Quick Description
This Golden Garlic Butter Chicken with Velvety Parmesan Penne is pure comfort food done right. Juicy, golden chicken bites are cooked in rich garlic butter, then paired with tender penne coated in a silky Parmesan cream sauce. It’s creamy without being heavy, indulgent without being complicated, and perfect for family dinners or special nights when you want something restaurant-worthy at home.
Servings & Timing
Servings: 4–5
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: ~45 minutes
Ingredients List
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
- 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
Creamy Parmesan Penne
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
Optional Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook penne according to package instructions until al dente.
Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken
Season chicken cubes with paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add butter and let it melt.
Add chicken in a single layer and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
Add minced garlic and sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Parmesan Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium.
Add butter and garlic, sautéing gently for 30 seconds.
Pour in heavy cream and stir well.
Bring to a gentle simmer (do not boil).
Add Parmesan cheese gradually, stirring constantly until smooth and velvety.
Season with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce is too thick.
4. Combine Everything
Add cooked penne to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
Return the garlic butter chicken to the skillet and gently mix until everything is well combined and heated through.
5. Serve
Remove from heat.
Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.
Serve immediately while creamy and hot.
Texture & Taste
- Golden, juicy chicken bites
- Rich garlic-butter flavor
- Smooth, creamy Parmesan sauce
- Perfectly coated, tender pasta
Nutrition (Approx. per serving)
- Calories: 620–680
- Protein: 42–46g
- Carbs: 45–50g
- Fat: 32–36g
- Fiber: 2–3g
Why This Recipe Works
✔ Garlic butter adds deep flavor to chicken
✔ Cream + Parmesan creates a silky sauce
✔ One-pan sauce for easy cleanup
✔ Balanced comfort without being greasy
Benefits
- High-Protein: Chicken breast keeps it filling
- Family-Friendly: Mild, creamy flavors everyone loves
- Customizable: Easy to add veggies or spice
- Restaurant-Quality at Home
Additional Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting
- Do not boil the cream — keep heat gentle
- Cut chicken evenly for uniform cooking
Recipe Variations & Add-Ins
Variations:
- Add spinach or broccoli for extra greens
- Use shrimp instead of chicken
- Swap penne for fettuccine or rigatoni
Extra Flavor Ideas:
- Add lemon zest for brightness
- Stir in sun-dried tomatoes
- Finish with cracked black pepper
Dietary Info
- High-Protein: Yes
- Comfort Food: Yes
- Low-Carb Option: Use zucchini noodles
- Gluten-Free Option: Use GF pasta
Storage & Make-Ahead
- Refrigerate: Up to 3 days in airtight container
- Reheat: Gently on stovetop with a splash of cream or milk
- Freezing: Not recommended (cream sauce texture changes)
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes — they’ll be even juicier, just cook a bit longer.
Can I make it lighter?
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce cheese slightly.
Why is my sauce grainy?
Heat may be too high or cheese added too fast — keep heat low.
Optional Personal Note
This is one of those meals that feels like a hug in a bowl. Creamy, garlicky, and comforting — it’s the kind of dinner everyone asks for again.
