Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta isn’t just another weeknight recipe. It’s the kind of dish that makes you stop mid-bite and go, “Whoa, did I just make this?” Juicy chicken kissed with garlic butter, a luscious parmesan sauce, and pasta that soaks up every drop of flavor. If your idea of comfort food includes creamy, cheesy, garlicky goodness in under 40 minutes, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive into the magic.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Quick and Easy. From prep to plate in about 30 minutes. Perfect for busy nights when you still want a homemade meal.
• Simple Ingredients. Everything you need is likely already in your pantry or fridge.
• Big Comfort Vibes. Creamy parmesan sauce and garlic butter chicken hits every cozy note.
• Crowd-Pleaser. Picky eaters? No problem. This dish gets rave reviews from adults and kids alike.
• Weeknight Fancy. It feels a little luxurious without the restaurant bill or effort.
What really sets it apart is how the garlic butter and parmesan play off each other. The sauce is creamy but not too heavy, and those bite-sized pieces of chicken are just seared enough to give a golden crust with juicy insides. You’ll want seconds. Maybe thirds. No judgment here.
Ingredients Needed
Let’s break it down so you’re prepped and ready before the pan hits the stove. These are all simple ingredients, but together they create serious magic.
For the chicken bites
• One pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, chopped into bite-sized cubes for quick cooking
• Two tablespoons olive oil, for searing the chicken to a golden finish
• Four tablespoons unsalted butter, to infuse everything with rich garlic flavor
• Four garlic cloves, finely minced for bold aroma
• One teaspoon Italian seasoning, for that herby depth
• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for that final pop of color and brightness
For the creamy parmesan pasta
• Twelve ounces of your favorite pasta like fettuccine, penne, or rotini
• Two tablespoons butter, to start off your creamy sauce
• Two garlic cloves, minced, to match the buttery richness
• One cup heavy cream, for the ultimate silky texture
• One cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, packed with nutty saltiness
• Half a cup of chicken broth, to round out the sauce with savory depth
• Salt and pepper, to balance it all
• Optional extra garlic butter for drizzling, because why not
Notes and Substitutions
Fresh garlic is a must here. Jarred stuff just doesn’t hit the same. Use real parmesan, not the shelf-stable powder, if you want that silky finish.
No heavy cream? You can get away with half and half, though the sauce will be lighter.
Need it gluten-free? Swap in chickpea or rice-based pasta.
Trying to go dairy-free? Use coconut cream and a plant-based parmesan alternative, and choose olive oil over butter.
For extra protein or fiber, stir in spinach or mushrooms during the final toss.
Each choice you make can slightly tweak the flavor and texture, so don’t be afraid to experiment to match your taste and dietary needs.
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
This recipe is all about simplicity, flavor, and minimal stress in the kitchen. Follow these steps and you’ll end up with a restaurant-worthy dish that tastes like you spent hours making it.
One-Pan Cooking Method
Let’s make cleanup easier and flavor even better by cooking everything in one pan. This method lets you take full advantage of the delicious browned bits left behind from searing the chicken, building a deeper, richer sauce.
Step 1: In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces in a single layer.
Step 2: Season the chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for six to eight minutes until golden and cooked through. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate but do not clean the pan.
Step 3: Reduce the heat to medium. In the same pan, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, scraping up any browned bits left by the chicken. These bits carry major flavor.
Step 4: Pour in the chicken broth and stir well to deglaze the pan. Then add the heavy cream and bring everything to a gentle simmer.
Step 5: Stir in the grated parmesan cheese gradually, whisking until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Adjust with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet. Toss until the pasta is well coated in the sauce. If it looks too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
Step 7: Return the chicken to the pan and mix gently to reheat and coat the pieces with sauce.
Step 8: Garnish with fresh parsley and a drizzle of extra garlic butter if desired.
Using one pan isn’t just easier on your sink. It’s a smart way to lock in all the savory, garlicky goodness that makes this dish unforgettable.
Every step here builds flavor and texture. Take your time, trust your senses, and enjoy the process.
Pro Tips and Troubleshooting
Let’s make sure your garlic butter chicken pasta comes out next-level delicious every time.
Expert Tips for Best Results
• Sear the chicken in a hot pan to lock in juices and build flavor. That golden crust means business.
• Always use freshly grated parmesan. It melts smoother and blends better into the sauce.
• Keep the cream on low heat when adding cheese. This prevents it from clumping or separating.
• Stir your pasta water into the sauce a little at a time. It’s your secret weapon for achieving that silky finish.
• Use a cast-iron or heavy-bottom skillet to get the best sear and even cooking.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Do not overcook the chicken. Small pieces cook fast, so remove them as soon as they are no longer pink.
• Avoid boiling the cream. High heat breaks the sauce and leaves it grainy.
• Resist the urge to dump all the cheese in at once. Gradual whisking makes for a smooth, rich sauce.
• Never skip seasoning. Taste and adjust as you go to keep the flavors balanced.
Creative Shortcut
Want to save a little time? Mince your garlic in batches and freeze it in olive oil cubes. Pop one into your pan when needed and it melts into the dish like magic. This tiny prep move will feel like a gift on busy nights.
Serving, Storage and Variations
This dish may be a full meal on its own, but a few extras can take it from great to unforgettable.
Serving Suggestions
• Serve with a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness
• Add warm garlic bread or a crusty baguette for scooping up every last bit of sauce
• Include a side of roasted veggies like broccoli, asparagus or cherry tomatoes for extra color and nutrition
• For drinks, a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or a citrusy sparkling water pairs beautifully
Storage Tips
• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days
• Avoid freezing the full dish as the creamy sauce may split when thawed
• If needed, you can freeze the chicken separately and cook fresh pasta and sauce when ready to eat
Reheating Instructions
• Reheat gently on the stove over low heat
• Add a splash of cream, milk or pasta water to revive the sauce and bring back its silky texture
• If microwaving, cover loosely and heat in short intervals, stirring between bursts to avoid overheating
Easy Recipe Variations
• Vegetarian twist: swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms, zucchini or baby spinach
• Spicy version: stir in red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne for some kick
• Low-carb swap: serve over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a lighter option
• Dairy-free adjustment: use coconut cream and a dairy-free cheese substitute for a rich, plant-based sauce
Want even more creative changes? Check the FAQ below where we answer your top substitution questions.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Approximate values based on standard ingredients:
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | 750 kcal |
| Total Fat | 45 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 58 grams |
| Protein | 35 grams |
This recipe is high in protein thanks to the chicken and parmesan. The fat content comes mostly from butter and cream, which create that luxurious sauce. Carbohydrates are driven by the pasta, making this a hearty and satisfying meal.
If you are following a specific dietary plan, use tools like MyFitnessPal or Cronometer to re-calculate these values based on your exact ingredients or substitutions. Adjusting the type of pasta or cream can shift the nutrition quite a bit, so keep that in mind when tweaking the recipe to fit your needs.
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Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Equipment
- Large Skillet
Ingredients
Chicken Bites
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- salt and pepper to taste
- fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- 12 oz pasta fettuccine, penne or rotini
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup parmesan cheese freshly grated
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces in a single layer.
- Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook 6-8 minutes until golden and cooked through. Transfer chicken to a plate.
- In the same pan, reduce heat to medium. Melt butter and add garlic, sauté 30 seconds scraping up browned bits.
- Add chicken broth, stir to deglaze, then add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Gradually stir in parmesan cheese, whisking until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. Add pasta water if needed to thin sauce.
- Return chicken to pan, mix to coat, reheat, and garnish with parsley and optional garlic butter drizzle.
Notes
- Calories: 750 kcal
- Total Fat: 45 grams
- Saturated Fat: 20 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 22 grams
- Cholesterol: 130 milligrams
- Sodium: 480 milligrams
- Total Carbohydrate: 58 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 3 grams
- Sugars: 3 grams
- Protein: 35 grams
Explore More Delicious Recipes
If you enjoyed diving into the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta, why not explore more delightful dishes from our collection? Here are some must-try recipes to elevate your cooking adventures:
- Lemon Parmesan Pasta
- Taco Lasagna Recipe
- Chicken Fajitas Recipe
- High Protein Pasta Salad
- Creamy Corn Dip
Explore these recipes today to bring more exciting flavors to your table and make every meal memorable!
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is not just another dinner recipe. It is comfort in a bowl, flavor-packed, and unbelievably easy to pull off even on a weeknight. You get tender, juicy chicken, a rich and velvety sauce, and pasta that holds it all together in the most delicious way.
Whether you are cooking for your family or just treating yourself, this dish delivers every time. It is satisfying, flexible, and guaranteed to impress.
If you tried this recipe, let us know how it turned out in the comments. Drop a star rating to help others discover it too. Feel like sharing? Post a pic on Pinterest or Facebook and tag us. We would love to see your version.
Tried a twist or added your own flair? Tell us below. What did you serve it with? Did you go spicy or keep it classic? Let’s get the garlic butter convo going.
FAQS
1. Why did my sauce turn grainy?
The most common culprit is adding parmesan to a sauce that is too hot. High heat causes the cheese to separate and form a gritty texture. Always lower the heat before adding the cheese and stir continuously to keep the sauce smooth.
2. Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, you can. Whole milk works in a pinch, though the sauce will be lighter and less rich. To thicken it slightly, consider adding a bit of flour or cornstarch slurry before mixing in the cheese.
3. What’s the best pasta for creamy sauces?
Fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni are excellent choices. They have enough surface area and texture to hold onto the creamy sauce, making every bite flavorful and well-coated.
4. How do you keep chicken bites juicy?
Cook them quickly over medium-high heat and avoid overcooking. Bite-sized pieces only need about six to eight minutes. Letting them rest briefly before tossing into the sauce also helps lock in moisture.
5. How do you reheat creamy pasta without it drying out?
Reheat it gently over low heat on the stove or in the microwave in short intervals. Add a splash of milk, cream, or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and bring back its creamy texture.
Have another question? Drop it in the comments. We may add it here to help more readers out!
