There's nothing quite like the aroma of garlic butter chicken bites sizzling in a pan, paired with a creamy parmesan pasta that's as comforting as it is indulgent. This dish is the perfect balance of tender chicken, rich, garlicky flavors, and a luscious pasta that brings everything together in a harmony of textures and tastes.

The first time I made this recipe, it was born out of a craving for something quick yet luxurious. What started as a simple weeknight experiment has now become a go-to for both busy evenings and casual dinner parties. Let’s dive into why this recipe deserves a spot in your weekly rotation.
Why You'll Love This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites With Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Get ready to fall head over heels for this irresistible dish. Whether you’re cooking for your family or treating yourself, there’s so much to love about this recipe.
First, it’s incredibly quick and easy to make. In just about 30 minutes, you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal on the table without spending hours in the kitchen.
The flavor is absolutely next-level. The combination of juicy chicken bites coated in garlic butter and a creamy parmesan pasta makes for a dish that feels like a warm hug in every bite.
This recipe is also highly adaptable. Swap the protein, switch up the pasta, or add your favorite veggies—the possibilities are endless, making it a versatile addition to your recipe collection.
Best of all, it’s a budget-friendly way to enjoy a gourmet-style meal. With pantry staples like garlic, butter, and parmesan, you won’t have to break the bank to create something truly special.
Ingredients Notes

The magic of this recipe lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients, each playing a key role in delivering the ultimate comfort meal.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best. Cut them into small, evenly sized bites for quick cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is essential here, infusing the dish with its bold, aromatic flavor. Mince it finely to ensure it evenly coats the chicken and pasta.
Butter: Unsalted butter creates the perfect base for the garlic sauce, balancing richness with a touch of indulgence.
Pasta: Choose a pasta that can hold onto the creamy sauce, like penne, fettuccine, or rotini. Their shapes allow the sauce to cling perfectly to every bite.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan melts beautifully into the sauce, adding a nutty, savory depth that’s hard to beat.
Heavy Cream: This forms the base of the creamy sauce, giving it that luxurious, velvety texture. For a lighter option, you can use half-and-half, but the sauce may be slightly thinner.
You’ll also need olive oil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (optional for a hint of heat). A large skillet and pot for boiling pasta are all the equipment you’ll need.
How To Make This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites With Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Creating this flavorful dish is easier than you might think. Let’s walk through the steps to make it perfect every time.
Start by cooking your pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, and cook your pasta according to package instructions. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining, as you’ll use it to adjust the sauce’s consistency later.
While the pasta cooks, prepare the chicken. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Toss the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, and a touch of paprika if desired, then sear them in the hot skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes here for a subtle kick.
Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce, creating a smooth and creamy consistency. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Return the chicken to the skillet, tossing it in the creamy sauce to coat each piece evenly. Add the cooked pasta, stirring until everything is well combined and coated in the garlic butter parmesan goodness.
Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or extra parmesan cheese for garnish, and serve hot.
Storage Options
This dish stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers. Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
To reheat, add a splash of water or milk to the pasta and warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave. This helps revive the creamy sauce and keeps the dish from drying out.
For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken and sauce mixture (without the pasta) for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, cook fresh pasta, and combine.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is to suit your tastes and dietary needs.
Swap the chicken for shrimp or salmon for a seafood twist. Simply adjust the cooking time to ensure the protein is perfectly cooked.
Make it vegetarian by skipping the chicken and adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers.
For a gluten-free option, use your favorite gluten-free pasta and ensure your other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Add a burst of freshness with a squeeze of lemon juice or zest stirred into the sauce just before serving. It brightens up the flavors and pairs beautifully with the rich garlic butter.
Experiment with cheeses by using pecorino romano or asiago instead of parmesan for a slightly different flavor profile.
No matter how you customize it, this dish is guaranteed to impress. Try it out tonight and let the creamy, garlicky magic transport you to dinnertime bliss!
PrintGarlic Butter Chicken Bites With Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make dinner. Tender chicken bites, cooked in a flavorful garlic butter sauce, are served with a rich and creamy Parmesan pasta that’s sure to satisfy. Perfect for busy weeknights or a comforting meal anytime!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing and Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
For Chicken Bites:
- Chicken breast or thighs, cubed
- Garlic, minced
- Butter
- Olive oil
- Paprika
- Salt and pepper
For Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- Pasta of choice (fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne)
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Garlic, minced
- Butter
- Salt and pepper
- Parsley (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Season chicken cubes with paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Add garlic and sauté briefly. Set aside.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Add heavy cream, reserved pasta water, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Toss cooked pasta in the sauce until well coated.
- Serve the pasta topped with garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish with parsley, if desired.
Notes
- Adjust seasonings to taste.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Use fresh Parmesan for the best flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
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