Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

If you’re looking for a rich, buttery, and creamy dish that comes together quickly, this Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta recipe is exactly what you need! Juicy, golden-brown chicken bites are coated in a delicious garlic butter sauce and served over a creamy, cheesy Parmesan pasta that melts in your mouth. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something comforting yet easy to make.

This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is rich, creamy, and packed with flavor! A quick and easy dinner idea.

Whether you’re a fan of garlic butter chicken, creamy pasta, or both, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings! Plus, it’s made with simple ingredients and can be customized with your favorite seasonings and add-ins.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick & easy – Ready in just 30 minutes!
  • Rich & creamy – A perfect balance of buttery, garlicky chicken and smooth Parmesan sauce.
  • One-pan chicken bites – Less mess and easy cleanup.
  • Customizable – Use different proteins, veggies, or pasta shapes to make it your own.

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

For the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites:
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
  • 8 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti)
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1½ cups heavy cream
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little spice)

Kitchen Equipment Needed

  • Large skillet
  • Medium saucepan
  • Wooden spoon
  • Whisk
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
  2. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining. Set pasta aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
  1. In a bowl, season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 3 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss it in the garlic butter sauce. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
  1. In a separate saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds.
  2. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
  3. Add the Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce thickens.
  4. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Step 4: Combine Everything
  1. Add the drained pasta to the Parmesan sauce and toss until evenly coated.
  2. Serve the creamy Parmesan pasta on plates and top with the garlic butter chicken bites.
  3. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.

Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

  • Use freshly grated Parmesan – Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly.
  • Don’t overcook the chicken – It should be golden brown on the outside and juicy inside.
  • Reserve pasta water – Helps adjust the consistency of the sauce.
  • For extra flavor, squeeze a little lemon juice over the chicken before serving.

Variations & Substitutions

  • Try a different protein – Use shrimp, turkey, or tofu instead of chicken.
  • Swap the pasta – Use penne, rigatoni, or gluten-free pasta.
  • Make it dairy-free – Use coconut cream and dairy-free Parmesan.
  • Add veggies – Spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes would be great additions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Cooking chicken at too high heat – This can burn the garlic before the chicken is done.
  • Not stirring the sauce enough – To prevent the cheese from clumping, whisk continuously.
  • Skipping the seasoning – Proper seasoning enhances the overall dish.

What to Serve with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

This dish pairs well with:

  • Garlic bread – For soaking up the creamy sauce.
  • Steamed broccoli or asparagus – A light side to balance the richness.
  • Simple green salad – A fresh salad with vinaigrette complements the flavors.

How to Store & Reheat Leftovers

  • Refrigeration – Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing – Not recommended, as the creamy sauce may separate.
  • Reheating – Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to restore the sauce’s texture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time, then cook fresh pasta before serving.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. If using milk, add 1 tablespoon of flour to the butter and garlic to help thicken it.

How do I prevent the sauce from separating?
Use low heat when adding the cheese and stir continuously to keep the sauce smooth.

Can I make this spicy?
Absolutely! Add extra red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for heat.

Conclusion

This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a rich, flavorful, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of buttery, garlicky chicken and creamy Parmesan pasta creates a restaurant-quality dish you can make at home.

Try this recipe and let us know how it turned out in the comments! If you loved it, share it with friends and subscribe for more delicious, easy meal ideas.

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Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

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  • Author: Maria
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4
  • Category: Dinner, Pasta
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Description

Juicy garlic butter chicken bites served over a rich, creamy Parmesan pasta—this dish is bursting with flavor! It’s quick, easy, and perfect for weeknights when you want a comforting meal with minimal effort.


Ingredients

Scale
For the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites:
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
  • 8 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti)
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1½ cups heavy cream
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)

Instructions

1️⃣ Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water, cook pasta until al dente, and reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.

2️⃣ Cook the Chicken:

  • Season chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
  • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown.
  • Remove from the pan and set aside.

3️⃣ Make Garlic Butter Sauce:

  • Reduce heat to medium, add butter, and melt.
  • Stir in garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
  • Return chicken to the pan, toss in the butter sauce, and garnish with parsley.

4️⃣ Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:

  • In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
  • Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
  • Add Parmesan, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir until cheese melts.

5️⃣ Combine Everything:

  • Toss pasta in the Parmesan sauce until fully coated.
  • Serve pasta topped with garlic butter chicken bites.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smoother sauce.
  • Don’t overcook the chicken to keep it juicy.
  • Adjust sauce consistency with reserved pasta water.
  • For extra flavor, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken before serving.

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