Garlic Butter Chicken Bites With Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the irresistible combination of garlic butter chicken and creamy Parmesan pasta. Tender, golden-brown chicken bites smothered in rich, garlicky butter pair perfectly with velvety pasta coated in a luscious Parmesan sauce. This dish is pure comfort food at its finest!

this Recipe

I first made this recipe on a whim when I needed a quick, satisfying meal for my family. It turned out to be an instant favorite, requested again and again. Now, it’s one of my go-to weeknight dinners when I want something easy, indulgent, and packed with flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites With Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite dinner recipe. This dish has everything you crave—savory, buttery chicken, creamy pasta, and a touch of garlic goodness in every bite.

First off, it’s incredibly quick and easy to make. You can have this entire meal on the table in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need something delicious without a lot of effort.

It’s also budget-friendly without compromising on flavor. With simple pantry staples like pasta, butter, garlic, and Parmesan, you can create a restaurant-quality meal without spending a fortune.

Plus, it’s versatile! You can switch up the pasta type, add veggies, or even swap the chicken for shrimp. It’s a dish that adapts beautifully to whatever ingredients you have on hand.

And let’s not forget how family-friendly it is. Even picky eaters can’t resist the buttery, cheesy goodness of this pasta, making it a hit with kids and adults alike.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this recipe lies in its simple, flavorful ingredients. Each one plays a key role in creating the perfect harmony of textures and taste.

Chicken – I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs cut into bite-sized pieces. Chicken thighs stay juicier, but breasts work great too if you prefer leaner meat.

Butter & Garlic – These two are the heart of the dish. Unsalted butter gives you better control over the salt levels, while fresh minced garlic infuses the chicken with a rich, savory aroma.

Parmesan Cheese – A good-quality Parmesan makes all the difference in the creamy sauce. Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and smoothest texture.

Heavy Cream – This is what gives the pasta its luxurious creaminess. If you want a lighter version, you can use half-and-half, though the sauce won’t be as thick.

Pasta – I love using fettuccine or penne for this recipe because they hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully. But you can use any pasta you have on hand!

If you have a large skillet or cast-iron pan, it’s perfect for searing the chicken and making sure you get that golden-brown crust while keeping everything juicy.

How To Make This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites With Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Making this dish is a breeze! Follow these simple steps for a meal that tastes like it came straight from a restaurant kitchen.

Start by cooking your pasta according to the package instructions. Be sure to salt the water generously—this is your only chance to season the pasta itself. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining, as it helps loosen the sauce later.

While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add butter and let it melt until it starts to bubble. Toss in the chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of Italian seasoning, and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

In the same pan, add another tablespoon of butter and the minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds, just until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Then pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, letting it melt into a smooth, creamy sauce.

Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen it up. Finally, return the garlic butter chicken bites to the pan, tossing everything together to coat the pasta in that rich, cheesy goodness.

Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and a little extra Parmesan for the ultimate finishing touch.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (which isn’t likely!), this dish stores well and reheats beautifully.

For refrigeration, store the pasta and chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken as it sits, but you can revive it with a splash of milk or cream when reheating.

For freezing, place the cooled pasta and chicken in a freezer-safe container and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a little milk or broth to bring back the creamy texture. You can also reheat it in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until warmed through.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how easily you can customize it to your tastes and dietary needs.

Make it low-carb – Swap the pasta for zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to keep things light while still enjoying all that creamy, garlicky goodness.

Add veggies – Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition. The veggies will absorb the delicious garlic butter sauce, making them even tastier.

Use a different protein – Try this recipe with shrimp, salmon, or even tofu for a fun twist. Shrimp cooks super fast, making this an even quicker dinner option.

Spice it up – If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or drizzle some hot honey over the top for a sweet-spicy contrast.

Lighten it up – Substitute half-and-half instead of heavy cream and use Greek yogurt for a tangy, protein-packed alternative to the sauce.

This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites With Creamy Parmesan Pasta is truly a recipe you can make your own. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find your perfect version of this creamy, garlicky delight!

Now, grab your skillet and get cooking—dinner is about to be amazing!

Print