Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is the perfect dish for a comforting, yet flavorful dinner. Tender chicken bites coated in a garlicky butter sauce, served with rich and creamy Parmesan pasta, create a meal that’s easy to make, satisfying, and full of mouthwatering flavors. It’s a great choice for both a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Rich, creamy, and garlicky flavors all in one dish
Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for a busy night
Juicy chicken bites and creamy pasta pair perfectly together
The buttery garlic sauce adds a rich layer of flavor to the whole dish

Ingredients

Here’s a sneak peek at the ingredients. For the full list and measurements, be sure to check the recipe card below.

Chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
Butter (for the garlic butter sauce)
Garlic (minced)
Heavy cream (for the creamy sauce)
Parmesan cheese (grated)
Pasta (like fettuccine or penne)
Fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta according to the package directions, then drain and set aside.

Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

While the pasta is cooking, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Cook the Chicken

Add the chicken bites to the skillet and cook for about 5-6 minutes, or until they are browned and cooked through. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

In the same skillet, pour in the heavy cream and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the cream simmer for 2-3 minutes, then add in the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

Combine the Pasta and Chicken

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy sauce. Add the garlic butter chicken bites back into the skillet and stir to combine everything evenly.

Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Expert Tips and Tricks

For a richer sauce, add a splash of chicken broth or white wine while making the creamy Parmesan sauce.
Make sure the pasta is drained well before adding it to the sauce, as excess water can dilute the creaminess.
If you like extra garlic flavor, sauté a little more garlic before adding the cream.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Add veggies: Spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes would make great additions to the creamy pasta.
Switch the protein: Try using shrimp or turkey for a different twist.
For a lighter version: Swap out the heavy cream for a lighter cream, or use half-and-half.
Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure the Parmesan cheese is gluten-free.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve your garlic butter chicken bites and creamy Parmesan pasta with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad. A glass of crisp white wine, like Chardonnay, pairs beautifully with this dish.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or cream to keep the sauce creamy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes! Just be sure to thaw the chicken thoroughly before cooking it in the skillet.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but you can make the garlic butter chicken bites and creamy sauce ahead of time. Just combine everything and reheat when ready to serve.

What other pasta can I use?
Any type of pasta will work, but fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti are great choices for this creamy dish.

Can I make this dairy-free?
You can substitute the butter with olive oil and the heavy cream with a non-dairy milk or cream alternative, such as coconut cream or almond milk.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a rich, flavorful dish that’s sure to impress. The tender chicken, buttery garlic sauce, and creamy Parmesan pasta make it a comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special treat, this recipe is one you’ll want to make again and again. Enjoy!

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

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Author: Jake
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American/Italian

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Description

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a savory, mouth-watering dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner. The juicy chicken is seared in a rich garlic butter sauce, while the creamy Parmesan pasta complements it beautifully. This indulgent dish is a great way to treat yourself and your loved ones to a comforting, flavorful meal.

Instructions

Cook the Pasta:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
Cook the Chicken Bites:
1. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Season the diced chicken with salt, pepper, and dried thyme or Italian seasoning.
3. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
4. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
1. In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of butter.
2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and toss it in the garlic butter sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to coat the chicken with the sauce.
Prepare the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
1. In a separate pan, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
2. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
3. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Let the sauce simmer for 3-5 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.
Combine the Chicken and Pasta:
1. Add the cooked pasta to the creamy Parmesan sauce and toss to coat.
2. Add the garlic butter chicken bites on top or mix them into the pasta.
Serve:
1. Serve the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta warm, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.

Notes

You can add extra vegetables like spinach or broccoli for added nutrition and flavor.
For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of butter.
For a bit of spice, add red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
Calories: 600
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 40g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 90mg