Name: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, 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; 8 ounces fettuccine or spaghetti pasta; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup pasta cooking water (reserved); 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

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If you’re after the ultimate weeknight comfort dinner that delivers big on flavor without hours in the kitchen, Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is your new best friend. Imagine succulent, golden chicken nestled over silky, cheesy pasta—with a garlicky, buttery sauce that clings to every strand. This recipe balances heartiness and elegance, so it’s just as suitable for a cozy family dinner or for impressing friends. Even better, it pulls together in about 30 minutes, but tastes like something you’d linger over at your favorite Italian-American bistro.

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

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s nothing complicated here; every ingredient in Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta was chosen for a reason. From juicy chicken to the creamy, umami-packed sauce, each one plays a vital role in making this dish an instant classic.

Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (1 pound): The hero of the dish—cut into bite-sized pieces, they cook up juicy and tender for every bite.
Italian Seasoning (1 teaspoon): Adds a lovely blend of herbs that give the chicken irresistible depth and classic Italian flair.
Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): For a subtle earthy warmth and that beautiful golden color on the chicken.
Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): Perfectly seasons the chicken and enhances every other flavor in the dish.
Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Helps the chicken brown beautifully and lays the foundation for the pan sauce.
Unsalted Butter (3 tablespoons, divided): The key to a rich, flavorful sauce and those signature garlic butter notes.
Garlic (4 cloves, minced): The heart of the dish, infusing both chicken and pasta with loads of fragrant, savory flavor.
Fettuccine or Spaghetti Pasta (8 ounces): Choose your favorite—each noodle soaks up that velvety Parmesan sauce to perfection.
Heavy Cream (1 cup): Makes the sauce impossibly creamy and decadent without being overly heavy.
Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese (1 cup): Melts into the sauce for unbeatable richness and those salty, nutty notes.
Pasta Cooking Water (1/2 cup, reserved): The secret to perfectly loosening and glossing up the sauce at the end.
Chopped Fresh Parsley (2 tablespoons): Adds color, freshness, and that final restaurant-quality touch.

How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Drop in your pasta of choice—fettuccine or spaghetti both shine in this recipe—and cook until just al dente, following the package instructions. Before draining, remember to scoop out about half a cup of the starchy pasta water; it’s a crucial ingredient for making your sauce silky smooth. Drain the pasta and set aside, ready for its creamy transformation.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

While the pasta is bubbling away, season your chicken bites with a generous sprinkle of Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat the olive oil and one tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer, letting each piece get beautifully golden on all sides—about 4 to 5 minutes total. Once they’re cooked through and irresistibly browned, transfer the chicken to a plate and cover to keep warm.

Step 3: Build the Garlic Butter Sauce

In that same skillet, melt the remaining two tablespoons of butter. Toss in your minced garlic, letting it sizzle and become wonderfully fragrant—just about 30 seconds, so it doesn’t burn. Pour in the heavy cream and bring the heat down to medium. As you stir in the Parmesan, the sauce will thicken up into a luscious, cheesy blanket.

Step 4: Bring Pasta and Sauce Together

Add your cooked pasta right into the skillet with the creamy sauce. Tumble everything together, pouring in splashes of reserved pasta water as needed until the sauce clings perfectly to every noodle. Don’t rush this step—give it a gentle toss until it’s all glossy, silky, and evenly coated. Then, return your golden chicken bites to the pan and let them nestle into the pasta, warming through for a minute or two.

Step 5: Garnish and Finish

Sprinkle the whole dish with plenty of fresh parsley for brightness and color. Serve immediately, while everything is hot, creamy, and smelling absolutely irresistible. You’ve just made Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta that would make any Italian nonna proud!

How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Garnishes

For that perfect finishing touch, a shower of fresh-chopped parsley and a dusting of extra Parmesan will make your Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta look straight out of a restaurant kitchen. For extra flavor and a little heat, try a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of good olive oil over the top just before serving.

Side Dishes

This pasta main needs little to shine, but it absolutely loves company. Pile your plates high and pair with warm garlic bread to mop up that extra sauce, or offer a crisp green salad tossed in a simple vinaigrette for balance. Roasted veggies—like asparagus or broccoli—make a wonderful addition too.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re in the mood to get a little fancy, twirl nests of pasta onto plates and top each with a neat pile of chicken bites. Or, serve everything family-style in a big, beautiful bowl for everyone to dig into together. For gatherings, try ladling portions into small ramekins for a fun appetizer-sized twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Luckily, Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta keeps pretty well! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The sauce may thicken as it chills, but a splash of milk or pasta water will revive it beautifully when reheated.

Freezing

While the chicken bites themselves freeze well, creamy pasta sauces can separate once thawed. If you want to freeze, consider storing the chicken separately from the sauce and pasta. Let everything cool, then freeze in zip-top bags for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before gently reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, transfer your portions to a skillet or saucepan over low to medium heat. Add a splash of milk, cream, or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce, stirring gently until hot and smooth. Microwaving also works—just heat in short bursts and stir between each to maintain the creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful, making them a fantastic swap in this dish. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces and cook as directed; they’ll still crisp up beautifully and stay extra moist inside.

What type Main Course

Fettuccine and spaghetti are both traditional choices, soaking up the creamy sauce in every bite. But feel free to experiment with penne, linguine, or even rotini—just adjust the cook time as needed for your pasta shape.

Is there a lighter way to make the sauce?

For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream. The sauce won’t be quite as rich, but you’ll keep a lovely creamy texture and all the comforting flavors.

How do I prevent my sauce from becoming too thick?

That reserved pasta water is your best friend! It loosens the sauce perfectly while adding just the right touch of silkiness. Add a little at a time until you get your ideal consistency.

Can I make this dish ahead for a dinner party?

You can absolutely prep the chicken and cook the pasta a few hours ahead, then combine everything right before serving for the freshest flavor and texture. A quick reheat with a splash of cream or milk keeps it tasting just-cooked.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta enough—it’s that rare recipe that’s both weeknight-fast and dinner party-worthy. Every bite is pure comfort with creamy sauce, juicy chicken, and loads of fresh flavor. Give it a try and it just might become your go-to for cozy nights or whenever you want to wow someone special!

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe

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4.9 from 17 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in these flavorful Garlic Butter Chicken Bites served with creamy Parmesan pasta for a satisfying and comforting meal. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken Bites:

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, 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

For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:

8 ounces fettuccine or spaghetti pasta
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup pasta cooking water (reserved)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water and cook pasta until al dente. Reserve pasta water, drain, and set aside.
Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook in olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter until golden brown. Set aside.
Make the Sauce: Melt remaining butter, add garlic, then pour in heavy cream. Stir in Parmesan until smooth.
Combine and Serve: Add cooked pasta to the sauce, toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water as needed. Return chicken to skillet, heat through, and garnish with parsley before serving.