Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

If you’re craving a meal that’s packed with bold flavor, comforting textures, and restaurant-quality taste, this Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta recipe is exactly what you need. Juicy, golden-brown chicken bites coated in garlic butter pair perfectly with a rich, creamy Parmesan pasta that’s both elegant and easy to prepare. This one-pan wonder is ideal for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or when you simply want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

 

About This Recipe

This dish combines two classics — buttery garlic chicken and creamy pasta — into one irresistible meal. Each bite of tender chicken is seared to perfection, then tossed in a luscious garlic butter sauce that coats the pasta beautifully. The sauce is infused with Parmesan cheese, creating a silky texture and deep flavor that complements the juicy chicken perfectly. Best of all, it’s made in under 40 minutes using simple, everyday ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

- Quick and easy to make — ready in less than an hour.
- Creamy, savory, and bursting with garlic butter flavor.
- Uses basic pantry ingredients for a restaurant-quality result.
- Comforting, filling, and family-friendly.
- Great for leftovers — reheats beautifully for lunch the next day.

Ingredients

For the Garlic Butter Chicken:
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- 10 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta water for later use.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Bites

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant — be careful not to burn it. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic butter. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the chicken and mix until evenly coated. Remove the chicken from the pan and keep warm while you prepare the pasta sauce.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

In the same skillet, melt another 2 tablespoons of butter. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring constantly. Lower the heat to medium and simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if desired. Continue stirring until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy sauce and toss until the pasta is well coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it. Gently fold the garlic butter chicken bites into the pasta, making sure every piece is covered in the luscious sauce.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Transfer the Garlic Butter Chicken and Parmesan Pasta to a serving bowl or plate. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and an extra dusting of Parmesan cheese for garnish. Serve immediately while hot.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. A side of garlic bread or warm baguette also complements the creamy pasta sauce perfectly. For a refreshing touch, serve with a chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water with lemon.

Tips for Success

- Use fresh garlic: It makes a huge difference in flavor compared to garlic powder.
- Don’t overcook the chicken: Bite-sized pieces cook quickly, so remove them as soon as they’re golden and tender.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan: Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly into the sauce.
- Reserve pasta water: It’s the secret to silky, restaurant-style sauce.
- Double the recipe: This dish reheats well and makes a great meal prep option for busy weeks.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream and warm on the stove over low heat until creamy again. Avoid microwaving too long, as it may dry out the chicken. This recipe also freezes well — store cooled portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Variations

Spinach and Mushroom: Add sautéed mushrooms and spinach to the pasta for extra texture and nutrition.
Bacon Lovers: Crumble cooked bacon over the finished dish for a smoky, salty kick.
Lemon Zest: Add a touch of lemon zest or juice to the sauce for brightness.
Low-Carb Option: Replace the pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a lighter version.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is the perfect marriage of savory, buttery goodness and creamy indulgence. It’s the kind of meal that feels special enough for guests yet simple enough for a weeknight dinner. Every forkful delivers juicy chicken, silky pasta, and the irresistible flavor of garlic and Parmesan coming together in harmony. Once you make it, it’s bound to become one of your most requested family favorites!

Edit This Article