If you’re seeking a dish that delivers rich flavors, quick results, and a hearty dose of comfort, Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is destined to become your new weeknight favorite. Juicy, golden chicken bites sizzle in garlicky butter before being paired with a lush, cheesy pasta that’s absolutely impossible to resist. Everything comes together in less than an hour, fills your kitchen with the best aromas, and impresses anyone who sits down at the table. Each forkful promises a little bit of magic thanks to simple yet high-impact ingredients that play together perfectly.

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

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is in its straightforward, unfussy ingredient list. Every item here has a job: boosting flavor, adding creaminess, or lending a colorful finishing touch. Don’t skip on freshness—it’s the secret sauce for elevating this meal!

Chicken breasts: Cubed chicken stays juicy and soaks up all the garlicky butter flavors—boneless and skinless is key for speedy cooking.
Butter: The base for both the chicken and sauce, lending a decadent richness you just can’t fake.
Garlic cloves: Freshly minced for that deep, aromatic punch that defines the whole dish.
Paprika: Adds a gentle warmth and beautiful golden color to the chicken bites.
Salt and pepper: The fundamentals! Season both the chicken and the sauce to taste.
Heavy cream: Creates that lusciously creamy sauce to smother the pasta.
Parmesan cheese: Grated fresh for maximum melting power and flavorful tang.
Pasta: Any favorite shape works, but short cuts like penne or rotini catch that glossy sauce in every bite.
Olive oil: Used for browning the chicken bites and kickstarting that irresistible pan flavor.
Fresh parsley: Brings a pop of green and a fresh finish—don’t skip it for presentation and taste!

How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Begin by filling a large pot with water and bringing it to a rolling boil. Generously salt the water, then cook your pasta of choice according to package directions. Aim for al dente—this way, it’ll soak up that creamy sauce later. Drain and set aside, saving a little bit of the pasta water just in case you want to loosen the sauce at the very end.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken Bites

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and pour in the olive oil. Add the cubed chicken in a single layer, sprinkle over the paprika, salt, and pepper, and let each piece get golden and crusty. This should take about 6 to 8 minutes, depending on the size of your cubes. Don’t fuss with it too much—let those edges caramelize! Once the chicken is cooked through, move on to the next buttery, garlicky step.

Step 3: Get Garlicky with Butter

Reduce the heat to low and add 2 tablespoons of butter directly to the pan, tossing in your minced garlic. Let the garlic bubble gently, swirling everything together until the air is thick with incredible aroma. This magic is quick—just a minute or two. Once fragrant, transfer the chicken bites out of the pan so you can move on to the creamy sauce without overcrowding.

Step 4: Build the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

In the same skillet (hello, built-in flavor!), toss in the last spoonful of butter, your rich heavy cream, and that all-important freshly grated Parmesan. Stir continuously as the mixture gently simmers and thickens; this should take just 3 to 4 minutes. If it gets too snug, a splash of reserved pasta water will loosen everything beautifully. What you want is a sauce that’s glossy and just thick enough to coat a spoon.

Step 5: Toss and Assemble

Add your cooked, drained pasta straight into the luscious cream sauce and toss until every noodle is glossy and coated. Now, slide the garlicky chicken bites back on top. Finish with a flourish of parsley, and get ready for the best part—serving up this dream of a dish.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Garnishes

When it’s time to serve, don’t be shy with the fresh parsley. Its brightness cuts through that decadent sauce. Go ahead and grate a bit more Parmesan over the top right before you bring the dish to the table—the nutty aroma is absolutely irresistible. A crack of fresh black pepper finishes everything off with a bit of sophisticated bite.

Side Dishes

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta shine on their own, but a crisp green salad or lightly steamed vegetables can add freshness and crunch to the meal. Think simple arugula dressed with lemon, or roasted broccoli with a hint of lemon zest. And if you want to go all-out, warm bread—ciabatta or focaccia—is just begging to be dragged through any leftover creamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the dish family-style in a big, shallow platter, scattering parsley and Parmesan over everything so it’s as inviting as it is delicious. Or, if you’re feeling a bit fancy, portion the pasta into individual bowls and nestle chicken bites on top for a restaurant-worthy look. This meal also shines packed into meal prep bowls for weekday lunches—just assemble and store as you would for dinner, and sprinkle parsley on just before eating.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any remaining Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. It keeps beautifully refrigerated for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld and deepen with time, making next-day lunches even more memorable!

Freezing

While the cream sauce can separate a little after freezing, you can still freeze portions if you want an emergency comfort meal on hand. Use airtight containers or freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, pop individual servings in the microwave with a splash of milk or cream to keep things saucy, or gently warm on the stovetop, stirring frequently. If the sauce thickens too much, a bit of that pasta water or extra cream will help restore its silky texture. Finish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan to wake everything up.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are even juicier and a bit more forgiving if you’re worried about overcooking. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces and follow the recipe as written for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta.

What’s the best pasta shape for this dish?

Penne, rotini, or rigatoni are wonderful because their grooves capture that creamy Parmesan sauce. However, you really can’t go wrong—use whatever you have on hand, from spaghetti to shells.

Can I lighten up the cream sauce?

If you’d prefer a lighter version, swap half or all of the heavy cream with whole milk or even half-and-half. The sauce won’t be as thick, but it will still coat the pasta nicely and shave off some richness.

Is it possible to make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta gluten-free?

Definitely! Just use your favorite gluten-free pasta variety, and double-check that your Parmesan is gluten-free (most are, but it’s always worth confirming).

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Yes! Baby spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or frozen peas make delicious add-ins. Just stir them into the pasta and sauce during the final toss for a pop of color and extra nutrients.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a meal that packs in flavor, comfort, and total crowd-pleasing appeal all in one skillet, Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is your answer. I hope you’re inspired to roll up your sleeves and treat yourself—and your favorite people—to this recipe soon. It really does bring pure joy to the table!

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 16 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich and flavorful dish of Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta. Tender chicken bites coated in garlic-infused butter, served atop a bed of creamy Parmesan pasta, and garnished with fresh parsley. This recipe is a decadent treat for any occasion.

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Prepare the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Cook the Chicken: In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken cubes, season with paprika, salt, and pepper, and cook until golden and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
Make the Garlic Butter: Reduce heat, add 2 tbsp butter and minced garlic to the pan, cooking until fragrant (1-2 minutes). Remove chicken and set aside.
Prepare the Creamy Sauce: In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tbsp of butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
Combine and Serve: Toss the cooked pasta in the creamy sauce, then top with the garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot.