I recently whipped up Garlic Butter Pasta With Chicken that left me smiling. I seared chicken pieces in olive oil and unsalted butter with garlic, then tossed them with pasta drenched in heavy cream, grated Parmesan, and a hint of red pepper flakes. I savored every delightful bite.

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I recently tried making Garlic Butter Chicken Bites With Creamy Parmesan Pasta and it quickly became one of my favorite one pan stove top dinners. I started by seasoning 1 lb of chicken breast pieces with salt and pepper then searing them in olive oil and unsalted butter until they got a nice golden color.

The aroma from the 4 garlic cloves I minced was amazing, adding a punch that totally worked with the dish. While the chicken baked on the stove, I boiled some 8 oz pasta, then tossed it in a rich sauce made from 1 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese and a bit of chicken broth.

I even threw in a dash of red pepper flakes for a small kick. This easy recipe is perfect for beginner meals to cook and offers a fresh twist to classic Chicken Pasta Easy ideas.

Enjoy crafting your very own Garlic Butter Parmesan Chicken dish!

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe because the garlic butter sauce mixed with heavy cream and Parmesan makes every bite feel super indulgent and delicious.

I also love that it comes together so quick, and i don’t have to clean up a million dishes since everything cooks in one pan.

Another thing is that the chicken stays juicy while the pasta soaks up all the flavors from the sauce, making it a comforting meal i can always count on.

Lastly, i like that it uses simple ingredients i probably already have in my kitchen, so it feels like a practical yet fancy dinner all at once.

Ingredients

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Boneless chicken provides lean protein, supporting muscle growth while keeping the dish light.
Olive oil adds heart healthy fats and flavors to enhance the overall taste.
Garlic brings a zesty punch with antioxidants and uplifts the savory profile naturally.
Butter adds rich creaminess and flavor, though you should use it in moderation for balanced health.
Pasta supplies carbohydrates for energy, serving as a comforting base of the meal.
Heavy cream gives a velvety texture and enriches the sauce with luscious creamy decadence.
Parmesan cheese delivers sharp umami flavor and saltiness, perfectly balancing the dish.
Red pepper flakes add a subtle spicy kick that brightens the overall flavor.

Ingredient Quantities

1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces

Salt and pepper to season the chicken

2 tablespoons olive oil

1/4 cup unsalted butter

4 garlic cloves, minced

8 oz pasta (fettuccine or your choice)

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup chicken broth

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

A handful of fresh chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

How to Make this

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1. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.

2. Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat and add the chicken. Cook until its browned and nearly cooked through, then remove it from the pan.

3. Lower the heat a bit and add the butter into the same pan. Let it melt then toss in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Stir for about 30 seconds till fragrant.

4. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine with the garlic butter.

5. Add the dry pasta to the pan. Stir it in so it gets coated in the sauce.

6. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring often so the pasta cooks evenly and doesnt stick.

7. Once the pasta is nearly al dente, add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts and blends into the sauce.

8. Return the chicken back into the pan and let it heat through for about 2 minutes.

9. Taste the sauce and season with more salt and pepper if needed.

10. Garnish with a handful of fresh chopped parsley and serve hot.

Equipment Needed

1. A large pan or skillet that can hold the chicken, sauce, and pasta all in one dish
2. A cutting board and a sharp knife for cutting the chicken and mincing the garlic
3. A set of measuring cups and spoons to accurately add the heavy cream, chicken broth, and butter
4. A stirring spoon to mix the sauce and coat the pasta evenly (a wooden spoon works great)
5. A cheese grater for the Parmesan cheese so it melts smoothly into the sauce
6. A bowl to season and toss the chicken pieces before cooking
7. A pair of tongs for turning the chicken pieces in the pan without breaking them apart

FAQ

Q: Can I use other types of pasta?

A: Sure, you can use any pasta you like. Fettuccine works great, but spaghetti or penne can be awesome too.

Q: How do I know when the chicken is done?

A: The chicken bites should be golden on the outside and cooked through. I usually cook them until they're no longer pink inside, but make sure not to overcook them.

Q: Can I substitute heavy cream for something else?

A: If you're lookin' for a lighter option, you can swap heavy cream with half-and-half. However, the sauce will be a bit thinner and less rich.

Q: What can I do if the sauce turns out too thick?

A: Add a splash more chicken broth or even some pasta water. This helps to loosen it up and brings out the flavor even more.

Q: Is it necessary to use red pepper flakes?

A: No, the red pepper flakes are optional. If you don't like spicy food or just prefer a milder flavor, feel free to leave them out.

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites With Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Chicken: If you can’t find boneless skinless chicken breast, try using chicken thighs. They’re juicier and add a rich flavor.
Butter: If you don’t have unsalted butter, you can use salted butter but you might want to skip adding much salt later.
Heavy Cream: Can use half and half instead, though the sauce will be a bit lighter; coconut cream also works if you like a slight tropical twist.
Chicken Broth: Use vegetable broth or even water with a dissolved bouillon cube if you’re out the real thing.
Parmesan Cheese: In a pinch, aged cheddar or asiago can be a fun substitute for that nutty flavor.

Pro Tips

1. When browning the chicken, be sure to let each side get a nice color. This step really boosts the flavor, so dont rush it even if you’re in a hurry.
2. Keep an eye on the garlic once you add it to the melted butter. It only takes about 30 seconds for that aroma to pop, but if u let it cook too long it can turn bitter.
3. Stir the pasta often as it simmers in the sauce. This helps it cook more evenly and stops it from sticking to the pan. Just be gentle so as not to break the noodles.
4. Finally, always taste the sauce before serving. Sometimes the Parmesan and broth already add salt, so u might not need extra seasoning, but it’s good to check and adjust if needed.

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites With Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Recipe by Toni Baldesera

0.0 from 0 votes

Servings

servings

Calories

815

kcal

Equipment: 1. A large pan or skillet that can hold the chicken, sauce, and pasta all in one dish
2. A cutting board and a sharp knife for cutting the chicken and mincing the garlic
3. A set of measuring cups and spoons to accurately add the heavy cream, chicken broth, and butter
4. A stirring spoon to mix the sauce and coat the pasta evenly (a wooden spoon works great)
5. A cheese grater for the Parmesan cheese so it melts smoothly into the sauce
6. A bowl to season and toss the chicken pieces before cooking
7. A pair of tongs for turning the chicken pieces in the pan without breaking them apart

Ingredients

1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
Salt and pepper to season the chicken
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup unsalted butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
8 oz pasta (fettuccine or your choice)
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
A handful of fresh chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat and add the chicken. Cook until its browned and nearly cooked through, then remove it from the pan.
Lower the heat a bit and add the butter into the same pan. Let it melt then toss in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes if you're using them. Stir for about 30 seconds till fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine with the garlic butter.
Add the dry pasta to the pan. Stir it in so it gets coated in the sauce.
Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring often so the pasta cooks evenly and doesnt stick.
Once the pasta is nearly al dente, add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts and blends into the sauce.
Return the chicken back into the pan and let it heat through for about 2 minutes.
Taste the sauce and season with more salt and pepper if needed.
Garnish with a handful of fresh chopped parsley and serve hot.

Notes

Below you’ll find my best estimate of this recipe’s nutrition facts. Treat the numbers as a guide rather than a rule—great food should nourish both body and spirit. Figures are approximate, and the website owner assumes no liability for any inaccuracies in this recipe.