High-Protein Dinner | Family Comfort Food | Easy Weeknight Meal

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Honey Garlic Chicken Bites is the ultimate comfort food recipe that combines tender, caramelized chicken pieces with rich, velvety parmesan cream sauce pasta. It’s perfect for busy weeknight dinners, high-protein meal prep, or even a restaurant-style homemade dinner that feels gourmet but is surprisingly easy to make.

If you’re searching for easy chicken pasta recipes, creamy garlic parmesan sauce, or high-protein family dinners, this dish delivers bold flavor and satisfying texture in every bite.

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Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Honey Garlic Chicken:

• 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 3 cloves garlic (minced)

• ¼ cup honey

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon butter

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• Salt & black pepper to taste

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• Fresh parsley for garnish

For the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta:

• 12 oz spaghetti or fettuccine

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 4 cloves garlic (minced)

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

• ½ cup pasta water (reserved)

• Salt & black pepper to taste

• Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes

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Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil pasta in salted water until al dente.

2. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.

Step 2: Make the Honey Garlic Chicken

1. Season chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.

2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

3. Cook chicken until golden and caramelized (about 6–8 minutes).

4. Add butter and minced garlic; sauté 30 seconds.

5. Stir in honey and soy sauce. Let simmer until sauce thickens and coats chicken beautifully.

6. Remove from heat and garnish with parsley.

Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce

1. In a large pan, melt butter over medium heat.

2. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.

3. Pour in heavy cream; simmer 3–4 minutes.

4. Stir in parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.

5. Add reserved pasta water gradually to loosen sauce.

6. Toss pasta in sauce until fully coated.

Plate pasta alongside the honey garlic chicken bites and garnish with extra parmesan and parsley.

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Nutrition & Meal Prep Benefits

• High-Protein Meal Option: Chicken breast provides lean protein for muscle growth.

• Comfort Food Upgrade: Homemade sauce avoids processed jar sauces.

• Perfect for Meal Prep: Stores well for 3–4 days refrigerated.

• Great for Entertaining: Restaurant-style presentation at home.

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Frequently Asked Questions (High-Search Food Topics)

1. Can I make this recipe healthier?

Yes. Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or evaporated milk. Use whole wheat pasta for added fiber.

2. Can I use chicken thighs instead?

Absolutely. Chicken thighs provide more flavor and juiciness.

3. How do I make it low-carb?

Replace pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower mash for a keto-friendly dinner option.

4. Why is my parmesan sauce grainy?

Use freshly grated parmesan and cook on low heat to avoid separating.

5. Can I turn this into a one-pot pasta recipe?

Yes. Cook pasta directly in the sauce with extra broth for fewer dishes.

6. What side dishes pair well?

Garlic bread, roasted vegetables, Caesar salad, or steamed broccoli complement this dish perfectly.

7. Can I freeze leftovers?

The chicken freezes well, but cream-based sauces may separate. Reheat gently with added milk.