If you are looking for a comforting and indulgent meal that never fails to impress, the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe might just become your new favorite go-to. This dish perfectly balances tender, flavorful chicken bites cooked in rich garlic butter alongside silky, creamy pasta coated in a luscious Parmesan sauce. It combines simplicity with a touch of elegance, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or casual dinner parties. Every bite offers a satisfying mix of textures and flavors that feel both decadent and utterly comforting.

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

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that come together harmoniously. Each component plays a vital role: from the juicy chicken packed with spices to the creamy sauce that lovingly envelopes the pasta, and the fresh parsley that adds a pop of color and brightness.

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast: Cut into bite-sized pieces for perfect cooking and easy eating.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild heat and depth.
1/2 teaspoon paprika: Gives a subtle smoky note and beautiful color.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps achieve a golden chicken crust while keeping it juicy.
3 tablespoons unsalted butter: Divided use ensures the buttery garlic flavor is rich but balanced.
4 garlic cloves, minced: Delivers the signature fragrant punch.
8 ounces fettuccine or linguine pasta: The perfect shape to hold onto the creamy sauce.
1 cup heavy cream: Creates the rich, velvety sauce that makes this dish so indulgent.
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Melts smoothly into the sauce, adding sharp, nutty notes.
1/2 cup reserved pasta water: Used to loosen the sauce to the perfect consistency and add silkiness.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Enhances the flavor with classic herbaceous touches.
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Adds a fresh, bright finish when sprinkled on top.

How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by seasoning the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and paprika. This simple seasoning blend gives the chicken a beautiful balance of savory, slightly smoky, and spicy flavors. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken in a single, even layer, allowing it to cook undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes on each side. The goal here is to get a golden-brown crust while ensuring the chicken remains juicy inside. Once cooked through, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. This step builds the foundation for all the rich, buttery goodness to come.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic in Butter

Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant and slightly golden but not browned. This technique releases the sweet aromatic oils from the garlic, infusing the butter with deep flavor and forming the base for the pasta sauce.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

While the garlic is sizzling, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine or linguine according to package directions until al dente. Be sure to reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining—this starchy water is a game-changer for adjusting the sauce’s texture, making it unsurprisingly silky and luscious.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the garlic butter, bringing it to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Stir continually as you mix in freshly grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning until the sauce becomes smooth and thickened. To get the sauce just right, add the reserved pasta water little by little; it helps to loosen it without sacrificing creaminess. This step guarantees that your sauce clings beautifully to every strand of pasta.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Chicken

Now the fun part! Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing well to ensure each strand is thoroughly coated in that irresistible creamy Parmesan sauce. Then, gently fold the golden chicken bites back into the pan, allowing the flavors to meld for a minute or two. The result? A deliciously rich and satisfying meal that looks as great as it tastes.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle the dish generously with freshly chopped parsley for an inviting burst of green that brightens the plate. If you want to add a little extra flair, a few shavings of Parmesan cheese on top will create an elegant finishing touch and heighten the salty, nutty flavor one last time before digging in.

Side Dishes

This rich dish pairs wonderfully with light, crisp sides. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the creaminess perfectly, while roasted or steamed vegetables like asparagus or broccoli add vibrant color and a healthy crunch. Garlic bread is another fantastic side if you want to keep things indulgent and soak up every last bit of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, try serving the chicken bites atop a bed of the creamy pasta in individual shallow bowls, garnished with parsley and a lemon wedge to brighten the flavors. Alternatively, plate the pasta on large platters and arrange the chicken bites attractively on top, inviting guests to dig in family-style. No matter how you present it, this dish is sure to be an epic centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The creamy sauce may thicken when chilled, but it softens back up nicely when reheated gently. Just be sure to keep the chicken and pasta together to retain all those delicious flavors.

Freezing

While fresh is always best with creamy pasta dishes, you can freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Because cream sauces can separate during freezing, thaw slowly in the refrigerator and reheat with a splash of cream or milk to restore the texture.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to avoid scorching. Adding a little bit of cream, milk, or reserved pasta water while reheating will help revive the sauce’s smoothness. A microwave works too but do so in short bursts, stirring between each to promote even heating.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While fettuccine or linguine work beautifully because they hold the sauce well, feel free to use penne, bowtie, or even spaghetti based on what you have on hand or prefer.

Is there a dairy-free alternative for the cream and cheese?

Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream, and use a dairy-free Parmesan-style cheese. Keep in mind the flavor profile will change, but the dish will still be tasty and creamy.

Can I prepare this recipe with chicken thighs instead of breast?

Chicken thighs work great and tend to be juicier with a richer flavor. Just adjust the cooking time slightly since thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.

How can I make this dish lighter?

Try replacing the heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and plain Greek yogurt. You can also add more vegetables like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to increase fiber and nutrients.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Definitely! Use gluten-free pasta and ensure any seasoning blends or other ingredients you use do not contain gluten. The rest of the recipe remains the same.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe is a total winner for anyone craving an easy yet impressive dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Its combination of tender chicken, garlicky butter, and creamy cheese sauce creates such a satisfying experience, you’ll want to make it time and again. So grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself (and your loved ones) to this deliciously comforting meal tonight!

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe

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4.4 from 33 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Kid-Friendly

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Description

A delicious and comforting dish featuring tender garlic butter chicken bites paired with creamy Parmesan pasta. This easy skillet recipe combines succulent chicken breast pieces seasoned with paprika and sautéed to golden perfection, served over fettuccine coated in a rich, cheesy cream sauce with subtle Italian herbs. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels indulgent yet simple to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
4 garlic cloves, minced

Pasta and Sauce

8 ounces fettuccine or linguine pasta
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup reserved pasta water
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

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Instructions

Season the Chicken: In a bowl, season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Set aside to let the seasoning absorb into the meat.
Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for about 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
Sauté the Garlic: Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
Cook the Pasta: Meanwhile, cook the fettuccine or linguine in salted boiling water following the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water for the sauce.
Make the Creamy Sauce: Pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the garlic butter and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, mixing until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Add the reserved pasta water gradually until you reach your desired sauce consistency.
Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat all the noodles evenly with the creamy Parmesan sauce.
Recombine Chicken and Pasta: Return the cooked chicken bites to the skillet, stirring gently to combine them with the pasta and sauce. Heat through briefly if necessary.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top as garnish and serve immediately while hot.