There's nothing quite like the irresistible aroma of garlic butter chicken bites sizzling in a skillet. Paired with rich, creamy Parmesan pasta, this dish is a perfect combination of indulgence and comfort. It's one of those meals that feels fancy enough for a dinner party but simple enough for a busy weeknight.

I stumbled upon this recipe during a hectic week when I needed a quick and hearty meal to satisfy everyone at the table. With tender, juicy chicken bites and a velvety pasta sauce, it quickly became a household favorite. Ready to transform dinnertime into something special? Letโs dive in!
Why You'll Love This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe
Get ready to make your new go-to dinner. This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites With Creamy Parmesan Pasta will win you over with its ease, flavor, and versatility.
First, this recipe is incredibly quick and simple. You can whip it up in just 30 minutes, perfect for those evenings when time is tight, but you still want something delicious.
Next, the dish uses everyday ingredients you probably already have in your kitchenโgarlic, butter, Parmesan cheese, and pasta. No fancy shopping trips are required!
Another reason to love this recipe is its crowd-pleasing appeal. Whether youโre feeding picky eaters or treating yourself, the creamy pasta and juicy chicken bites make it hard for anyone to resist.
Finally, itโs versatile and customizable. You can swap out the pasta, adjust the spices, or even toss in some veggies to make it your own. This recipe is designed to fit your needs and cravings.
Ready to give it a try? Letโs start with the ingredients youโll need.
Ingredients Notes
The magic of this recipe lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each one plays a role in creating the rich, buttery chicken and luxurious pasta sauce.
- Chicken Breast or Thighs: For the tender chicken bites, I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Thighs are especially juicy, but breasts work beautifully if you prefer leaner meat.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic is key for this recipe. Its aroma and flavor infuse both the chicken and the sauce, adding a rich depth thatโs absolutely irresistible.
- Butter: Go for unsalted butter to control the saltiness of the dish. Itโs the base of the garlic butter sauce that coats the chicken perfectly.
- Heavy Cream: The pasta sauceโs creaminess comes from heavy cream. If youโre looking for a lighter version, you can substitute with half-and-half, but the sauce wonโt be as rich.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is non-negotiable here! Pre-grated cheese wonโt melt as smoothly, so grab a block of Parmesan for the best results.
- Pasta: While you can use any pasta, I recommend penne or fettuccine. Their shapes hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully, making every bite flavorful.
Youโll also need a few pantry staples like olive oil, chicken broth, salt, and pepper. As for equipment, a large skillet and a pot for boiling pasta are all youโll need.
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites With Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites With Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta combines tender, juicy chicken cooked in garlic butter with a rich, cheesy pasta sauce. Perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
For the Chicken Bites:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- ยฝ tsp onion powder
- ยฝ tsp salt
- ยฝ tsp black pepper
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- 8 oz pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ยพ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ยฝ tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ยฝ cup of pasta water, then drain.
- Prepare Chicken Bites: Season diced chicken with paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat, add garlic, and sautรฉ until fragrant. Add chicken and cook until golden and fully cooked. Set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter, then add garlic and sautรฉ. Pour in heavy cream, add Parmesan cheese, and stir until smooth. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency.
- Combine: Toss cooked pasta in the creamy Parmesan sauce. Add the garlic butter chicken bites on top or mix them in.
- Serve warm and garnish with fresh parsley or more Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
- Add vegetables like spinach or broccoli for extra nutrients.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
Creating this irresistible dish is easier than you might think. Follow these steps, and youโll have dinner ready in no time!
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta according to the package instructions until itโs al dente. Reserve about a cup of pasta water before draining, as this will help thicken the sauce later.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, cut your chicken into bite-sized pieces. Season generously with salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika for extra flavor. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add a drizzle of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken Bites
Once the butter has melted and starts to sizzle, add the chicken in a single layer. Let it cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes on one side until golden brown. Flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sautรฉ for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in ยฝ cup chicken broth, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Step 5: Create the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Reduce the heat to low and stir in 1 cup heavy cream. Let it warm up, then add 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, whisking until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce feels too thick.
Step 6: Combine and Serve
Return the cooked pasta and chicken bites to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are evenly coated in the creamy sauce. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately.
This entire process should take about 30 minutes, making it a quick yet satisfying meal.
Storage Options
If youโre lucky enough to have leftovers, this dish stores beautifully!
- Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: While the chicken can be frozen, the creamy pasta sauce may separate when thawed. If you plan to freeze, keep the chicken and sauce separate from the pasta for better results.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of milk or chicken broth to bring the sauce back to life.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is incredibly versatile, so donโt be afraid to make it your own!
- Add Veggies: Toss in spinach, broccoli, or cherry tomatoes for extra nutrients and color.
- Swap the Protein: Try shrimp, turkey, or even tofu instead of chicken for a unique twist.
- Make It Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a little heat.
- Use a Different Pasta: Experiment with spaghetti, rigatoni, or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
- Lighter Version: Substitute the heavy cream with a mix of Greek yogurt and milk for a healthier take.
The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative!
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites With Creamy Parmesan Pasta recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves bold flavors and easy preparation. Whether youโre cooking for family or just treating yourself, this dish is guaranteed to become a favorite. Give it a try tonight, and let me know how it turns out!
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