If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort dinner that’s both quick enough for a weeknight yet special enough to impress, look no further than Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta. This cozy meal brings together juicy, golden chicken bites tossed in plenty of garlic butter, all piled onto silky pasta bathed in a luscious, cheesy cream sauce. One skillet, a handful of everyday ingredients, and about half an hour is all you need to create a restaurant-quality dish that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds!

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta comes from the simplicity of its ingredients. Each component is carefully chosen to layer flavor and create that irresistible creamy, garlicky, and savory finish that makes pasta night unforgettable.

Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breast gives a juicy, tender bite and soaks up all the garlicky goodness.
Garlic Powder: A quick dusting ensures the chicken is seasoned all the way through with a subtle, savory depth.
Paprika: Adds just a touch of color and smoky undertone without overpowering the dish.
Salt & Pepper: Essential for making all the flavors pop—taste as you go!
Olive Oil: Helps get that gorgeous sear on the chicken, with a hint of fruity richness.
Butter: The star of the show, butter creates a silky sauce and infuses both the chicken and the pasta with flavor.
Fresh Garlic: There’s nothing like the kick from real minced garlic infusing every bite with mouthwatering aroma.
Fresh Parsley: Brings a burst of freshness and color for the perfect finish.
Pasta (Fettuccine or Favorite): Long strands are perfect for capturing all that creamy sauce, but any pasta works here.
Heavy Cream: For a sauce that’s dreamy, rich, and coats every noodle beautifully.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is key! It melts into the sauce for unbeatable flavor and smoothness.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): Sprinkle in for a little kick that balances the richness.

How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil and add your pasta. Cook according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside. The key here is to finish the pasta right as your creamy Parmesan sauce comes together—that way everything is hot and ready to serve!

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

While the pasta boils, toss your chicken pieces with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Once shimmering, add the chicken and cook, turning occasionally, for about 5 to 7 minutes until they’re golden and cooked through. A good sear locks in juiciness!

Step 3: Bathe in Garlic Butter

Reduce the heat to medium and add butter and the minced garlic directly into the skillet with the chicken. Stir constantly for 1 to 2 minutes, just until the garlic is soft and fragrant, and every piece of chicken gets coated in a glossy, buttery layer. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and set aside.

Step 4: Whip Up the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

In a separate large skillet or saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just a minute—don’t let it brown! Pour in the heavy cream, bring to a gentle simmer, and whisk in the Parmesan until it’s melted, smooth, and irresistible. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want a bit of spice.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Add your drained pasta directly into the bubbling Parmesan sauce and toss well to coat each strand. Plate up a generous mound of creamy pasta, then top with the still-warm, garlic butter chicken bites. Finish with extra parsley and shower of Parmesan if you’re feeling fancy!

How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Garnishes

Never skip the finishing touches! A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and a final dusting of grated Parmesan cheese on top of Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta adds polish, color, and a herb-fresh pop that balances this rich dish beautifully.

Side Dishes

This recipe is a star all on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or roasted veggies like asparagus, broccoli, or green beans. Some warm, crusty bread is also perfect for mopping up that heavenly creamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special dinner, try twirling the pasta into neat nests and nestling the golden chicken bites right on top. Or, serve family-style from a big, beautiful platter in the center of the table for everyone to help themselves—the ultimate comfort meal for sharing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store your Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch even more delicious!

Freezing

You can freeze the chicken bites and pasta separately in sealed containers for up to two months. For best results, slightly undercook the pasta before freezing so it holds up on reheating—cream-based sauces may separate a bit but whisking while reheating helps bring them back together.

Reheating

To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream to the pasta and warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until hot and creamy again. The chicken bites can be reheated in the same skillet for just a few minutes until piping hot.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs add even more flavor and stay wonderfully juicy. Just trim any excess fat and follow the recipe as written for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta.

What other pasta shapes work well with this recipe?

Don’t feel limited to fettuccine—penne, spaghetti, linguine, or even short shapes like rigatoni are all fabulous for catching that creamy, cheesy sauce.

How do I make this gluten-free?

Just swap the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free alternative. The rest of the ingredients in Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta are naturally gluten-free!

Can I add vegetables?

Go for it! Sautéed spinach, peas, or steamed broccoli can be tossed in with the pasta for added nutrition, color, and variety.

Is there a way to lighten up the sauce?

You can substitute half and half for the heavy cream and use a bit less butter for a lighter yet still creamy sauce. It’s a great way to tailor Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta to your preferences!

Final Thoughts

I can’t encourage you enough to give Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta a spot on your dinner table this week. Whether you’re craving cozy comfort, trying to impress family, or just looking for an easy, flavor-packed dinner, this dish checks all the boxes. Dig in, savor every garlicky, creamy forkful, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your new go-to favorite!

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 28 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in these flavorful Garlic Butter Chicken Bites served over a bed of creamy Parmesan pasta for a satisfying and easy-to-make meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken Bites:

1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon paprika
salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

For the Pasta:

8 ounces fettuccine or pasta of choice
2 tablespoons butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
salt and pepper to taste
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook in a skillet with olive oil until golden brown. Add butter and garlic, then cook until fragrant. Sprinkle with parsley.
Make the Creamy Parmesan Pasta: In a separate skillet, melt butter and cook garlic. Add heavy cream and simmer. Stir in Parmesan until smooth. Season and toss in the cooked pasta.
Serve: Plate the garlic butter chicken bites over the creamy Parmesan pasta. Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan.

Notes

For added flavor, deglaze the chicken pan with a splash of white wine before adding garlic.
You can use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken as a time-saving option.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American