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Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta has been the answer to countless busy weeknights when I want maximum comfort with minimal fuss. Juicy chicken and tender pasta tossed in a velvety parmesan sauce melt together for a family favorite that feels special but is secretly outrageously easy.
I whipped this up on a whim for my cousin’s last-minute visit one evening. The empty plates told me we were onto something new and delicious.
Ingredients
- Chicken breast, cubed: Choose fresh boneless chicken for the juiciest bites
- Pasta (penne or rotini): Short shapes hold sauce best and cook quickly
- Butter: Adds a rich savory base. Always opt for real unsalted butter for depth
- Garlic, minced: Look for plump firm cloves for the best aroma
- Heavy cream: Gives luscious creaminess. Use high-quality cream for smooth sauce
- Parmesan cheese, grated: Freshly grated melts better and has brighter salty flavor
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Freshly cracked pepper adds subtle bite
- Fresh basil, for garnish: Adds color and freshness. Use leaves with vibrant color and no bruising
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Cook your pasta in well salted boiling water until just al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving half a cup of cooking water in case you need to loosen the sauce at the end.
- Brown the Chicken and Garlic:
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. When it foams, add the minced garlic for thirty seconds until aromatic. Add the cubed chicken in a single layer and cook for six to eight minutes, turning so all sides get golden and the chicken is cooked through.
- Create the Sauce:
- Lower heat to medium low. Pour in the heavy cream to the skillet and whisk in the grated parmesan. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy and coats the back of a spoon. Season with salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked pasta directly into the creamy sauce. Toss with tongs until every piece is coated. If sauce seems thick, loosen with a splash of reserved pasta water.
- Serve and Garnish:
- Spoon pasta into bowls and top with more parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh torn basil for a fragrant finish.
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My niece loved helping to grate the cheese, and everyone at the table wanted seconds. Sharing this pasta together made an ordinary weeknight feel like an occasion.
Storage Tips
Let the pasta cool and transfer to airtight containers. It keeps well in the fridge up to three days. Reheat with a splash of cream or milk in a pan over low heat so the sauce becomes silky again. Freezing is not recommended since cream sauces can turn grainy from thawing.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can switch chicken for shrimp or diced turkey. For the pasta try fusilli or farfalle if you like. For a lighter twist use half and half rather than full heavy cream. Swap basil for parsley if that is what you have on hand.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this pasta on its own for a rich meal. For a fresh note pair with lemony roasted broccoli or garlicky green beans. My family loves it with warm crusty bread to mop up every last bit of sauce.
History of the Dish
Garlic butter pastas are inspired by rustic Italian home cooking, bringing together simple staples for maximum satisfaction. The parmesan cream sauce is reminiscent of traditional Alfredo but with extra garlic for boldness. My friends say it tastes like something you would order at a cozy trattoria.
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Enjoy every bite of this creamy garlic butter chicken pasta. It is quick, family-approved, and makes any meal feel like a celebration.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What kind of pasta works best for this dish?
Penne or rotini hold creamy sauces well, but fettuccine or rigatoni are also delicious choices.
- → Can I use pre-grated Parmesan cheese?
For the best flavor and creamy melting, freshly grated Parmesan is recommended over pre-grated varieties.
- → How do I achieve golden chicken bites?
Cook chicken in hot butter, avoid crowding the pan, and allow pieces to brown undisturbed before turning.
- → Is it possible to substitute heavy cream?
You can swap with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but it may be less rich and creamy.
- → What herbs pair well for garnish?
Fresh basil adds brightness, but parsley or chives also provide a tasty herbal lift.