too thick or thin?
Simmer gently and stir frequently to achieve the desired consistency. Adjust by adding more cream for thinner sauce or cooking longer for thicker results.
- What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?
Mix dried basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary as a substitute to replicate the herb blend.
Chicken Pasta Garlic Butter
Equipment
- 1 large pot for boiling pasta
- 1 large skillet for cooking chicken and sauce
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
- 3 cloves garlic minced (divided)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 10 oz pasta penne, fettuccine, or choice
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley plus extra for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- Season the chicken with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken for 5-7 minutes until golden and cooked through, stirring occasionally.
- Add 2 tablespoons butter and 3 cloves minced garlic to the skillet. Stir to coat chicken and cook for another 1-2 minutes, then remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt remaining butter over medium heat. Add 2 cloves minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and stir to combine. Simmer gently, then add Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning.
- Cook sauce for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until it thickens slightly.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to evenly coat with sauce. Stir in chopped parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve pasta topped with garlic butter chicken bites and garnish with extra parsley. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Add red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu for variation.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and texture.
