Parmesan Pasta is a quick and delightful mainstay in my kitchen – a dreamy harmony of juicy garlic butter chicken bites and silkily coated noodles twirling in a cloud of parmesan cream. In under 30 minutes, you’ll have a dinner that feels like a cozy restaurant treat but was surprisingly simple to pull together at home. Whether it’s a weeknight comfort meal or you’re looking for something extra special yet fuss-free, this dish wins hearts (and seconds!) every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s a lovely magic in how a few staple ingredients can transform into something this deeply satisfying. Each element here plays a key role, whether adding savory richness, subtle heat, or that crave-worthy cheesy finish. Here’s exactly what you’ll need, plus a tip for why you don’t want to skip a single one:
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (1 pound): These offer lean, tender bites that soak up the buttery, garlicky goodness and bring protein to the meal.
- Garlic, Minced (4 cloves): The heart of flavor in this dish; use fresh for the deepest, most aromatic results.
- Unsalted Butter (4 tablespoons): Adds luscious richness and marries perfectly with garlic for the ultimate pan sauce.
- Fettuccine or Linguine (8 ounces): Wide, ribbon-like noodles beautifully catch the creamy sauce; choose your favorite for texture.
- Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese (1 cup): Don’t skimp here—grating your own parmesan ensures a silky melt and nutty flavor in every bite.
- Heavy Cream (1/2 cup): Creates that ultra-creamy sauce that transforms pasta night into something indulgent.
- Salt and Pepper to Taste: Essential for highlighting every flavor; season as you go for the perfect balance.
- Fresh Parsley (optional): Sprinkled on top, it adds a fresh green pop and a little herby brightness to finish.
How to Make Parmesan Pasta is a quick and delightful
Step 1: Gather and Prep Your Ingredients
Begin by taking a moment to prep: mince the garlic finely so the flavor permeates the dish, and cut your chicken into even, bite-sized pieces for quick, uniform cooking. This minor bit of organization up front will make your cooking experience so much smoother.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken Bites in Garlic Butter
Heat up half of your butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat so it’s shimmering but not browned. Add in the chicken, letting each little piece sizzle and sear until it’s golden and beautifully cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. This is where those irresistible crispy edges start forming!
Step 3: Add Garlic and Simple Seasoning
Time to stir in the minced garlic, showering the hot skillet so it instantly releases that signature aroma. Season with salt and pepper, sautéing just until the garlic smells sweet and fragrant—less than a minute. This is quick but crucial: you want the garlic to flavor the butter, not take on any bitterness.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Lower the heat a bit, then add in your heavy cream and the remaining tablespoon of butter. Slowly scatter in the freshly grated parmesan, stirring constantly as it melts into a lusciously creamy sauce that’ll hug every strand of pasta. The result will look dreamy, but don’t worry if it seems a touch thick—the pasta water will help later!
Step 5: Cook the Pasta and Bring Everything Together
While your chicken simmers in its sauce, cook your fettuccine or linguine until just al dente—this is key for the final texture. Scoop out a bit of pasta water before draining. Add the drained noodles right into the skillet with the chicken and sauce, loosening with reserved pasta water as needed. Toss everything together until the pasta is gloriously coated. There you have it: Parmesan Pasta is a quick and delightful masterpiece, ready to serve.
How to Serve Parmesan Pasta is a quick and delightful
Garnishes
I absolutely love crowning my steaming bowl with a shower of extra fresh parmesan and a handful of chopped parsley. The cheese melts beautifully into the hot pasta, while the fresh parsley brings a burst of color and a slightly peppery note that balances the buttery richness. A turn of fresh black pepper finishes things with flair!
Side Dishes
Since Parmesan Pasta is a quick and delightful and rather decadent, I often pair it with something light and crisp like a simple green salad with vinaigrette or some roasted broccolini. Warm garlic bread is always welcome, ready to sop up any extra creamy sauce left on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For an extra-special touch, try twirling the pasta onto plates using tongs for a restaurant-style swirl and nestling the golden chicken bites right on top. Serve in shallow pasta bowls to keep the sauce pooled beautifully, or add a drizzle of good olive oil and freshly cracked black pepper to each serving just before bringing it to the table. Either way, Parmesan Pasta is a quick and delightful showstopper every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with a little extra, don’t fret! Let the pasta cool to room temperature first, then transfer to an airtight container. Parmesan Pasta is a quick and delightful meal to enjoy for lunch the next day, and it will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing
Parmesan Pasta is a quick and delightful, but creamy sauces don’t always freeze perfectly—the texture can change as they thaw. If you do freeze, package tightly and thaw slowly in the fridge overnight. Stir in a splash of fresh cream when reheating to bring back a little of that silky texture.
Reheating
For best results, reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream and stirring often until everything is warmed through. The microwave works in a pinch, but reheating on the stove lets you control the texture better so your Parmesan Pasta is a quick and delightful as ever.
FAQs
Can I use pre-grated parmesan instead of fresh?
While you absolutely can, I recommend grating your own if you can manage it—freshly grated parmesan melts more easily and lends a richer, creamier flavor. Pre-grated varieties sometimes have anti-caking agents, which can affect the smoothness of your sauce.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or even whole milk in a pinch, though the sauce will be slightly lighter (and not quite as indulgent). If you do, add a little extra parmesan to help thicken things up and keep your Parmesan Pasta is a quick and delightful.
What type of pasta works best?
Fettuccine and linguine are classic for creamy sauces because their wide surface area soaks up all that delicious creaminess. However, really any pasta shape can work, so don’t hesitate to use what you have on hand!
How can I make it spicier?
If you enjoy a kick, sprinkle in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when you add the garlic to the pan. You can also finish with extra black pepper or a drizzle of chili oil for a bolder, zingy touch.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Sautéed spinach, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes are all fantastic additions. Stir them in towards the end with the pasta for a little extra color, flavor, and nutrition.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason Parmesan Pasta is a quick and delightful dinner I come back to again and again—it’s the kind of meal that feels as warm and welcoming as it is delicious. Give it a try, treat yourself to a weeknight celebration, and I promise you’ll be hooked from the very first creamy, garlicky bite!
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Parmesan Pasta is a quick and delightful Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a quick and delightful dish, featuring tender chicken enveloped in rich garlic butter, perfectly paired with luscious creamy pasta.
Ingredients
For Garlic Butter Chicken Bites:
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
For Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- 8 ounces fettuccine or linguine
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients: Mince garlic and cut chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes.
- Add minced garlic, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in heavy cream and remaining tablespoon of butter; add grated parmesan cheese to create a creamy sauce.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente; reserve some pasta water before draining.
- Combine drained pasta with the chicken and sauce in the skillet, adding reserved pasta water as needed for desired consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 670
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
