Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a match made in food heaven! Juicy, golden-brown chicken bites cooked in garlic butter are paired with a creamy Parmesan pasta for a meal that’s indulgent, comforting, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or whipping up a cozy weeknight dinner, this dish is guaranteed to impress!

Ingredients Overview
For the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites:
- Chicken Breast (1.5 lbs): Cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking. Chicken thighs are a great alternative for extra juiciness.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): The key to bold and savory garlic butter flavor.
- Unsalted Butter (3 tablespoons): Creates a rich and flavorful base for the chicken.
- Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): Helps prevent the butter from burning during cooking.
- Paprika (1 teaspoon): Adds a touch of smokiness and beautiful color.
- Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning the chicken.
- Fresh Parsley (chopped, for garnish): Adds brightness and a pop of color.
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- Pasta (12 oz): Fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne work wonderfully.
- Heavy Cream (1 1/2 cups): The base of the rich, creamy sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese (1 cup, freshly grated): Adds nutty, cheesy goodness to the sauce.
- Chicken Broth (1 cup): Enhances the sauce’s flavor while balancing its consistency.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Adds another layer of garlicky goodness to the pasta sauce.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): Helps create the silky-smooth texture of the sauce.
- Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): Enhances and balances the creamy flavors.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to the package instructions (about 8–10 minutes). Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
2. Prepare the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
- Season the chicken pieces with paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken bites in a single layer and cook for 4–5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if needed.
- Add the minced garlic and the remaining tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Toss the chicken to coat it in the garlic butter. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in the heavy cream and cook for 2–3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Combine the Pasta and Sauce
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy Parmesan sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
5. Assemble and Serve
- Plate the creamy Parmesan pasta and top with the garlic butter chicken bites.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips and Tricks
1. Perfectly Cooked Chicken Bites
- Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden sear.
- Cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can cause steaming instead of browning.
2. Customize the Sauce
- Make it Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
- Add Veggies: Toss in sautéed spinach, steamed broccoli, or roasted cherry tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Use Different Cheeses: Swap Parmesan for Pecorino Romano or Asiago for a different flavor profile.
3. Adjust the Sauce Consistency
- Use the reserved pasta water to thin out the sauce as needed. This starchy water helps the sauce cling to the pasta.
Serving Suggestions
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is hearty and satisfying on its own, but you can elevate the meal with:
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for mopping up the creamy sauce.
- Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta.
- Roasted Vegetables: Asparagus, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts make excellent sides.
Storage and Leftovers
1. Refrigeration:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
2. Reheating Tips:
- Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
- Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between to prevent the sauce from separating.
3. Freezing:
- Cream-based sauces don’t freeze well, as they can separate when thawed. However, you can freeze the cooked chicken bites separately for up to 2 months.
FAQs
Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
A: Yes! If you’re short on time, pre-cooked chicken can be used. Toss it in the garlic butter to infuse it with flavor before serving.
Q: What type of pasta works best?
A: Fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne are excellent choices, but feel free to use whatever pasta you have on hand.
Q: Can I make this dish gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! Use gluten-free pasta and ensure that the chicken broth and Parmesan cheese you’re using are gluten-free.
Conclusion
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is the ultimate comfort meal, combining tender chicken, a rich, cheesy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner yet indulgent enough for a special occasion.
Try this recipe tonight and let us know how it turned out! Don’t forget to tag your creations with #GarlicButterChickenPasta to share the love. Happy cooking!
Print
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing, Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Description
-
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a match made in food heaven! Juicy, golden-brown chicken bites cooked in garlic butter are paired with a creamy Parmesan pasta for a meal that’s indulgent, comforting, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or whipping up a cozy weeknight dinner, this dish is guaranteed to impress!
Ingredients
For the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites:
- 🐔 Chicken Breast (1.5 lbs, cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 🧄 Garlic (4 cloves, minced)
- 🧈 Unsalted Butter (3 tablespoons)
- 🛢️ Olive Oil (1 tablespoon)
- 🌶️ Paprika (1 teaspoon)
- 🧂 Salt and Black Pepper (to taste)
- 🌿 Fresh Parsley (chopped, for garnish)
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- 🍝 Pasta (12 oz, such as fettuccine or penne)
- 🥛 Heavy Cream (1 1/2 cups)
- 🧀 Parmesan Cheese (1 cup, freshly grated)
- 🍲 Chicken Broth (1 cup)
- 🧄 Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
- 🧈 Butter (2 tablespoons)
- 🧂 Salt and Black Pepper (to taste)
Instructions
-
Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, drain, and set aside. -
Prepare the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites:
- Season chicken with paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and cook for 4–5 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through.
- Add garlic and the remaining butter. Toss chicken in garlic butter, then remove from skillet and set aside.
-
Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Sauté garlic until fragrant (1–2 minutes).
- Add chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in heavy cream and cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
-
Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Toss cooked pasta with the Parmesan sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen it. -
Assemble and Serve:
Plate the creamy pasta and top with garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, add red pepper flakes or cayenne to the sauce.
- Add sautéed spinach, broccoli, or cherry tomatoes for extra vegetables.
- Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.