Garlic Butter Chicken Bites With Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe

There’s nothing better than a quick and satisfying meal that’s packed with flavor. These Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta bring together juicy, golden-brown chicken in a rich, garlicky butter sauce, all served over a luscious, cheesy pasta. It’s the perfect dish for busy weeknights when you need something easy, delicious, and family-approved.

I first made this dish when I needed to use up some leftover chicken and parmesan cheese. The result? A dinner so good my family requests it at least once a week! The best part? It comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a total lifesaver on hectic days.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Get ready to add this recipe to your regular dinner rotation! Whether you’re cooking for family, meal prepping, or just craving something indulgent, this dish checks all the boxes.

First off, it’s quick and easy. From start to finish, you’ll have this meal on the table in just 30 minutes—perfect for those busy evenings when time is short.

It’s also packed with flavor. The chicken bites are seared to golden perfection in a garlicky butter sauce, while the pasta is coated in a velvety parmesan cream sauce that’s rich, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying.

Plus, it’s budget-friendly. With just a handful of pantry staples—chicken, pasta, parmesan, butter, and garlic—you can create a restaurant-quality dish without breaking the bank.

Finally, it’s versatile. Swap the protein, use different pasta shapes, or add in extra veggies to make it exactly how you like it!

Ingredients Notes

This recipe uses simple ingredients that come together to create an incredibly rich and comforting dish. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this recipe so special.

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breast or chicken thighs both work well. Thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful, but breasts are leaner and cook up quickly. Cut them into bite-sized pieces for the perfect crispy, golden edges.

Garlic & Butter: Fresh garlic is a must! It infuses the butter with an irresistible aroma and depth of flavor. I recommend using unsalted butter so you can control the seasoning.

Pasta: Fettuccine, penne, or rotini are excellent choices because they hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully. If you prefer a lighter dish, you can even swap for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta.

Heavy Cream & Parmesan Cheese: The combination of heavy cream and freshly grated parmesan cheese creates a rich, creamy, and cheesy sauce that coats every bite of pasta. For the best flavor, always use freshly grated parmesan instead of pre-shredded.

Seasonings: A mix of salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning enhances the chicken’s flavor. Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat!

Optional Additions: Love veggies? Toss in some spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes for added color and nutrients.

How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Making this dish is incredibly easy! Just follow these simple steps, and you'll have a mouthwatering meal in no time.

1. Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your pasta and cook until al dente according to the package instructions. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of pasta water—this helps loosen the sauce later if needed.

2. Prepare the Chicken Bites

While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning, and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken and set it aside.

3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and add the minced garlic. Cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Pour in a splash of pasta water to deglaze the pan and scrape up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom.

4. Prepare the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium-low and add heavy cream to the pan. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, then stir in grated parmesan cheese until smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

5. Combine Everything

Return the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet, tossing everything together to coat in the creamy, garlicky sauce. Let it all warm through for a minute, then remove from heat.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with extra parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy every creamy, buttery bite!

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), here’s how to store and reheat them properly.

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The pasta will absorb some of the sauce, so you may need to add a splash of milk or cream when reheating.
• Freeze: While the chicken freezes well, the creamy sauce can become grainy after thawing. If freezing, store the chicken separately and make a fresh batch of sauce when reheating.
• Reheat: Warm leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little cream or milk to bring back the creamy texture. Avoid microwaving on high heat, as this can cause the sauce to separate.

Variations and Substitutions

This dish is incredibly adaptable! Here are some ways to switch it up:

• Swap the Protein: Instead of chicken, try shrimp, salmon, or even crispy tofu for a different spin.
• Go Low-Carb: Replace the pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a lighter, keto-friendly version.
• Add More Veggies: Stir in spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, or roasted bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Make it Spicy: A dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes gives the dish a nice kick.
• Use a Different Cheese: While parmesan is classic, you can also use pecorino romano, asiago, or gouda for a unique twist.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and make this dish your own! However you customize it, you’re in for a seriously delicious meal.

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