Name: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 teaspoon paprika; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 12 oz pasta of choice (fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti); 1 cup heavy cream; ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning; ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

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If you’re craving a dinner that’s both comforting and impressive—but secretly easy enough for any weeknight—let me introduce you to Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta. Imagine juicy, golden chicken bites sizzling in rich garlic butter, then tossed with a luxuriously creamy Parmesan sauce and perfectly cooked pasta. This dish is pure magic on a plate: it’s cozy, flavorful, and destined to win over anyone lucky enough to dig in. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or even a special guest, this is the kind of meal that brings everyone running to the table.

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

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of my favorite things about Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is how simple the ingredient list is—yet every component is essential to the final flavor. Each one brings a special touch, from the golden sear on the chicken to the creamy, cheesy finish that ties it all together.

Chicken breast: Go for boneless, skinless chicken breasts for lean, juicy bites that cook up quickly.
Olive oil: Adds a fruity richness and helps give the chicken a beautiful golden crust.
Unsalted butter: Divided to add both flavor and silkiness to the chicken and sauce.
Garlic: Four cloves ensure the dish is fragrant and savory—don’t skimp!
Paprika: Lends warm color and gentle smokiness to the chicken.
Salt and black pepper: The essential seasoning duo for every layer.
Pasta of choice: Fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti all work beautifully—pick your favorite shape.
Heavy cream: The secret to that luscious, velvety sauce.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Melts smoothly and gives the sauce its signature nutty flavor.
Italian seasoning: A classic blend that infuses the dish with aromatic herbs.
Red pepper flakes (optional): For a gentle kick of heat—add as little or as much as you like.
Chopped fresh parsley: A bright, fresh garnish that makes the final dish pop.

How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a boil, then cook your chosen pasta according to the package directions. Make sure you don’t overcook it—al dente is perfect, since the pasta will spend a couple more minutes in the sauce. Once it’s ready, drain it and set it aside. This step sets the stage for the creamy, cheesy goodness that’s about to come.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

While your pasta is bubbling away, grab your bite-sized chicken pieces and sprinkle them with paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss them well to make sure every piece is coated—this is where all that beautiful flavor (and color) begins! Seasoning the chicken before cooking helps lock in the taste with every bite.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken Bites

Heat olive oil and one tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the butter is just melted and sizzling. Add the seasoned chicken bites in a single layer. Let them cook, turning occasionally, for 6 to 8 minutes until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Don’t crowd the pan—if you need to work in batches, do so for the best results. Once done, remove the chicken and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

Turn the heat down to medium and add the remaining two tablespoons of butter to the same skillet. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute, just until fragrant. Your kitchen will smell absolutely incredible! Be careful not to let the garlic brown—just a gentle sizzle is perfect.

Step 5: Create the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Stir in the heavy cream, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Let the sauce simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring gently, until it thickens up a bit and the cheese is completely melted. The result is an irresistibly creamy, cheesy sauce that’s just begging to coat your pasta.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Chicken

Add the cooked pasta right into the skillet with the sauce and toss everything together so every strand or shape is coated. Return the chicken bites to the pan, stir to combine, and let everything heat through for another minute or two. That’s it—you’re ready to plate up your Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta!

How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley is the finishing touch that makes this dish look as good as it tastes. If you want to take it up a notch, try adding extra grated Parmesan on top or a light shower of lemon zest to brighten the flavors even more.

Side Dishes

This dish is rich and hearty all on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette. Roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or zucchini also complement the creamy pasta and juicy chicken, making your meal feel complete and balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning presentation, serve Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta in a big family-style bowl, letting everyone help themselves. Or, for a cozy date night, twirl the pasta into little nests on each plate and top with golden chicken bites. You could even serve it in individual ramekins for a dinner party—just don’t forget that final sprinkle of parsley!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen as they sit, making tomorrow’s lunch or dinner something to look forward to.

Freezing

While the creamy sauce is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta for up to one month. For best results, let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, simply transfer to a skillet over low heat and add a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. Stir gently until heated through. Microwave reheating is convenient but can sometimes dry out the chicken, so stovetop is your best bet for keeping everything creamy and delicious.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will give you an even juicier, more flavorful bite. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces and cook as directed—they’ll be delicious in this recipe.

What type Main Course

You can use any pasta you love—fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne all work beautifully. Just be sure to cook it al dente and let it soak up all that creamy sauce.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta, and the rest of the recipe is naturally gluten-free. It’s a fantastic way to make sure everyone at the table can enjoy it.

How can I add more vegetables to this recipe?

It’s easy to sneak in extra veggies—try tossing in some sautéed mushrooms, steamed broccoli, or even spinach when you combine the pasta and sauce. They’ll blend right in and add extra color and nutrition.

Is this dish spicy?

Not unless you want it to be! The red pepper flakes are totally optional. If you love a little kick, add them in. If not, simply leave them out for a milder, family-friendly flavor.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a meal that’s both cozy and crowd-pleasing, Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is the answer. It’s the kind of dish that turns an ordinary evening into something special. Give it a try—you might just find it becomes your new go-to favorite!

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

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

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Description

This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta recipe offers a deliciously rich and comforting meal featuring tender chicken pieces sautéed in garlic butter paired with a creamy, cheesy Parmesan pasta sauce. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, this dish combines savory flavors with simple preparation to satisfy the whole family.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasoning

1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

Cooking Fats and Aromatics

2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
4 cloves garlic, minced

Pasta and Sauce

12 oz pasta of choice (fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti)
1 cup heavy cream
¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Garnish

Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your chosen pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
Season the Chicken: In a bowl, toss the bite-sized chicken pieces with paprika, salt, and black pepper, ensuring they are evenly coated.
Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken bites and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally until golden and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté Garlic and Make Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let the sauce simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently until it thickens slightly.
Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat the noodles evenly with the creamy Parmesan sauce.
Combine Chicken and Pasta: Return the cooked chicken bites to the skillet and stir everything together. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes to heat through and meld the flavors.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish for a fresh finish and serve immediately while hot.