Ingredients
Method
🔪 Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
🍗 Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
- Toss chicken pieces in a bowl with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken and sear for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden and fully cooked.
- Transfer cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.
🧄 Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 4 tbsp butter.
- Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30–60 seconds until fragrant (don’t let it brown).
- Add ½ tsp Italian seasoning and stir well.
🧀 Step 4: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
- Pour in the 1½ cups heavy cream and bring to a low simmer.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese and whisk until fully melted and smooth.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- If the sauce is too thick, stir in a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta water.
🍽 Step 5: Combine and Serve
- Return the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet.
- Toss everything together until evenly coated in the sauce.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra grated Parmesan, if desired.
Notes
🧑🍳 Variations
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce. Veggie-Loaded: Toss in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or cherry tomatoes. Protein Switch: Use shrimp or sliced sausage instead of chicken. Low-Carb Option: Serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. 🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator:
Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Freezer:
Freezing is not recommended for cream sauces, as they can separate. Reheating:
Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. Microwave in short bursts, stirring between rounds. ❓ 10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
You can use whole milk, but the sauce will be thinner. Add a bit of flour or cornstarch to thicken if needed. 2. What pasta shape works best?
Short pasta like penne or rigatoni holds the sauce well, but fettuccine and linguine are also great. 3. Can I use pre-grated Parmesan?
For best results, use freshly grated Parmesan. Pre-grated can cause clumps or a gritty texture. 4. Can I prep this in advance?
Yes! You can cook the chicken and pasta ahead of time. Reheat with the sauce before serving. 5. Is this dish spicy?
Not at all. But you can add spice with chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce. 6. Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely—just use your favorite gluten-free pasta. 7. Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Use a larger skillet or cook in batches to avoid overcrowding. 8. What herbs can I use instead of Italian seasoning?
Try a blend of basil, oregano, thyme, and parsley. 9. Will the sauce thicken as it sits?
Yes. Reheat gently with a splash of cream or pasta water to loosen it. 10. Can I use leftover chicken?
Totally! Just skip the searing step and warm the chicken in the garlic butter before combining. 📝 Conclusion
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta recipe is a weeknight hero—easy to make, rich in flavor, and comforting in all the right ways. It combines the savoriness of seared chicken with a luxuriously creamy, cheesy pasta sauce that clings to every bite. It’s one of those recipes you’ll make again and again, whether you’re feeding picky eaters, impressing guests, or just treating yourself to a little weeknight indulgence. The best part? It’s all done in one pan, making cleanup as easy as the cooking. Want more pasta night inspiration? Explore creamy chicken pasta recipes from Delish for more craveable ideas.
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce. Veggie-Loaded: Toss in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or cherry tomatoes. Protein Switch: Use shrimp or sliced sausage instead of chicken. Low-Carb Option: Serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. 🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator:
Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Freezer:
Freezing is not recommended for cream sauces, as they can separate. Reheating:
Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. Microwave in short bursts, stirring between rounds. ❓ 10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
You can use whole milk, but the sauce will be thinner. Add a bit of flour or cornstarch to thicken if needed. 2. What pasta shape works best?
Short pasta like penne or rigatoni holds the sauce well, but fettuccine and linguine are also great. 3. Can I use pre-grated Parmesan?
For best results, use freshly grated Parmesan. Pre-grated can cause clumps or a gritty texture. 4. Can I prep this in advance?
Yes! You can cook the chicken and pasta ahead of time. Reheat with the sauce before serving. 5. Is this dish spicy?
Not at all. But you can add spice with chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce. 6. Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely—just use your favorite gluten-free pasta. 7. Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Use a larger skillet or cook in batches to avoid overcrowding. 8. What herbs can I use instead of Italian seasoning?
Try a blend of basil, oregano, thyme, and parsley. 9. Will the sauce thicken as it sits?
Yes. Reheat gently with a splash of cream or pasta water to loosen it. 10. Can I use leftover chicken?
Totally! Just skip the searing step and warm the chicken in the garlic butter before combining. 📝 Conclusion
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta recipe is a weeknight hero—easy to make, rich in flavor, and comforting in all the right ways. It combines the savoriness of seared chicken with a luxuriously creamy, cheesy pasta sauce that clings to every bite. It’s one of those recipes you’ll make again and again, whether you’re feeding picky eaters, impressing guests, or just treating yourself to a little weeknight indulgence. The best part? It’s all done in one pan, making cleanup as easy as the cooking. Want more pasta night inspiration? Explore creamy chicken pasta recipes from Delish for more craveable ideas.