Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe

There’s just something irresistible about the combination of juicy, golden chicken bites drenched in garlicky butter, all tossed with a luscious parmesan cream sauce and tender pasta. That’s why Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is always the weeknight dinner I pull out when I want full-on comfort and flavors that make everyone run to the table. With melt-in-your-mouth chicken, a super silky sauce, and that hit of fresh parmesan, this dish is a beautiful marriage of simplicity and decadence that always leaves plates scraped clean.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need a long list of fancy ingredients to create Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta. Every item here pulls its weight, giving you the perfect balance of richness, punchy garlic, and creamy, cheesy goodness.

• Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are easy to dice and cook quickly for tender, juicy bites.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is key to getting that deeply aromatic, savory base.
• Unsalted butter: Butter adds that signature rich flavor and helps create the silky sauce—don’t skimp!
• Pasta (fettuccine or linguine): Either shape grabs the sauce beautifully; go with your favorite or what you have on hand.
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated parmesan melts perfectly, giving the sauce a nutty, creamy depth.
• Heavy cream: Cream brings the sauce together and coats every strand of pasta in pure luxury.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning both the chicken and the sauce to bring all the flavors forward.
• Fresh parsley (optional): Adds a pop of color and freshness to finish the dish.

How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Step 1: Prep the Chicken and Garlic

Start by mincing your garlic and cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. This makes for super fast, even cooking and ensures that every forkful of Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta has the perfect ratio of juicy chicken to creamy noodles. A sharp knife makes this step extra quick and neat!

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Set a large skillet over medium-high heat and melt 2 tablespoons of butter—let it get nice and bubbly for maximum flavor. Add your chicken bites in a single layer, seasoning right away with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, moving them occasionally, until they’re golden on the outside and cooked through on the inside. You want bite-sized pieces that are juicy, not dried out!

Step 3: Add the Garlic

Next, toss in your freshly minced garlic straight into the skillet with the chicken. Let it sauté for about a minute—just until fragrant. The kitchen will smell amazing, and the garlic’s punch will fully infuse your chicken without burning. A pinch more salt and pepper here brings the flavors into sharp focus.

Step 4: Make the Parmesan Cream Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium, then stir in the heavy cream and the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, scraping the bottom of the skillet to catch all those delicious browned bits. Now, sprinkle the grated parmesan in and keep stirring as the cheese melts into a smooth, rich, perfectly silky sauce. The chicken acts as the flavor anchor, absorbing all that garlicky, cheesy goodness.

Step 5: Boil the Pasta

While the sauce simmers, cook your pasta according to package directions until it’s al dente—don’t forget to salt your pasta water generously. Before you drain, scoop out a cup of that magical, starchy pasta water and set it aside. It’ll help you adjust the sauce to exactly the creamy consistency you crave.

Step 6: Toss Everything Together

Add the drained pasta right into your skillet of chicken and sauce, pouring in reserved pasta water a little at a time until the whole mixture is creamy and well coated. Toss with tongs to evenly distribute those Garlic Butter Chicken Bites and slick every strand of pasta with that parmesan-rich sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning to your liking—this is your moment!

How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Garnishes

A flourish of freshly chopped parsley not only adds a pop of color but also a light herbal finish that balances the richness of Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta. Don’t be shy about adding an extra sprinkle of parmesan over the top right as you serve for a little added cheesy decadence.

Side Dishes

While this dish is definitely the star, it pairs beautifully with crisp green salads, garlicky roasted broccoli, or even a simple tomato cucumber salad. For bread lovers, a warm baguette or garlic knots are perfect for mopping up every bit of sauce left on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta in shallow pasta bowls for a restaurant feel. For a family-style approach, pile it onto a big platter and let everyone help themselves. You can also portion it into mini bowls or ramekins for a chic dinner party starter—add a swirl of sauce and some freshly cracked black pepper on top for extra flair!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, let Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the fridge for up to three days, making an easy and delicious lunch the next day.

Freezing

While cream-based sauces can sometimes separate after freezing, you can still freeze portions of this dish if needed. Place in freezer-safe containers, press a layer of plastic wrap directly onto the surface, and freeze for up to one month. Try to reheat gently for the best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, place your pasta and chicken mixture in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk, cream, or even reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Stir gently until heated through, tasting and adjusting seasoning as needed. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can dry out the chicken.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs bring a natural juiciness and even more flavor to Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta. Just cut them into similar bite-sized pieces and follow the same steps for cooking.

Can I substitute the heavy cream with something lighter?

Yes, you can use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter sauce. The result will be slightly less rich, but the garlic, butter, and parmesan still keep the dish creamy and comforting.

What kind of pasta works best?

Fettuccine or linguine are ideal choices because their texture hugs the creamy sauce, but you can use penne, rigatoni, or even spaghetti if that’s what’s in your pantry. The flavors shine no matter what!

How do I make the sauce thicker or thinner?

To thicken the sauce, simmer it uncovered for a minute or two longer or add a bit more parmesan. If you’d like a looser, silkier finish, just add more reserved pasta water a splash at a time until it’s perfect for you.

Is Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The creamy sauce and tender chicken make this a big hit with kids, especially if they love cheesy pastas. You can always reduce the garlic a bit if they prefer a milder flavor.

Final Thoughts

Once you try Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta, it’ll earn a permanent spot in your regular dinner rotation. It’s comfort food at its finest—simple, swoon-worthy, and guaranteed to make everyone at the table happy. Give it a go and watch this classic become one of your new favorites!

Print