If you’re looking for a dish that combines easy comfort food with irresistible flavor, then you’ve got to try this Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe. It’s a delightful mix of tender, garlicky chicken bites swimming in a rich, luscious Parmesan cream sauce that clings perfectly to every strand of pasta. Whether you’re cooking for family or impressing friends, this recipe brings together simple ingredients that deliver a restaurant-quality experience right at your own table.

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

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe plays an essential role, whether it’s building the deep, buttery garlic flavor or adding the perfect creamy texture to the pasta. The balance of spices and fresh herbs also boosts the dish’s appeal and color, making every bite a delicious delight.

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Bite-sized pieces cook quickly and soak up all the garlic butter goodness.
3 tablespoons butter, divided: This adds richness and helps create that signature luscious sauce.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic is the star, infusing the chicken and sauce with incredible flavor.
1 teaspoon paprika: Adds a smoky depth and beautiful color to the chicken bites.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the savory elements throughout the dish.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Provides a subtle heat to balance the creamy sauce.
1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional): For those who love a gentle kick in their meals.
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional): Brightens the dish with a fresh, herbal touch when sprinkled at the end.
8 ounces pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your favorite): The perfect base to carry the creamy Parmesan sauce.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps to create a smooth sauce and adds a fruity undertone.
2 cups heavy cream: The heart of the sauce, making it ultra-creamy and indulgent.
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the cream giving that signature nutty flavor and velvety texture.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Boosts the garlic flavor in the sauce without overpowering.
1/2 teaspoon salt (for sauce): Balances the creamy sauce perfectly.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper (for sauce): Rounded out with a touch of warmth.
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional): Just a pinch adds a subtle warmth and complexity to the sauce.

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

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling your chosen pasta according to the package instructions until just al dente. Don’t forget to save about half a cup of that starchy pasta water before draining—it’s the secret to adjusting the cream sauce later and making it ice-smooth and glossy.

Step 2: Prepare and Season the Chicken

While the pasta is cooking, season your chicken bites with paprika, salt, pepper, and, if you’re feeling adventurous, chili flakes. This seasoning mix is what gives the chicken its delightful smoky, slightly spicy punch that pairs so well with creamy pasta.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken Bites

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the chicken and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally, until every bite is golden brown and cooked through. This part is crucial for locking in juicy flavor.

Step 4: Create Garlic Butter Coating

Add the remaining tablespoon of butter and the minced garlic to the skillet with the cooked chicken. Toss everything together so that chicken pieces are coated in that rich, fragrant garlic butter. Once coated, take the chicken off the heat and set it aside.

Step 5: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

In the same skillet, add the olive oil and another tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in garlic powder, salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if you’re using it. Let this simmer gently to thicken and meld all the flavors beautifully.

Step 6: Stir in Parmesan Cheese

Once the cream mixture is simmering, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it fully melts into a luxuriant, smooth sauce. Use the reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce to your preferred consistency—it should coat the back of a spoon without being too thick or thin.

Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Toss the drained pasta in the creamy Parmesan sauce, making sure every strand or piece of pasta is generously coated. The textures marry perfectly here, setting the stage for the final assembly.

Step 8: Assemble the Dish

Plate your pasta and crown it with those flavorful garlic butter chicken bites. If you like, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top for a touch of color and freshness. This is your magic moment to get that perfect photo or serve it straight from the stove with all its warmth and aroma.

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

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds a delightful pop of green but also a subtly fresh flavor to balance the rich cream and buttery chicken. Grated Parmesan extra on top is never a bad idea for true cheese lovers!

Side Dishes

Keep things simple with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette or some steamed seasonal vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. These sides bring in a fresh crunch and brighten the meal without competing with the bold flavors of the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving the pasta in individual shallow bowls with the chicken bites beautifully arranged on top. Drizzle a little extra garlic butter from the pan over the dish and add a lemon wedge for guests to squeeze. This adds a zesty contrast that elevates the flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (and you might!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen overnight, making for a delicious next-day meal, though the pasta might need a quick refresh when reheating.

Freezing

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the cooked chicken bites separately from the pasta and sauce. Store the chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. The creamy pasta doesn’t freeze as well due to the dairy, so it’s better made fresh when possible.

Reheating

When reheating, gently warm the chicken bites in a skillet with a touch of butter to keep them juicy, and warm the pasta and sauce separately on low heat, adding a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to revive the sauce’s creaminess. Combine just before serving for the best texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs bring even more juiciness and flavor, making the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe even more indulgent. Just cut them into similar-sized bite pieces for even cooking.

What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Fettuccine, penne, or even farfalle are excellent choices because their shapes hold the creamy Parmesan sauce well. Feel free to use your favorite pasta—just ensure it’s cooked al dente to prevent mushiness when tossed with the sauce.

How can I make this dish lighter?

For a lighter version, substitute half the heavy cream with whole milk or a lighter cream option, and reduce the butter slightly. You can also add more vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to bulk it up without extra calories.

Is this recipe spicy?

This recipe has just a gentle heat from optional chili flakes—perfect if you like a little kick without it overpowering the creaminess. You can easily adjust the spice level or omit the chili flakes for a milder dish.

Can I prepare parts of this recipe in advance?

You can season and cut the chicken ahead of time and even cook the pasta earlier in the day, storing it separately. The sauce and chicken are best made fresh for maximum flavor, but assembling quickly before serving is totally doable for busy nights.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about the rich, garlicky chicken paired with creamy Parmesan pasta, and this Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe nails it every single time. It’s cozy, indulgent, and surprisingly simple to prepare—perfect for any night you want to feel like a chef in your own kitchen. I can’t wait for you to try it and enjoy every buttery, flavorful bite!

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe

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4.3 from 67 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender, bite-sized chicken pieces cooked in garlic butter with a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce tossed with your favorite pasta. This easy-to-make recipe offers a perfect balance of savory garlic chicken and smooth, cheesy pasta, ideal for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Bites

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
3 tablespoons butter, divided
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Creamy Parmesan Pasta

8 ounces pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your choice)
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining. Set the pasta aside for later.
Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken bites evenly with paprika, salt, black pepper, and chili flakes if using, ensuring all pieces are coated.
Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
Make Garlic Butter: Add another tablespoon of butter and the minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken. Stir well to coat the chicken in the fragrant garlic butter. Remove the chicken from the skillet and keep it warm.
Prepare Creamy Parmesan Sauce: In the same skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Pour in the heavy cream and add garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg if using. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Incorporate Parmesan: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth. Adjust the sauce consistency by adding the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach the desired creaminess.
Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until it is evenly coated with the creamy Parmesan sauce.
Assemble and Serve: Plate the creamy Parmesan pasta and top with the garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired, and serve immediately.