If you’re looking for a quick, comforting, and flavor-packed dinner, Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is the perfect choice. Garlic Butter Chicken Bites combines tender, juicy chicken bites tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce with a velvety Parmesan-infused pasta that will satisfy any craving.
With its blend of savory garlic, butter, and Parmesan cheese, this dish offers the perfect balance of richness and comfort. Best of all, it’s easy to make in under 40 minutes, making it a fantastic weeknight dinner option. Whether cooking for the family or preparing a cozy meal for yourself, Garlic Butter Chicken Bites guarantees bold flavors and creamy textures that will elevate your meal.
Packed with protein-rich chicken, aromatic garlic, and creamy Parmesan pasta, this dish is a crowd-pleaser. The buttery garlic sauce coats the chicken pieces perfectly, creating a depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with the luscious pasta. If you love restaurant-style creamy chicken pasta, this homemade version is even better!
Let’s dive into why Garlic Butter Chicken Bites is a must-try and how you can make it perfectly every time.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
1. Quick and Easy to Make
This entire dish can be made in less than 40 minutes—perfect for busy weekdays or when you need a delicious meal without hours of prep.
2. Rich and Creamy Flavor
The combination of buttery garlic, tender chicken bites, and creamy Parmesan pasta ensures every bite is flavorful and comforting.
3. Perfect for Meal Prep
Make extra portions of this dish, and enjoy leftovers for lunch. The creamy Parmesan sauce reheats well, making it a go-to meal prep option.
4. Family-Friendly Comfort Food
Kids and adults alike love the creamy, cheesy pasta paired with tender chicken. This dish is a guaranteed favorite among all age groups.
5. Customizable and Versatile
You can easily tweak Garlic Butter Chicken Bites based on your preferences whether using different pasta shapes, adding veggies, or making it spicier with a little heat.
Ingredients for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Here’s what you’ll need to make this rich and comforting dish:
For the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika (for added color and slight smokiness)
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- 8 ounces fettuccine or pasta of choice
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
- 1 cup reserved pasta water (for adjusting sauce consistency)
Optional Garnishes:
- Freshly chopped parsley
- Extra grated Parmesan
- Red pepper flakes for spice
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to bring this dish together beautifully.
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Bites
- Season the cubed chicken with salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
- In a large pan, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer.
- Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
- In the same pan, pour in the heavy cream over medium heat.
- Add garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to combine flavors.
- Gradually whisk in grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce.
- Slowly add the reserved pasta water, stirring continuously to achieve the perfect creamy consistency.
Step 4: Combine Everything Together
- Toss the cooked pasta into the creamy Parmesan sauce, stirring well so that every strand is coated.
- Add the garlic butter chicken bites back into the skillet and stir to combine.
- Simmer for 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
- Add red pepper flakes for spice, if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy every creamy, garlicky, and buttery bite!
Expert Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
1. Don’t Overcook the Chicken
For the juiciest and most tender chicken bites, cook them on medium-high heat and avoid overcooking. This keeps them moist inside and crispy outside.
2. Use Freshly Grated Parmesan
Pre-grated Parmesan contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy. Use fresh Parmesan cheese for the best smooth and creamy texture.
3. Adjust the Sauce Consistency
If the sauce is too thick, slowly add reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. This helps create a silky finish.
4. Sauté Garlic in Butter for Maximum Flavor
To get the most out of the garlic flavor, sauté it in butter just before adding the cream. This enhances the taste and prevents bitterness.
5. Let the Pasta Sit for a Minute Before Serving
Allowing the dish to rest for a minute or two helps the sauce cling better to the pasta, creating an ultra-creamy bite each time.
Variations
1. Make It Spicy
Add extra crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give the dish a spicy kick.
2. Add Vegetables
Stir in spinach, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or broccoli for an extra boost of nutrition and color.
3. Use Different Protein Options
Swap the chicken for shrimp, salmon, or even tofu for a different but equally delicious variation.
4. Swap the Pasta
Fettuccine works great, but you can also use penne, rigatoni, or linguine for a fun twist.
5. Make It Lighter
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the butter for a lighter version of the dish.
Serving Suggestions
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta pairs well with:
- Garlic bread – Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- Side Salad – A fresh green salad with balsamic dressing balances the richness.
- Roasted Vegetables – Serve with roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts.
- A Glass of Wine – A crisp white wine like Chardonnay pairs beautifully with this creamy dish.
FAQ
Can I Use Pre-Cooked Chicken?
Yes! If using pre-cooked chicken, simply toss it in garlic butter to reheat before adding it to the pasta.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes! Cook the chicken bites and pasta separately and combine with reheated sauce when ready to serve.
How Do I Reheat This Dish?
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to restore the creamy texture.
Conclusion
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is an irresistible combination of savory garlic butter chicken and rich, velvety Parmesan pasta that’s quick, easy, and absolutely delicious. Whether you’re craving a comforting weeknight meal or an impressive dish for guests, this recipe guarantees satisfaction.
Try it out today and let us know how much you loved it! Happy cooking!
Print
Easy Recipe for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a quick and comforting meal, featuring tender, juicy chicken bites tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce, paired with a creamy Parmesan-infused pasta. Ready in under 40 minutes, it’s the perfect dish for busy weeknights or a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
For the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- 8 ounces fettuccine or pasta of choice
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup reserved pasta water (for adjusting sauce consistency)
Optional Garnishes:
- Freshly chopped parsley
- Extra grated Parmesan
- Red pepper flakes
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions.
- Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Bites
- Season the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove chicken from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
- In the same skillet, pour in the heavy cream over medium heat.
- Stir in garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Gradually whisk in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Slowly add reserved pasta water while stirring to reach the desired creamy consistency.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Toss the cooked pasta in the creamy Parmesan sauce, coating evenly.
- Add the garlic butter chicken bites back to the skillet and mix well.
- Simmer for 1-2 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.
- Add red pepper flakes for extra spice if desired.
Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smoother, creamier sauce.
- Adjust the sauce consistency with reserved pasta water as needed.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat on low heat with a splash of milk or pasta water to maintain creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: ~550
- Sugar: ~2g
- Sodium: ~750mg
- Fat: ~35g
- Saturated Fat: ~18g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: ~40g
- Fiber: ~2g
- Protein: ~32g
- Cholesterol: ~120m