If you’re after a dinner that’s rich, ultra-satisfying, and ready in just 30 minutes, you are going to fall head over heels for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta. This dish checks every box: juicy chicken, a crave-worthy garlicky butter sauce, and twirly ribbons of pasta all blanketed in a velvety Parmesan cream. It’s weeknight magic—and downright irresistible every single time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra-Cozy Comfort: Every twirl of this pasta offers buttery, creamy, and garlicky goodness that feels like a warm hug after a long day.
- Incredibly Fast: From cutting board to table in just about 30 minutes—this is a weeknight hero you’ll turn to again and again.
- Family-Friendly: Both kids and adults go wild for these tender chicken bites and silky cheese sauce—no picky eaters here!
- Elegant Enough for Guests: Creamy Parmesan and pops of fresh parsley make this dish impressive enough for company, yet easy enough for a casual night in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is that it relies on a handful of everyday staples—each one playing a starring role in the end result. Simple ingredients, big flavor: that’s the secret here!
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: The backbone of the recipe; cutting these into bite-sized pieces means every forkful comes with juicy, golden chicken.
- Fresh garlic: Minced garlic brings deep flavor—don’t skimp, and use fresh for the biggest impact.
- Unsalted butter: Butter is the main flavor builder for the silky sauce and for pan-searing the chicken.
- Fettuccine or linguine: Use your favorite long-cut pasta; something with a bit of heft clings gorgeously to the creamy sauce.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Nothing beats the flavor (and melting power) of Parmesan you grate yourself—pre-shredded just can’t compete!
- Heavy cream: This brings the luxurious body to your pasta sauce and ensures everything stays rich but balanced.
- Salt and pepper: Season generously for maximum flavor—don’t forget to taste as you cook.
- Fresh parsley (optional): A sprinkle of green on top adds color and fresh contrast to all that creaminess.
Variations
One of my favorite things about Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta? It’s endlessly versatile! Feel free to riff on the classic—just a few tweaks turn this recipe into something uniquely yours, whether you’re working around pantry limitations or catering to dietary needs.
- Swap the Protein: Try shrimp or even cubed tofu instead of chicken for a fun twist (just be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly).
- Add Vegetables: Toss in baby spinach, peas, or steamed broccoli for extra color and nutrition without any extra fuss.
- Go Gluten-Free: Substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta—the sauce loves alternative pastas just as much.
- Lighter Version: Replace half of the cream with milk or use half-and-half for a lighter—but still creamy—pasta dish.
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by mincing your garlic and slicing chicken breasts into even, bite-sized pieces. This simple prep guarantees every mouthful is perfectly seasoned, tender, and easy to eat—plus, it makes the rest of the process an absolute breeze.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken Bites
Heat half the butter in a large skillet over medium-high. Add your chicken pieces in a single layer and let them sizzle until golden brown and cooked all the way through—about 5–7 minutes. Don’t rush this part: beautifully browned chicken means incredible flavor in your final dish!
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Stir in the minced garlic and season with plenty of salt and pepper. Let the garlic become fragrant—just a minute will do—before swirling in the rest of the butter. Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the Parmesan, stirring everything together to make a luscious, creamy sauce that smells absolutely divine.
Step 4: Cook and Combine the Pasta
While the chicken cooks, prepare your fettuccine or linguine according to package instructions until just al dente. Before draining, reserve a cup of the pasta water (it’s liquid gold for adjusting the sauce later). Toss the hot pasta straight into the skillet with the creamy Parmesan chicken mixture, adding splashes of the reserved pasta water as needed until every strand is perfectly coated and glossy.
Pro Tips for Making Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- Golden Sear: Don’t overcrowd the pan when browning chicken—work in batches if needed for best caramelization and juicy bites.
- Reserve Pasta Water: A little of this starchy water brings the sauce and pasta together effortlessly, making everything silky and cohesive.
- Freshly Grated Cheese Makes All the Difference: Pre-grated Parmesan doesn’t melt as smoothly and can make your sauce grainy—grate your own for restaurant-worthy results.
- Adjust to Your Liking: If the sauce gets too thick, loosen it up with a touch more cream or reserved pasta water until it’s perfectly creamy to your taste.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Garnishes
Scatter a handful of freshly chopped parsley (or even chives) over the top for a burst of color and freshness. For extra flair, add a final dusting of Parmesan or a twist of cracked black pepper—these little touches make every bowl pop!
Side Dishes
This pasta begs for simple sides like a crisp green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette, or warm, crusty bread to mop up all that extra creamy sauce. For a heartier spread, add roasted vegetables or buttery garlic breadsticks to the table.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta in individual bowls for a rustic-yet-chic vibe. Swirl the pasta high, top with chicken and sauce, then add a sprig of fresh herbs. You can also slice the chicken thin and fan it over the noodles for an extra restaurant-worthy presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld and intensify overnight—making your next-day lunch mouthwateringly delicious!
Freezing
For best texture, freeze just the chicken bites and sauce (without pasta) in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then toss with freshly cooked pasta for a near-instant gourmet meal.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce. Stir regularly and heat just until warmed through to avoid overcooking the chicken or pasta.
FAQs
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How can I avoid the sauce becoming too thick or clumpy?
If your sauce thickens too much, simply add more reserved pasta water or a splash of cream, stirring continuously to loosen it until it’s just right. Remember, the sauce will also thicken as it sits, so adjust right before serving for the perfect consistency.
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Can I use pre-cooked chicken in this recipe?
Absolutely! Toss in diced or shredded cooked chicken during the sauce stage—warm it through in the garlic butter and continue with the recipe as written. It’s a great way to use up rotisserie chicken.
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Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
You can swap in half-and-half or even full-fat coconut milk for creaminess with less dairy. The sauce may be slightly less rich, but it will still be delicious and luscious.
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Will this recipe work with short pasta shapes?
Yes! While I adore it with fettuccine or linguine, shapes like penne or rigatoni also scoop up the creamy sauce beautifully—just use what you love or have on hand.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something warm, decadent, and sure to please a crowd, look no further than Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta. I hope this dish brings as much comfort and joy to your table as it does to mine. Give it a try—you’ll want to make it again and again!
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Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
These Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta are a delicious and comforting meal that comes together in just 30 minutes. Tender chicken bites are cooked in a garlic-infused butter, then combined with a rich and creamy parmesan sauce, served over perfectly cooked pasta.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Bites:
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- 8 ounces fettuccine or linguine
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Mince garlic and cut chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Cook Chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes.
- Add Flavor: Add minced garlic, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- Create Sauce: Stir in heavy cream and remaining tablespoon of butter; add grated parmesan cheese to create a creamy sauce.
- Cook Pasta: Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente; reserve some pasta water before draining.
- Combine: Combine drained pasta with the chicken and sauce in the skillet, adding reserved pasta water as needed for desired consistency.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
