If you’re craving a weeknight dinner that tastes as if it was made in a cozy Italian trattoria, this Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe will absolutely steal your heart. Think: juicy golden chicken bites swimming in a luscious, cheesy sauce, all wrapped up with tender pasta and the irresistible aroma of buttery garlic. Every twirl of your fork delivers comfort and luxury — it’s the kind of dish you whip up when you want something fast, filling, and positively joyous. Whether you’re cooking for family or spoiling yourself, the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe is destined to become your most-requested favorite.

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

Ingredients You’ll Need

A short list of simple, top-quality ingredients does all the magic here! Each one shines: the chicken brings protein and irresistible crispness, the cream and Parmesan create the silkiest sauce, and the garlic ties everything together for that unforgettable flavor punch.

Chicken Breasts: Using boneless, skinless chicken breast ensures your bites cook quickly and soak up all the savory flavors.
Salt: Lifts and brightens all the other flavors — don’t skimp, but taste as you go.
Black Pepper: Adds a gentle kick that balances out the richness of the sauce.
Paprika: Just enough for warm color and a subtle hint of earthy sweetness.
Olive Oil: For golden-browning the chicken without burning — plus, it adds extra depth.
Unsalted Butter: The heart and soul of any garlic butter recipe; using a little extra gives the pasta that signature richness.
Garlic: Four cloves minced brings the swoon-worthy aroma and essential punch to every bite.
Pasta: Fettuccine or penne both hold the sauce beautifully; choose your favorite shape!
Chicken Broth: Deepens the flavor of the pasta and makes every bite extra savory.
Heavy Cream: Delivers that “restaurant-style” lusciousness to the sauce.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated for superior melt, flavor, and depth — don’t be tempted by the pre-shredded stuff.
Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For a touch of warmth and sparkle without overwhelming heat.
Fresh Parsley: Chopped and sprinkled at the end for a splash of color and freshness.

How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Toss your chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and paprika. A quick, even coating makes every bite pop with flavor and color. In a wide skillet, heat the olive oil with just a bit of butter until shimmering — this is the secret to irresistible golden edges. Add your chicken in a single layer, searing for five to seven minutes and turning occasionally. Once those chicken bites are cooked through and have a gorgeous golden-brown hue, scoop them out and set aside (try not to snack on too many!).

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

Lower the heat to medium and add your remaining butter directly into that aromatic skillet. As it melts, sprinkle in the garlic and stir for about thirty seconds until fragrant. This stage is pure magic: the heat releases all the garlicky goodness that will infuse both the sauce and the pasta. Don’t walk away – garlic burns fast!

Step 3: Simmer the Pasta in Creamy Sauce

Pour in the pasta, chicken broth, and heavy cream, all together. Give everything a good stir to encourage the pasta to absorb the creamy liquid. Leave the lid off, and let it gently bubble away for twelve to fifteen minutes. Stir regularly to keep the pasta from sticking and to help the sauce thicken into that dreamy creamy consistency — you’ll see it come together almost before your eyes.

Step 4: Stir in Cheese and Spices

When the pasta is just tender and the sauce has begun to coat the noodles beautifully, remove from the heat and stir in that mountain of freshly grated Parmesan (and red pepper flakes, if you like a little heat). Watch as the cheese melts in, making the sauce luxuriously silky and impossibly cheesy. At this point, the fragrance will have everyone in your house peeking into the kitchen.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Now for the best part: slide your chicken bites right back into the skillet, tossing them gently to coat every piece in the velvety sauce. Toss in a shower of fresh parsley just before serving for a little color and freshness. Dish up the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe as soon as it’s ready, while everything is piping hot and irresistibly fragrant!

How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

A finishing touch of bright, fresh parsley and an extra flurry of grated Parmesan set this dish apart. If you’re feeling adventurous, a crack of black pepper or a sprinkle of lemon zest add even more vibrancy and visual appeal to your Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe.

Side Dishes

This pasta is a meal on its own, but you can turn dinner into a full-on Italian feast with some easy sides. Think crisp Caesar or arugula salad, roasted vegetables, or warm, crusty garlic bread for mopping up any leftover sauce. A side of steamed broccoli or spinach also makes it feel even more complete and nourishing!

Creative Ways to Present

For maximum wow, serve your Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe in a big family-style skillet, right at the table, for everyone to dig in. Or, twirl individual servings into shallow bowls and finish each with extra parsley and a Parmesan ribbon for simple elegance. For something fun, try plating it with a lemon wedge or a drizzle of basil pesto for unexpected flavor pops!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Have leftovers? Lucky you! Let your Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Pop it in the fridge, where it will keep beautifully for two to three days. The sauce might thicken a bit, but the flavor just gets better!

Freezing

While this dish is definitely best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze portions if needed. Place the cooled pasta and chicken into freezer-safe containers or bags, pressing out extra air. Freeze for up to one month. Keep in mind, cream-based sauces can change slightly in texture after thawing, so stir well and add a splash of cream or broth when reheating.

Reheating

Gently reheat leftovers on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce as needed. Stir frequently and heat just until warmed through to keep everything creamy and juicy. Resist the urge to blast it with high heat — low and slow keeps everything tasting as fresh as day one!

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken instead?

Absolutely! Dice your cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and add it in during the last minute of simmering the pasta, just to warm through. It’s a great shortcut for even faster Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe nights.

What other pasta shapes work for this recipe?

While fettuccine and penne are the classics, any sturdy pasta (like rigatoni, fusilli, or even farfalle) will soak up the cheesy sauce. Avoid delicate pastas, as they may get mushy from simmering in the sauce.

How can I make this lighter?

Substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream and use a bit less butter; the result will still be creamy, but with fewer calories. Or, add a heap of steamed broccoli or spinach to bulk it up and add veggie nutrition!

What’s the best way to get juicy chicken bites?

Don’t overcrowd the pan and don’t skip the resting step. Letting the chicken sit while you finish the pasta gives those juices time to lock in, so every bite is tender, not dry. Cutting your chicken into even-sized pieces also helps them cook perfectly.

Can I make this Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Just substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta in place of regular, and double-check your chicken broth and seasonings for hidden gluten. Keep an eye on the pasta as it cooks, since gluten-free types sometimes need a bit less time in the sauce.

Final Thoughts

There’s real magic in a recipe that’s simple, utterly delicious, and guaranteed to bring a smile to every face around the table. I hope you’re inspired to make this Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe your new go-to for easy, crowd-pleasing dinners. Give it a try, and get ready for second helpings!

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 23 reviews

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

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Description

Delight your taste buds with these flavorful Garlic Butter Chicken Bites served with a luscious Creamy Parmesan Pasta. This easy-to-make dish is a perfect combination of tender chicken, aromatic garlic, rich cream, and savory Parmesan cheese.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)

For the Pasta:

4 cloves garlic (minced)
8 ounces pasta (fettuccine or penne)
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

Season the chicken: Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet. Cook chicken until golden brown and cooked through. Set aside.
Prepare the sauce: In the same skillet, melt remaining butter and sauté garlic. Add pasta, broth, and cream. Simmer until pasta is tender.
Finish the dish: Stir in Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes. Add chicken back to the skillet. Garnish with parsley and serve.