Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Golden, garlicky chicken bites nestled atop a bed of creamy, cheesy pasta sounds straight out of a fine-dining menu. You can whip this up in 30 minutes using simple ingredients at home. This recipe for busy weeknights brings bold flavor, comforting creaminess, and fuss-free cooking to your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy – Dinner is ready in just 30 minutes!

Restaurant-Level Taste – Enjoy indulgent flavors without leaving your kitchen.

Crowd-Pleaser – A hit with the whole family (yes, even picky eaters).

Customizable – Add your favorite vegetables or swap pasta types to make it your own.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)

3 tbsp butter

4 garlic cloves (minced)

1 tsp paprika

1 tsp Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 tbsp olive oil

For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:

8 oz pasta (choose fettuccine, penne, or your favorite)

2 tbsp butter

2 garlic cloves (minced)

1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup chicken broth (or reserved pasta water)

Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley (chopped for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Pasta

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, then cook the pasta according to the package instructions.

Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water and drain the rest. Set the pasta aside.

Make the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Toss chicken pieces with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to coat evenly.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.

Keep the skillet on heat, add butter, then stir in minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute or until fragrant.

Toss the cooked chicken back into the skillet, generously coating it in the garlic butter sauce. Remove from heat and set aside once again.

Prepare the Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Melt 2 tbsp butter in the same skillet over medium heat and add minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute.

Add heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well as it comes to a gentle simmer.

Sprinkle in grated Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.

Combine & Serve

Toss the cooked pasta in the skillet with the sauce until fully coated. If the sauce feels too thick, add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.

Spoon the garlic butter chicken bites over the pasta and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Pro Tips for Success

Juicier Chicken – Prefer darker meat? Chicken thighs work beautifully here.

Add Veggies – Spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes take this dish to the next level.

Lighten It Up – Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk.

Gluten-Free Options – Use gluten-free pasta and verify that your broth is GF-friendly (or use water instead).

Serving Suggestions

Side Dish – Pair your dish with buttery garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.

Wine Pairing – A Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio glass complements the creamy flavors.

Leftovers – Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm on the stove with a splash of milk to revive the creamy sauce.

Why This Recipe Works

This dish hits all the right notes—tender, garlicky chicken bites meet rich, velvety Parmesan pasta to create a match made in foodie heaven. It’s fast, easy to customize, and perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself. One bite and it’ll become a go-to in your dinner rotation.

Try it tonight! Trust us, your taste buds will thank you.