Garlic Butter Chicken Parmesan Pasta

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta has become my favorite solution when everyone is hungry and I need comfort food on the table fast. Tender chicken seared in garlic butter comes together with silky pasta and just the right punch of parmesan for a meal that feels special but is so easy to pull off even on the busiest nights.

When I tried this for the first time I could not believe how something so fast could taste so indulgent. My youngest asks for these buttery chicken bites every birthday.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Choose firm plump chicken for best texture
• Fresh garlic: Adds a bold punch of flavor Try to use fresh cloves not jarred for brightest taste
• Unsalted butter: Gives a rich base to both chicken and sauce Quality butter helps with the creamy mouthfeel
• Fettuccine or linguine: Either works well for holding the sauce Look for bronze cut pasta for better sauce cling
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated melts into silky sauce Avoid pre-shredded for best texture
• Heavy cream: Makes the sauce rich and luscious A little goes a long way
• Salt and pepper: Season to balance all flavors Use freshly cracked pepper if possible
• Fresh parsley: For a fresh herb finish Choose bright green bunches with no wilting

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep Everything:

Take a few minutes to mince the garlic and cut the chicken into similar sized bite pieces so everything cooks evenly and the garlic is ready to go when needed

Brown The Chicken:

In a large skillet over medium-high heat melt half the butter and add the chicken in a single layer Let it cook undisturbed until the first side is golden then turn pieces so all sides brown and chicken cooks through This usually takes around seven minutes

Infuse With Garlic:

Once chicken is golden add minced garlic directly to the skillet Season with plenty of salt and pepper Stir and let the garlic sizzle for about a minute just until it smells fragrant Do not let it burn

Build The Creamy Sauce:

Lower the heat and pour in heavy cream along with the rest of the butter Add all the grated parmesan Next stir constantly as the cheese melts and combines with the cream and butter to become a smooth sauce

Boil The Pasta:

While chicken cooks get the pasta boiling in a big pot of salted water Cook until just al dente then use tongs or a slotted spoon to lift out pasta reserving a cup of the cooking water

Toss It All Together:

Combine the drained pasta with chicken and sauce right in the skillet Slowly add a little reserved pasta water to adjust sauce to your liking Toss well until pasta is coated and glossy

Garnish and Serve:

Finish with chopped parsley for color and freshness Taste and add extra salt pepper or cheese if you like before serving immediately

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My favorite part is always stirring in the parmesan When we have a family get together I let everyone add a sprinkle of their own cheese to finish It has become a fun tradition at our Sunday lunches

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers transfer them to an airtight container while still slightly warm They keep for up to three days in the fridge For best reheating add a splash of milk or cream and heat gently to revive the sauce

Ingredient Substitutions

You can easily use boneless skinless chicken thighs instead of breast for even more flavor Swap out fettuccine for penne or spaghetti if that is what you have For the creamy element half and half works if you do not have heavy cream Just do not skip the fresh parmesan

Serving Suggestions

This dish is rich and comforting on its own but I like to serve it with a crisp green salad or steamed broccoli Lemon wedges on the side add brightness Or serve over wilted spinach to sneak in more greens for picky eaters

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Cultural Context

Creamy parmesan pasta classics come from Italian American kitchens where comfort food meets easy preparation It is a modern twist on Alfredo or Chicken Scampi and the garlic butter adds a rustic heartiness that reminds me of big homey Sunday suppers

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I keep the chicken juicy?

Cook the chicken on medium-high heat just until golden and cooked through. Avoid overcooking to maintain tenderness.

→ Can I substitute other pasta types?

Yes, fettuccine or linguine work well, but penne or spaghetti are great alternatives for soaking up the creamy sauce.

→ How can I lighten the sauce?

Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or add a splash of reserved pasta water to thin out the sauce while keeping it creamy.

→ What vegetables pair well with this dish?

Steamed broccoli, sautéed spinach, or roasted asparagus complement the buttery, creamy pasta flavors beautifully.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Prepare all components in advance and reheat gently, adding a bit of pasta water or cream to refresh the sauce before serving.

→ Is it necessary to use freshly grated parmesan?

Freshly grated parmesan melts more smoothly and delivers better flavor, but pre-grated will work in a pinch.