If you have been searching for a dish that perfectly balances rich flavors with comforting textures, you have to try Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta. This meal brings tender, juicy chicken bites sautéed in fragrant garlic butter alongside a luscious, cheesy pasta that simply melts in your mouth. It’s an irresistible combination that feels both elegant and homey, making it perfect for any night you want to impress or just treat yourself to something delicious and satisfying.

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

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun and magic behind this dish. Each element plays a crucial role—from the creamy Parmesan that adds depth to the pasta, to the garlic butter that infuses the chicken with incredible flavor and aroma. These simple but essential ingredients come together to create a meal that is bursting with warmth and richness.

1.5 lbs chicken breast, diced: The star protein, tender and perfect for absorbing the garlicky butter flavors.
4 tablespoons butter: Divided for cooking the chicken and creating that luxurious sauce.
4 cloves garlic, minced: Essential for that irresistible, fragrant kick.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Adds a hint of herbs to elevate the chicken’s taste.
Salt and pepper, to taste: Simple seasonings that enhance all the flavors.
8 ounces pasta (fettuccine or penne): The comforting base that soaks up the creamy sauce brilliantly.
1 cup heavy cream: Creates the silky, dreamy texture of the sauce.
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: The cheesy heart of the creamy pasta, adding richness and a slight tang.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Boosts the garlic flavor in the sauce subtly and evenly.
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish): Brings a touch of freshness and color to finish the dish.

How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil. Adding a pinch of salt is key to seasoning your pasta from the inside out. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente—this means it should be tender but still have a slight bite. Drain it well once ready and set it aside, as it will join the rich sauce later.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt half of the butter. Toss in your diced chicken breasts and season generously with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cooking the chicken until it’s golden brown and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes, seals in those juicy flavors. This step is where your chicken begins to soak up the magic of the butter and herbs.

Step 3: Infuse Garlic into the Chicken

Once your chicken is nearly done, reduce the heat to low and add the minced garlic directly to the skillet. Stir it for 1 to 2 minutes, just until fragrant—make sure it doesn’t burn because garlic can quickly turn bitter. This gentle step brings out the star garlicky aroma that defines the dish.

Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Take the chicken out and set it aside to keep warm. In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter and add the heavy cream along with garlic powder. Stir well and let the mixture come to a gentle simmer. This allows the cream to thicken slightly and prepare for that cheesy transformation.

Step 5: Melt in the Parmesan

Gradually sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese while stirring constantly. This slow addition ensures a smooth, creamy sauce without lumps. Once the cheese has melted fully and your sauce looks silky and thick, taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.

Step 6: Combine Chicken and Pasta with Sauce

Return the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together carefully so that every bite is coated in the rich, creamy, garlicky Parmesan sauce. The combination here is downright irresistible and guarantees a meal that feels like a warm hug.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle your freshly chopped parsley over the top. This not only adds a pop of vibrant color but also a fresh, slightly herbal note that balances the richness beautifully.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Garnishes

Fresh chopped parsley is the classic garnish, adding a burst of green and freshness. For a little extra zing, a squeeze of lemon juice or some red pepper flakes can be wonderful additions that jazz up the flavors further.

Side Dishes

This dish is hearty on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus adds balance and crunch. A crusty bread is perfect to mop up every bit of the creamy sauce, making your meal even more indulgent.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the dish family-style in a large skillet right at the table for a cozy gathering vibe. Or plate it individually on warm dishes, topping each serving with extra Parmesan shavings and a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper for that restaurant-quality finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any remaining Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the leftovers surprisingly delicious.

Freezing

Freezing this dish is possible, though the texture of the pasta may change slightly. If you want to freeze it, store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To bring your leftovers back to life, gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much. Avoid microwaving on high to prevent the chicken from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use another type of pasta?

Absolutely! While fettuccine or penne are perfect for holding the creamy sauce, any pasta shape you love will work wonderfully. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

Is this dish spicy?

No, Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is designed to be rich and savory, not spicy. You can add red pepper flakes if you want to introduce some heat.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, try swapping butter for a plant-based alternative and heavy cream with coconut cream or another dairy-free cream substitute, but note that the flavor and texture will be somewhat different.

How do I ensure the chicken stays tender?

Cooking the chicken bites over medium heat and not overcooking them is key. Remove them once they’re golden and cooked through to maintain juiciness.

Can I use pre-grated Parmesan?

Yes, pre-grated Parmesan works fine, but freshly grated cheese tends to melt better and offers a more vibrant flavor for the creamy sauce.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is one of those dishes that feels like a hug from the inside out—a perfect blend of comfort food and gourmet flavors that’s easy to make. Whether you’re feeding family or enjoying a quiet dinner for yourself, this recipe is sure to become a favorite you’ll return to again and again. I can’t wait for you to try it and fall in love with every garlicky, buttery bite!

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 19 reviews

Author: Sophie
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Salt

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Description

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a delicious and easy-to-make dish featuring tender chicken breast bites cooked in rich garlic butter, tossed with al dente pasta and coated in a luscious creamy Parmesan sauce. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner that feels decadent yet straightforward to prepare.

Instructions

Cook the pasta: Start by boiling water in a medium pot. Once boiling, add a pinch of salt and the pasta. Cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cook the chicken: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
Sauté garlic: Reduce the heat to low and add the minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning and to infuse the butter with garlic flavor.
Prepare the sauce: Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, heavy cream, and garlic powder. Stir well to combine and bring to a gentle simmer over low heat.
Add Parmesan cheese: Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring constantly until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.
Combine pasta and chicken: Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are thoroughly coated with the creamy Parmesan sauce.
Serve and garnish: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

For best flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-grated.
If you prefer lower fat, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce will be less rich.
You can add vegetables such as spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition and texture.
Ensure not to burn the garlic when cooking as it can turn bitter.
Use gluten-free pasta if you need to make this recipe gluten-free.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing and Boiling
Cuisine: Italian-American