1. Cook the Pasta

Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta of your choice (fettuccine, spaghetti, or any other pasta) and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, typically about 8-10 minutes for most pasta types.

Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking together. Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining. The pasta water contains starch, which can be used to help thicken the sauce later if needed.

Drain the pasta and set it aside. You can toss the pasta with a little olive oil to prevent it from sticking while you prepare the sauce.

2. Cook the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

While the pasta is cooking, prepare the garlic butter chicken. Start by seasoning the bite-sized chicken pieces with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.

In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes, flipping occasionally to ensure the chicken is browned on all sides and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked.

Once the chicken is cooked through, add the butter and minced garlic to the pan. Stir the garlic into the melted butter and cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the garlic to become fragrant and slightly golden.

Optionally, squeeze in some fresh lemon juice for a bit of brightness to balance the richness of the garlic butter sauce. Once the chicken is fully coated in the garlic butter and the sauce has thickened slightly, remove the pan from the heat and set aside.

3. Prepare the Creamy Parmesan Pasta Sauce

In the same skillet (with the leftover garlic butter from the chicken), melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn the garlic. This will infuse the butter with even more flavor.

Next, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes until it begins to thicken slightly. The sauce should be rich and creamy, with a smooth consistency.

Once the sauce has thickened, add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese melts into the sauce. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

4. Combine the Pasta with the Sauce

Add the cooked pasta to the creamy Parmesan sauce, tossing gently to coat the pasta evenly. If the pasta seems dry, add a little more pasta water to loosen the sauce and make it silkier.

Make sure each strand of pasta is coated in the creamy sauce, and the sauce is evenly distributed. Let the pasta sit in the sauce for a minute or two to absorb some of the creamy goodness.

5. Serve and Garnish

Once the pasta is well coated in the creamy Parmesan sauce, serve it on individual plates. Spoon the garlic butter chicken bites on top of the pasta, ensuring that each serving has a generous amount of both chicken and sauce.

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and added freshness. You can also add extra grated Parmesan cheese on top for a cheesy finish.

Serve your Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta immediately, while the sauce is still warm and velvety. This dish is perfect on its own or paired with a side salad or garlic bread.