If you’re craving comfort food that comes together quickly but still feels impressively decadent, you’ll fall in love with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta. This recipe wraps tender, golden chicken bites in a dreamy garlic butter, then piles them on a silky bed of parmesan-laced pasta. The combination is luscious, savory, and infused with just the right amount of brightness from fresh parsley. Weeknight miracle or dinner party main—either way, this is one of those dishes your family and friends will beg you to make on repeat.

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

Ingredients You’ll Need

This dish may taste restaurant-worthy, but it calls for simple, everyday ingredients that play off each other beautifully. Each item, from the chicken to the Parmesan, brings something essential to the dish’s texture, flavor, or visual appeal.

Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken keeps things juicy and cooks up quickly for tender, flavorful bites.
Paprika: Adds gentle warmth and a touch of smokiness, making each chicken piece irresistibly well-seasoned.
Italian seasoning: This blend lifts the chicken with savory, herbaceous notes for classic Italian-American flavor.
Salt: Essential for amplifying every other ingredient—don’t skimp!
Black pepper: Adds just the right amount of pep to both chicken and pasta sauce.
Olive oil: Helps the chicken sear up golden in the pan while adding depth of flavor.
Butter: The star of the sauce, giving both chicken and pasta that rich, melt-in-your-mouth taste.
Garlic: Fresh garlic delivers a bold punch that transforms both the chicken bites and cream sauce.
Fresh parsley (optional): Scatters of green lend brightness and make the final dish pop visually.
Pasta (fettuccine or penne): Hearty noodles ready to soak up every drop of creamy Parmesan sauce.
Heavy cream: Creates the luxurious base for your sauce—a must for ultimate creaminess.
Grated Parmesan cheese: This is what gives the sauce its deeply savory, cheesy backbone.
Reserved pasta water: Brings the sauce and pasta together for a perfectly glossy coating.

How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Start strong by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Toss in your favorite pasta—either fettuccine for silky ribbons or penne for those delicious sauce-hugging tubes. Cook until al dente, since it will get a cozy finish later in the creamy sauce. Don’t forget to scoop out a bit of that starchy pasta water before draining; this is your secret weapon for a sauce that clings beautifully to every noodle.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, cut the chicken breasts into bite-size pieces for maximum flavor in every forkful. Toss them in paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, making sure each piece is generously coated. Heat olive oil in a large skillet, then add the chicken. Let the pieces get golden on the outside and juicy on the inside, stirring occasionally for even color—this usually takes around five to six minutes. Once they’re done, turn the heat down a notch for the magic to happen in the next step.

Step 3: Add Butter and Garlic

Drop in a generous knob of butter and the minced garlic right into the pan with your chicken. Stir everything together just until the garlic smells heavenly and the butter melts into a glossy, fragrant sauce that coats the chicken bites. This is the step that makes Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta truly special. Set aside the chicken so you can focus on perfecting that luscious pasta sauce.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

In the same skillet, melt more butter (because why not double down on delicious?). Add the remaining garlic and let it sizzle until aromatic, about 30 seconds. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, then bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in plenty of grated Parmesan, salt, and pepper, mixing until the sauce is smooth, dreamy, and thick enough to coat the back of your spoon. The flavor develops quickly but tastes like you spent hours simmering in the kitchen.

Step 5: Toss the Pasta and Finish the Dish

Back in go the cooked pasta and that reserved pasta water. Give everything a good toss so the noodles are slicked in creamy sauce. Arrange the garlic butter chicken bites right on top, letting all the flavors mingle together. To finish off, scatter chopped fresh parsley over everything for a pop of color and a hint of freshness. Serve it up hot, and watch your dinner crowd swoon over this Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta creation.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Garnishes

Bring your plate to life with a shower of fresh parsley or basil. A final sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan adds even more richness, and a twist of cracked black pepper gives a subtle kick. For a restaurant-caliber finish, try a drizzle of good olive oil or a scattering of lemon zest—it’s the simple touches that make this Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta sing!

Side Dishes

This dish is hearty on its own, but if you’re looking to round out the meal, add a bright green salad tossed in lemony vinaigrette. For a more decadent spread, serve with warm garlic bread or roasted vegetables. Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta pairs beautifully with sautéed spinach or broccolini if you’re looking for a veggie boost.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special gathering, arrange the pasta in a shallow platter, nestle the chicken bites artfully over the top, and finish with the garnishes. Or, serve in individual bowls for a cozier, homey feel. You can even skewer the chicken bites and rest them over the creamy pasta for a playful twist that’s sure to wow dinner guests. No matter the style, presentation makes every bite of Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta a little more memorable.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta into an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. The creamy sauce stays luscious for up to three days. To keep things tasting fresh, store the chicken and pasta together so the flavors continue to meld and develop.

Freezing

While fresh is best for creamy pasta dishes, you can freeze leftovers in a pinch. Pack everything in a freezer-safe container and store for up to two months. The sauce may separate slightly upon thawing, but a quick stir during reheating will help revive that silky texture.

Reheating

For best results, reheat Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of milk or heavy cream to loosen the sauce as it warms through. If you’re short on time, the microwave works too—just use a lower power setting to avoid overheating and stir halfway through for even warmth.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a fantastic alternative; they’ll turn out extra juicy and flavorful. Just ensure they’re boneless and cut to the same size as the recipe suggests for even cooking.

What type Main Course

Fettuccine and penne are both great choices since they hold onto the creamy parmesan sauce beautifully, but feel free to use any pasta you love—rotini, rigatoni, or even spaghetti all work well in this versatile dish.

Can I make this recipe lighter?

Yes! You can swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or even whole milk (though the sauce will be a bit less rich). For more veggies and fiber, stir in sautéed spinach, broccoli, or peas just before serving.

Is this recipe spicy?

No, the dish is savory and garlicky with just a hint of warmth from paprika and black pepper. If you prefer a little heat, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can be added to the sauce for a spicy kick.

How can I make the sauce extra thick and creamy?

The rich sauce is all about the combination of cream and Parmesan; if you prefer it even thicker, let it simmer a minute longer before adding the pasta, or add a tablespoon more cheese. Using reserved pasta water helps the sauce cling perfectly while keeping it silky.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite as satisfying as sharing a meal that blends comfort and a touch of elegance, and this Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta truly fits the bill. Don’t be surprised if it instantly becomes your most requested dinner! Dive in, give it a try, and let this dish bring a little extra joy to your table tonight.

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe

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4.9 from 6 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A delightful dish featuring tender garlic butter chicken bites served over creamy Parmesan pasta. This recipe combines savory flavors with a luxurious, indulgent sauce for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken Bites:

1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

For the Pasta:

8 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ cup reserved pasta cooking water

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook in olive oil until golden. Remove from skillet.
Make the Pasta Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter, sauté garlic, add cream, Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Toss in cooked pasta and reserved water.
Assemble: Serve pasta topped with chicken bites. Garnish with parsley and enjoy!