Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta: A Rich, Indulgent Dinner Made Easy 🍝🧄
Some dinners are simple. Some are luxurious. This one? It’s both.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is the kind of recipe that feels restaurant-worthy — but is easy enough for even your busiest nights. Imagine juicy, golden chicken bites kissed with garlic butter, nestled next to swirls of silky parmesan cream pasta. It’s a match made in comfort food heaven.
This dish balances indulgence and efficiency. It’s fast, rich, and packed with flavor — but without the stress or a pile of dishes. If your goal is to win dinner (or impress someone special), this recipe is your new go-to.
🍗 Ingredients Breakdown
This dish serves 3–4 and comes together in under 30 minutes.
For the Garlic Butter Chicken:
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Tender and quick to cook. Thighs work if you want more richness.
2 tablespoons olive oil
For getting that perfect golden crust.
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
The base of the garlic butter — rich and velvety.
4 cloves garlic, minced
Infuses the butter with bold, aromatic flavor.
Salt & freshly ground pepper, to taste
Season each piece for depth.
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning or paprika (optional)
Adds an herbal or smoky layer to the chicken.
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
8 ounces pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or penne)
Long or short pasta — whatever your mood. Twisted or tubular shapes hold the sauce beautifully.
2 tablespoons butter
Forms the base of the sauce.
3 cloves garlic, minced
Because one layer of garlic isn’t enough.
1 cup heavy cream
Thick, rich, and dreamy.
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Real Parmigiano-Reggiano = best melt and flavor.
Salt & pepper, to taste
Pasta water (about ½ cup)
For loosening the sauce and helping it cling to the pasta.
Optional Garnishes:
Fresh chopped parsley or basil
Extra grated Parmesan
A squeeze of lemon for brightness
🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta to al dente according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain the rest.
Set the pasta aside.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken Bites
Pat chicken dry and season generously with salt, pepper, and optional Italian seasoning.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add chicken in a single layer (work in batches if needed).
Cook for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.
Step 3: Make Garlic Butter
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium.
Add 4 tablespoons butter and let melt.
Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30–60 seconds until fragrant (not browned).
Return the chicken bites to the skillet. Toss to coat in garlic butter. Keep warm.
Step 4: Make the Parmesan Cream Sauce
In a separate saucepan or cleaned skillet:
Melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat.
Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream and stir. Let it simmer gently for 2–3 minutes to thicken.
Reduce heat to low and stir in grated Parmesan.
Add reserved pasta water a splash at a time until the sauce is silky and coats a spoon.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Combine & Serve
Toss cooked pasta in the Parmesan cream sauce until fully coated. Plate the pasta and top with warm garlic butter chicken bites.
Garnish with:
Chopped parsley or basil
Extra Parmesan
Cracked black pepper
Add a lemon wedge on the side for brightness if desired.
🍽️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One-pan flavor bomb: Chicken bites soak up all the buttery garlic goodness.
Creamy pasta perfection: Velvety, cheesy sauce clings to every noodle.
Fast and satisfying: From prep to plate in under 30 minutes.
Elegant yet comforting: Perfect for date night, dinner parties, or treating yourself.
🍝 Pairings & Serving Ideas
Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta alongside:
A fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette
Roasted asparagus or green beans
Garlic bread or crusty baguette
A glass of chilled Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc
For a lighter touch, consider:
Zoodles or spaghetti squash instead of pasta
A cauliflower purée or mashed potatoes beneath the chicken
🧊 Make Ahead, Store & Reheat
Make Ahead:
Chicken can be cooked and stored separately up to 2 days in advance.
Sauce is best made fresh, but can be reheated gently with added cream or milk.
Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat:
Reheat pasta and chicken separately for best texture.
Add a splash of cream or milk to loosen the pasta sauce while reheating.
🔄 Variations & Tips
Spice It Up:
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter for heat.
Stir in Cajun seasoning for a Southern twist.
Change the Protein:
Use shrimp or scallops instead of chicken.
Try seared mushrooms or tofu for a vegetarian version.
Cheese Options:
Swap half the Parmesan for Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.
Mix in a spoonful of cream cheese for extra silkiness.
Pasta Swaps:
Go whole wheat, gluten-free, or use gnocchi.
Try ravioli or tortellini stuffed with cheese or spinach.
👨🍳 Final Thoughts
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is one of those recipes that brings joy back to dinner. It’s the food equivalent of a cozy sweater — warm, inviting, and effortlessly satisfying.
Whether you’re looking to elevate a simple weeknight meal or want to make something special without breaking a sweat, this dish delivers all the flavor with none of the fuss.