Get ready to fall in love with the irresistible comfort of Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta. This dish delivers juicy, golden chicken bites nestled on ribbons of luscious, cheesy pasta, all wrapped up in a silky garlic cream sauce. It’s hearty but elegant, perfect for cozy weeknights or when you want to impress friends with minimal effort. The combination of flavors is pure happiness on a plate—garlicky, savory, and just a little bit decadent. If you’re craving a meal that feels special but is simple enough for busy nights, this one is guaranteed to become your new favorite.

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta lies in its simple yet superstar ingredients. Every component adds something unique—whether it’s creaminess, rich flavor, or a hit of freshness, each ingredient plays an important role in creating an unforgettable dish.

Chicken breasts: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken cut into bite-sized pieces to ensure every bite is tender and cooks quickly.
Olive oil: Adds depth and helps the chicken caramelize for extra flavor.
Butter: Use unsalted so you can control the seasoning—and enjoy that signature rich, nutty taste!
Garlic: Minced fresh cloves transform the sauce with a savory, aromatic backbone.
Italian seasoning: Just a teaspoon brings balanced, herby notes throughout the dish.
Salt and pepper: The classic duo for seasoning—use them generously for the most flavorful chicken.
Pasta: Fettuccine or penne both work beautifully; choose your favorite texture for soaking up the sauce.
Heavy cream: This is what turns your sauce irresistibly creamy and luxurious.
Parmesan cheese: Grated fresh is best, melting into the sauce for real cheesy goodness.
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a gentle warmth, but you can skip it if you prefer mild flavors.
Fresh parsley: A sprinkling of green for freshness, color, and a hint of herbal brightness.

How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Step 1: Prep and Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your pasta and cook until al dente, following the package instructions. Before you drain the water, remember to scoop out about 1/2 cup of that liquid gold—the starchy pasta water will help loosen and unify the final sauce. Set your drained pasta aside, and keep that reserved water handy.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken Bites

While your pasta’s cooking, grab a large skillet and heat up the olive oil with 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Once hot, add in the chicken pieces and give them a generous dusting of salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes, letting each piece turn beautifully golden and cook through. Transfer the chicken to a bowl or plate—don’t wipe the skillet, because all those golden bits are pure flavor!

Step 3: Build the Garlic Butter Sauce

Now, reduce the heat to medium and melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in the same skillet. Toss in your minced garlic and cook for about a minute, just until the air fills with its mouthwatering aroma. Next comes the heavy cream—pour it in and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in your Parmesan (and red pepper flakes if you love a touch of heat), letting the cheese melt and the sauce thicken for 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 4: Toss Pasta and Finish

Add the cooked pasta straight into the skillet, tossing well to coat every strand in that creamy sauce. If the sauce needs loosening, a splash of that reserved pasta water will work wonders. Slide the chicken bites back in, tossing to combine everything into one glorious pan. Let the flavors mingle for another minute or two.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Just before serving, shower your Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta with a handful of chopped parsley. Serve it steaming hot and watch everyone swoon at the sight (and smell) of the finished dish.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Garnishes

A generous sprinkle of fresh parsley instantly brightens the dish, but don’t stop there! Shave a little extra Parmesan on top, add a light lemon zest, or toss on a few extra red pepper flakes for an irresistible finishing touch. These small additions elevate both the presentation and the flavor, making each bite extra special.

Side Dishes

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta pairs perfectly with a side of lightly dressed arugula or a classic Caesar salad to balance the richness of the sauce. Warm, crusty bread is a must—perfect for wiping up every last drop of that incredible creamy sauce. And if you’re feeling a bit more indulgent, roast up some broccoli or asparagus for extra color on the table.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving individual portions in shallow pasta bowls with chicken nestled on top, or swirl the pasta tangle-style for a restaurant-worthy touch. For a family-style meal, pile everything onto a big platter and bring it to the center of the table—everyone can help themselves, creating that communal, comforting feel. If you want to impress, use tongs to twist the pasta into tall, twirled mounds and top each with a few golden chicken bites.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (lucky you), place them in an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta keeps well for up to 3 days, and the flavors actually meld together for an even richer taste the next day.

Freezing

While creamy pasta sauces can be a little tricky to freeze, it’s definitely possible with this recipe. Store cooled portions in freezer-safe containers, making sure to leave space for expansion. The chicken and pasta hold up well, though you may notice a bit of sauce separation upon thawing—nothing a good stir can’t fix!

Reheating

Gently reheat leftovers on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk, cream, or reserved pasta water to revive the sauce. If you’re in a pinch, the microwave works too—just reheat in short bursts and stir between each one to keep the sauce from drying out. Either way, you’ll be back to creamy, dreamy deliciousness in no time.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs stay incredibly juicy and bring a richer flavor to the dish. Just trim any excess fat and cut them into similar bite-sized pieces for even cooking.

Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?

You can swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or even whole milk for a lighter sauce. The final dish will be a bit less rich but still packed with flavor, especially if you stick with good Parmesan and a little extra garlic.

What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?

No worries! Mix a blend of dried basil, oregano, thyme, and parsley to mimic the flavors of Italian seasoning. A pinch of rosemary or marjoram is also a nice addition if you have it on hand.

Can I make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check that your cream and Parmesan are gluten-free (most are). The rest of the recipe stays exactly the same and is naturally nut-free, too.

How can I add vegetables to this dish?

Spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or even a handful of peas tossed into the pasta at the end are all delicious ways to add color and nutrition. Sautéed mushrooms or roasted red peppers also blend in perfectly with the creamy, garlicky sauce.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a dish that nails the trifecta of comfort, flavor, and simplicity, you truly can’t go wrong with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta. Why not treat yourself and your loved ones to a cozy, memorable dinner tonight? Bring this crowd-pleaser to your table—you’ll be amazed how quickly it disappears!

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 18 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Tender garlic butter chicken bites served with creamy Parmesan pasta – a flavorful and satisfying meal perfect for any day of the week.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites:

1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:

8 ounces pasta (fettuccine or penne work well)
1½ cups heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Cook the pasta: Prepare the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, saving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
Sear the chicken: In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the chicken in olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet.
Make the sauce: In the same skillet, sauté garlic in 2 tablespoons of butter, then add cream, Parmesan, and red pepper flakes. Simmer until slightly thickened.
Combine: Toss cooked pasta in the sauce, adding reserved pasta water if needed. Return chicken to the skillet, mix well, and garnish with parsley before serving.