There's nothing quite like the comforting aroma of garlic butter wafting through your kitchen on a busy evening. This recipe for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta delivers bold, savory flavors in every bite, perfect for family dinners or a cozy night in.
I discovered this dish during one of those "what's in the fridge?" moments, and it's since become a household favorite. Juicy chicken bites coated in a buttery garlic sauce, paired with a rich, creamy Parmesan pasta—what's not to love? Let’s dive in and get started!
Why You'll Love This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites With Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Get ready to fall head over heels for this simple yet satisfying recipe. It’s the perfect balance of indulgence and ease, making it a standout in your weeknight meal rotation.
First, this dish is incredibly quick to make, coming together in just about 30 minutes. It's ideal for busy nights when time is of the essence but you still want something homemade and delicious.
The recipe is also budget-friendly, using affordable pantry staples like pasta, Parmesan, and garlic. You can feed a family of four without breaking the bank.
One of the best features of this recipe is its versatility. Whether you add a handful of spinach, swap out the chicken for shrimp, or go gluten-free with alternative pasta, it’s endlessly adaptable to your preferences.
Finally, the flavors are absolutely irresistible. The combination of buttery garlic, juicy chicken, and creamy Parmesan sauce will have everyone at the table reaching for seconds.
Ingredients Notes

This dish shines because of its simple yet carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating layers of flavor and texture.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work perfectly for this recipe. Cut them into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking and even seasoning.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is key here. Its aroma and flavor are the heart of the garlic butter sauce, so don’t skimp!
Butter: Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness of the dish. It creates a rich, silky base for the sauce that coats the chicken beautifully.
Parmesan Cheese: Go for freshly grated Parmesan if possible. Pre-grated varieties often lack the same bold flavor and creamy texture.
Pasta: Fettuccine or spaghetti work best for this recipe, but feel free to use whatever pasta you have on hand.
You’ll also need a large skillet for cooking the chicken and a medium saucepan for preparing the pasta and sauce.
How To Make This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites With Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Making this dish is simple, and the results are absolutely worth it. Let’s break it down step by step.
Start by cooking your pasta according to the package instructions. Be sure to reserve about a cup of pasta water before draining—it’s a key ingredient for the sauce.
While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil and let it get nice and hot. Toss your chicken bites, seasoned with salt, pepper, and a pinch of Italian seasoning, into the pan. Cook them until golden brown and fully cooked, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add a generous amount of butter. Once melted, stir in minced garlic and let it cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add a splash of the reserved pasta water and stir, scraping up any browned bits for extra flavor.
Now, whisk in heavy cream and a handful of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat it evenly in the sauce. If needed, adjust the consistency with more reserved pasta water.
Finally, return the chicken bites to the skillet, tossing them with the pasta and sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley or extra Parmesan, and serve immediately. The total cooking time is about 30 minutes, making this a quick and satisfying meal.
Storage Options
If you have leftovers (though it’s hard to imagine!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
When reheating, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to restore the creamy consistency of the sauce. Heat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave to avoid overcooking the chicken.
For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken bites and pasta separately. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is wonderfully versatile, so feel free to get creative with it.
Swap the chicken for shrimp or scallops to turn it into a seafood dish.
For a veggie-packed version, add spinach, broccoli, or roasted cherry tomatoes to the pasta.
If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or evaporated milk.
Gluten-free pasta works just as well, so everyone can enjoy this dish regardless of dietary needs.
Experiment with spices and herbs to suit your palate. A dash of smoked paprika or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a delightful kick.
No matter how you customize it, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. So grab your skillet and start cooking—you’re going to love this comforting, flavorful dish!
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Garlic Butter Chicken Bites With Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a delicious, comforting meal perfect for weeknights. This recipe combines tender chicken bites infused with garlic butter and a creamy, cheesy pasta. Easy to make, full of flavor, and family-approved!
Ingredients
For the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites:
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- 8 oz pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until golden brown.
- Add butter and garlic to the skillet. Sauté until garlic is fragrant and chicken is fully cooked. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Prepare the Pasta:
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
- Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Simmer on low until the sauce thickens. Add reserved pasta water as needed to adjust consistency.
- Combine and Serve:
- Toss the cooked pasta in the sauce until well coated. Plate the pasta and top with garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish with parsley and crushed red pepper flakes if desired.
Notes
- Swap chicken for shrimp or tofu for variety.
- Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option.
- Add spinach or mushrooms to the sauce for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 580mg
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