There’s something magical about the combination of garlic, butter, and Parmesan cheese, and this Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is proof of that! If you love quick, flavorful meals that feel like something straight out of a restaurant but with minimal effort, this dish is going to be your new favorite.
I remember the first time I made this for my family on a busy weeknight. I wanted something rich, comforting, and satisfying but without spending hours in the kitchen. The result? Juicy, golden-brown chicken bites smothered in garlic butter, paired with a velvety, cheesy pasta it was an instant hit! The best part is that this dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings or when you just want to treat yourself to something indulgent without the hassle.
This dish works wonderfully for a cozy dinner, but it’s also fancy enough to serve for guests. With just a few simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen, you’ll create a meal that’s bursting with creamy, garlicky, buttery goodness. Serve it with a fresh salad and some garlic bread, and you’ll feel like you’re dining at an Italian restaurant right in your own home!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This dish is ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights when you need something fast but delicious.
- Rich and Flavorful: The combination of garlic butter, Italian-seasoned chicken, and creamy Parmesan pasta creates a luxurious taste that’s hard to resist.
- One Pan, Less Mess: The chicken bites are cooked in a single pan, and the pasta comes together quickly, so you won’t be left with a pile of dishes.
- Perfectly Cheesy: If you love cheese, this recipe is a dream! The Parmesan melts into the creamy sauce, coating every strand of pasta in pure indulgence.
- Versatile: You can easily tweak this recipe by adding spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce, or even swapping the pasta for zucchini noodles if you want a lighter option.
- Kid-Friendly: Even the pickiest eaters love this one! The mild garlic butter flavor and creamy texture make it a hit for kids and adults alike.
- Great for Leftovers: This dish reheats well, so you can enjoy it for lunch the next day!
If you’re craving comfort food with a gourmet touch, this Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is exactly what you need.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
- For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- 12 oz fettuccine or your favorite pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Extra garlic butter (optional, for drizzling)
Preparation
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine (or your preferred pasta) and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of pasta water this will help loosen the sauce later if needed. Drain and set aside.
Sear the Chicken Bites: While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken bites with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Garlic Butter: In the same skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, stirring frequently. Be careful garlic burns quickly!
Prepare the Creamy Parmesan Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and add 2 tablespoons of butter along with the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir well to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes, then gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into a smooth, creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat each strand in that creamy goodness. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Return the chicken bites to the skillet and toss everything together until evenly coated.
Serve & Enjoy: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. For extra flavor, drizzle with additional garlic butter if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy this rich, comforting dish!
Variations
- Spicy Version: Love a little heat? Add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the butter while cooking the chicken. This gives the dish a spicy, garlicky kick that takes it to the next level.
- Lighter Version: Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or evaporated milk for a lighter, yet still creamy, pasta sauce. You can also use whole wheat pasta or zucchini noodles to reduce carbs.
- Mushroom & Spinach Addition: Sauté sliced mushrooms and baby spinach with the garlic before adding the chicken broth. It adds a wonderful depth of flavor and extra nutrients.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Want it extra cheesy? Add ½ cup of shredded mozzarella or Gruyère cheese into the sauce for an even richer, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
How to Serve
This dish is a meal in itself, but you can make it even better with some simple side dishes and drink pairings!
- Garlic Bread or Breadsticks: The ultimate pairing! A warm, buttery slice of garlic bread is perfect for scooping up that creamy Parmesan sauce.
- Side Salad: A fresh Caesar salad or a light arugula and cherry tomato salad with balsamic dressing balances the richness of the dish.
- Roasted Vegetables: A side of oven-roasted asparagus, broccoli, or zucchini adds color and nutrients to the meal.
- Iced Lemon Tea or Sparkling Water: If you prefer non-alcoholic options, these refreshing drinks help cut through the richness of the dish.
No matter how you serve it, this Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is guaranteed to be a hit!
Recipe Tips
- Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Pre-grated Parmesan often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. Grate your own for the best creamy texture!
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: To keep the chicken juicy and tender, cook it just until golden brown and no longer pink inside. Overcooking can make it dry.
- Salt Your Pasta Water: Adding salt to the boiling water is essential for flavorful pasta. It enhances the overall taste of the dish.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining the pasta, save ½ cup of the water. This starchy water helps loosen the sauce if it gets too thick.
- Let the Sauce Thicken: Simmer the creamy sauce for a few minutes before adding the Parmesan. This ensures a rich and silky texture.
- Toss the Pasta Immediately: Once the pasta is in the sauce, toss it quickly to coat every strand in that creamy goodness.
- Reheat Gently: If reheating leftovers, do so over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to bring back the creamy consistency.
- Try Different Pasta Shapes: While fettuccine is classic, this dish also works well with penne, rigatoni, or even spaghetti.
Cooking Notes
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Searing the Chicken: For the best flavor and texture, make sure the chicken bites get a good sear when cooked in the butter. Allow the chicken to rest undisturbed for a few minutes before flipping to develop a golden, crispy crust.
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Cooking the Pasta: Don’t forget to salt the water when cooking your pasta. This will enhance the flavor and make your creamy sauce even more delicious. Be sure to cook the pasta al dente since it will continue to cook when tossed with the sauce.
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Perfecting the Sauce: When making the creamy parmesan sauce, keep the heat on medium-low. High heat can cause the cream to curdle. Stir frequently and add the chicken broth gradually to ensure a smooth, creamy sauce.
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Thickening the Sauce: If the sauce seems too thin after adding the cream, you can thicken it by simmering it a little longer to reduce it. Alternatively, if it becomes too thick, add a little more chicken broth or cream to reach your desired consistency.
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Adding More Flavor: For extra depth of flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter chicken for a subtle spicy kick. You can also sprinkle extra parmesan cheese on top before serving for a cheesy finish.
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Customizing the Recipe: If you’re looking to add some veggies to this dish, spinach, mushrooms, or peas make great additions. Just toss them in with the garlic butter chicken for a well-rounded meal.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: ~650 per serving
- Protein: ~40g
- Sodium: ~780mg
Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While fettuccine works wonderfully in this dish, you can easily swap it out for any pasta you have on hand. Penne, rigatoni, or even spaghetti would all make great alternatives. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time for different types of pasta, as each one may require slightly more or less time to cook.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm the dish in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen up the sauce. Stir occasionally until heated through, and you’ll have a nearly-as-good meal ready to enjoy!
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the garlic butter chicken bites and creamy parmesan pasta ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat the chicken bites in a skillet and toss them with the reheated pasta. This is a great option for meal prepping or if you want to save time on a busy evening.
4. Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the chicken and pasta separately if you need to make it ahead for the future. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 1-2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and then warm it up on the stove, adding a bit more cream or chicken broth if needed to revive the sauce.
5. Can I make this recipe lighter?
Yes, you can lighten up this dish by using lighter versions of ingredients. Try substituting the heavy cream for half-and-half or even a milk and cornstarch mixture to create a creamy sauce with fewer calories. You can also use reduced-fat cheese and swap the butter for olive oil to cut back on fat content. Just keep in mind that the flavors may be a little less rich, but it will still be delicious!
Conclusion
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is the kind of dish that brings comfort to your dinner table with every bite. It’s rich, indulgent, and full of flavor making it perfect for family dinners, date nights, or even just when you’re craving something cozy after a long day. The chicken bites are tender and flavorful, paired with a velvety parmesan sauce that wraps around the pasta in the most delightful way. It’s simple, satisfying, and full of ingredients that work harmoniously together.
What makes this dish even more special is how versatile it is. You can easily adjust it to fit your personal tastes, whether that means using a different pasta or adding in your favorite veggies for extra texture. The garlic butter sauce can be as indulgent or as light as you prefer, and the chicken provides the perfect protein-packed base. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a quiet meal at home, this dish never fails to impress.
I encourage you to give this recipe a try! It’s bound to become a favorite in your home just as it has in mine. If you do try it, be sure to share your experience in the comments I love hearing how you make these recipes your own! And don’t forget to explore more delicious dishes on the blog for more dinner inspiration. Happy cooking!
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Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
- For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- 12 oz fettuccine or your favorite pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Extra garlic butter (optional, for drizzling)
Instructions
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine (or your preferred pasta) and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of pasta water this will help loosen the sauce later if needed. Drain and set aside.
Sear the Chicken Bites: While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken bites with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Garlic Butter: In the same skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, stirring frequently. Be careful garlic burns quickly!
Prepare the Creamy Parmesan Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and add 2 tablespoons of butter along with the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir well to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes, then gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into a smooth, creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat each strand in that creamy goodness. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Return the chicken bites to the skillet and toss everything together until evenly coated.
Serve & Enjoy: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. For extra flavor, drizzle with additional garlic butter if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy this rich, comforting dish!
Notes
-
Searing the Chicken: For the best flavor and texture, make sure the chicken bites get a good sear when cooked in the butter. Allow the chicken to rest undisturbed for a few minutes before flipping to develop a golden, crispy crust.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 650
- Sodium: 780
- Protein: 40