Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a rich, savory one-pan dish that pairs juicy, golden chicken with a luscious, cheese-laced pasta. Every bite is packed with bold garlic flavor, creamy sauce, and tender chicken—making it a comforting and satisfying meal for any night of the week.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is the perfect blend of simplicity and indulgence. It comes together quickly using basic ingredients, yet delivers restaurant-quality flavor. The garlic butter coating on the chicken adds a savory depth, while the creamy Parmesan pasta provides the perfect backdrop. It’s a complete meal, easy to make, and hard to resist.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Chicken:
-
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
-
2 tablespoons olive oil
-
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
-
4 cloves garlic, minced
-
Salt and pepper to taste
-
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
-
Optional: red pepper flakes for heat
For the Parmesan Pasta:
-
8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
-
2 cups chicken broth
-
1 cup heavy cream
-
¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
-
1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for finishing)
-
Salt and pepper to taste
-
Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
directions
-
Cook the pasta:
In a large pot or deep skillet, cook the pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside. -
Sear the chicken:
In the same pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 5–6 minutes until golden and cooked through.
Reduce heat to medium, add butter and garlic. Cook for 1–2 minutes more, stirring to coat the chicken in garlic butter. Remove chicken from pan and set aside. -
Make the creamy Parmesan sauce:
In the same pan, add chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add the heavy cream and stir well.
Reduce heat to low and whisk in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
Stir in the cooked pasta and toss to coat. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly. Add a tablespoon of butter to finish. -
Combine and serve:
Return the chicken to the pan, toss everything together gently.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Calories: Approximately 550–600 kcal per serving
Variations
-
Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.
-
Veggie Boost: Stir in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes.
-
Protein Swap: Use shrimp or turkey instead of chicken.
-
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and check broth and cheese labels.
-
Lighter Option: Use half-and-half or evaporated milk instead of cream.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of cream or milk to restore creaminess. Avoid microwaving too long, as it can dry out the chicken.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless thighs are a flavorful substitute and stay very tender.
What pasta shape works best?
Penne, fettuccine, or rotini all work well to hold the creamy sauce.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes, you can prepare and refrigerate it, but the sauce is best served fresh. Reheat gently to preserve texture.
What kind of Parmesan should I use?
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melting and flavor—avoid pre-shredded.
Can I make this dish without cream?
Yes, substitute with milk and add a bit of flour to thicken the sauce if needed.
How do I keep the chicken juicy?
Avoid overcooking and sear quickly in a hot pan to lock in moisture.
Print
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4-servings
Description
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites With Creamy Parmesan Pasta recipe is the ultimate comfort food combo—juicy, golden chicken bites smothered in garlic butter, served over rich and creamy Parmesan pasta. It’s a quick, flavor-packed weeknight dinner the whole family will love!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
-
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
-
2 tbsp olive oil
-
4 tbsp unsalted butter
-
4 cloves garlic, minced
-
Salt and pepper to taste
-
1 tsp Italian seasoning
-
1/2 tsp paprika (optional)
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
-
8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
-
2 tbsp butter
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 cup heavy cream
-
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
-
Salt and pepper to taste
-
Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
-
Cook Pasta:
-
Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
-
-
Cook Chicken:
-
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
-
Season chicken with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
-
Sauté chicken until golden and cooked through (6–8 minutes).
-
Add butter and minced garlic, stir to coat and cook for 1–2 minutes more. Remove chicken and set aside.
-
-
Make Parmesan Sauce:
-
In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
-
Add heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
-
Stir in Parmesan cheese, season with salt and pepper, and simmer until slightly thickened.
-
-
Combine:
-
Toss cooked pasta in the creamy sauce. Add chicken bites on top or mix in.
-
Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
-
Notes
-
Adjust cream and cheese to reach desired sauce consistency.
-
Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for a flavor boost.
-
Use leftover chicken or rotisserie for quicker prep.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
