A fast, comforting pasta dish with juicy chicken bites, garlic butter sauce, and tender

 pasta. Ready in about 30 minutes.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Pasta

• 8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
• Water + salt for boiling

Garlic Butter Sauce

• 4 tbsp butter
• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp chili flakes (optional)
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley
• Extra parmesan for serving

Instructions

Step 1 — Cook the Pasta

1. Bring salted water to a boil.
2. Cook pasta until al dente.
3. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
4. Drain and set aside.

Step 2 — Cook the Chicken

1. Season chicken with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Cook chicken 6–8 minutes until golden and fully cooked.
4. Remove and set aside.

Step 3 — Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

1. Lower heat to medium.
2. Melt butter in the same skillet.
3. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Stir in chicken broth and cream.
5. Add parmesan and whisk until smooth.
6. Add chili flakes if using.

Step 4 — Combine

1. Add pasta and chicken back to the skillet.
2. Toss until coated.
3. Add reserved pasta water if needed.
4. Garnish with parsley and extra parmesan.

Serve hot.

Nut Information

This recipe does not contain nuts naturally.

However, always check packaged ingredients for allergy warnings:

• Parmesan cheese
• Pasta
• Chicken broth
• Seasoning blends

Possible cross-contamination may occur in manufacturing facilities.

To Make Nut-Free Safely

• Use certified nut-free parmesan and broth if cooking for someone with severe allergies.
• Avoid pesto add-ins unless verified nut-free.

Nutrition (Approx. Per Serving)

Serves 4

• Calories: 540
• Protein: 35g
• Carbs: 36g
• Fat: 28g
• Fiber: 2g

Values vary by pasta and cheese used.

Q & A

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes. Boneless chicken thighs work great and stay extra juicy.

Can I make it lighter?

Yes:

• Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream
• Reduce butter
• Use less cheese

What pasta works best?

• Penne
• Rotini
• Fettuccine
• Linguine

Can I add vegetables?

Yes:

• Spinach
• Mushrooms
• Broccoli
• Sun-dried tomatoes

How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Can I freeze it?

Cream sauces can separate slightly after freezing, but it is still usable. Freeze up to 2 months.

How do I reheat it?

Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or broth.

Is this spicy?

No. Chili flakes are optional.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free pasta and verify broth/seasonings are gluten-free.

What can I serve with it?

• Garlic bread
• Caesar salad
• Roasted vegetables
• Steamed broccoli

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes. Rotisserie chicken works well for a faster version.