1. Gather and prepare all ingredients: Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, mince garlic, chop parsley, and measure all ingredients for smooth execution.
2. Cook the penne pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, cook the pasta until al dente, and reserve ½ cup of pasta water. Drain and set aside.
3. Season and sear the chicken: Season the chicken bites with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat avocado or olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
4. Sauté garlic: Lower the skillet’s heat to medium and melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
5. Prepare the creamy cheesy sauce: Add heavy cream to the skillet, stirring gently. Incorporate Parmesan cheese and, if desired, cream cheese. Stir continuously to melt the cheese into a smooth sauce. Adjust thickness with reserved pasta water or chicken broth if needed.
6. Toss penne pasta with the sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors, adding more pasta water if necessary.
7. Add the chicken bites to the skillet: Return the seared chicken bites to the creamy pasta mixture. Gently fold and simmer for 2 minutes to warm the chicken and absorb the sauce.
8. Garnish and serve: Transfer the pasta with chicken bites to serving plates or a dish. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve warm and enjoy your comforting meal!