When you need a cozy, flavorful dinner that comes together quickly, this Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta recipe is your new go-to. Juicy chicken bites are seared to golden perfection in a rich garlic butter sauce, then served over a luscious, creamy parmesan pasta that tastes like it came straight from a restaurant. I made this once using heavy cream and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, and it was pure comfort food bliss — buttery, garlicky, and incredibly satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish combines two timeless favorites — buttery garlic chicken and creamy pasta — into one irresistible meal. It’s fast enough for weeknights but indulgent enough for a dinner date. The chicken is tender and full of flavor, while the pasta sauce is silky and rich without being too heavy. Plus, it all comes together in under 40 minutes, using simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
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Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a rich and satisfying dish featuring tender, golden chicken bites tossed in garlicky butter and served over silky, cheesy pasta — a comforting meal ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Season chicken pieces with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in batches and cook for 5–6 minutes, turning until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 3 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Return chicken to the pan and toss to coat in the garlic butter. Sprinkle with parsley and set aside, keeping warm.
- In a separate skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter and sauté 3 cloves of garlic for 30 seconds. Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Add a splash of pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Toss cooked pasta in the sauce until evenly coated.
- Serve pasta topped with garlic butter chicken bites and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and parsley.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smoother, creamier sauce.
- For extra flavor, deglaze the chicken pan with a splash of white wine before adding butter.
- Pair with garlic bread or a light salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken
Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized cubes. The small size helps them cook quickly while staying juicy.
Butter
Unsalted butter forms the base of the sauce, adding richness and a hint of nuttiness when browned.
Garlic
Fresh minced garlic infuses the chicken and sauce with aromatic, savory depth. Use plenty for that signature flavor.
Olive Oil
A touch of olive oil helps sear the chicken evenly and prevents the butter from burning.
Parmesan Cheese
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor that melts beautifully into the creamy pasta sauce.
Heavy Cream
Heavy cream creates the luxurious, velvety texture of the sauce, balancing the saltiness of the cheese and the richness of the butter.
Pasta
Choose fettuccine, penne, or linguine — any pasta that holds creamy sauce well will work beautifully.
Chicken Broth
A splash of chicken broth adds flavor and helps thin the sauce to the perfect consistency.
Parsley
Chopped fresh parsley brightens the dish and adds a fresh, herby finish.
Salt and Pepper
Simple salt and black pepper season both the chicken and the pasta perfectly.
Paprika (optional)
A dash of paprika adds subtle color and warmth to the chicken.
Directions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken bites with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Sear the chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt one tablespoon of butter with olive oil. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Make the garlic butter sauce: In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and simmer for 2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
- Prepare the creamy pasta sauce: Reduce heat to medium and stir in heavy cream. Simmer gently, then add grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If it’s too thick, add a splash of pasta water.
- Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing until well coated. Add the chicken bites back in and toss everything together until heated through.
- Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan before serving warm.
Essential Equipment
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: Approximately 40 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk, cream, or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving for too long to prevent the sauce from separating.
Variations and Customizations
Spicy Garlic Chicken Pasta – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
Lemon-Parmesan Twist – Stir in a tablespoon of lemon juice or zest for a bright, tangy flavor.
Mushroom Lovers’ Version – Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic for an earthy addition.
Spinach Alfredo Style – Toss in a handful of baby spinach just before serving for color and freshness.
Sun-Dried Tomato Upgrade – Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a sweet and tangy contrast.
Bacon Bliss – Mix in crispy bacon pieces for extra savory richness.
Lightened-Up Version – Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the butter slightly.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, but searing fresh chicken gives the best flavor and texture. Add pre-cooked chicken during the final mixing step to warm through.
Can I substitute milk for cream?
Yes, though the sauce will be lighter. Add a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water to help thicken it.
What’s the best pasta for this dish?
Fettuccine or penne works perfectly, as they hold creamy sauce well.
How do I make the sauce extra creamy?
Add a bit more Parmesan and a splash of reserved pasta water to create a silky texture.
Can I use another cheese?
Yes, try Asiago or Romano for a slightly sharper taste.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance, then reheat and toss with freshly cooked pasta before serving.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your Parmesan is certified gluten-free.
How do I prevent the sauce from separating?
Avoid boiling the sauce once the cream is added — simmer gently and stir frequently.
Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely! Broccoli, peas, or asparagus pair beautifully with this dish.
Is this similar to Alfredo?
Yes, it’s similar in texture but has a richer flavor from the garlic butter and seasoned chicken.
Conclusion
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is the ultimate comfort food — hearty, flavorful, and completely satisfying. The tender chicken bites coated in garlicky butter pair perfectly with the creamy Parmesan pasta for a meal that feels indulgent yet simple. Whether you’re cooking for your family or impressing guests, this recipe delivers rich, restaurant-quality flavor every time. Once you try it, it’s sure to become a regular on your dinner rotation.
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