Delicious Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Delicious Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a cozy, restaurant-style dish made right at home. I sear bite-sized chicken pieces in garlicky butter until golden and juicy, then serve them over a bed of rich, creamy Parmesan pasta. It’s comforting, full of flavor, and surprisingly easy to pull together for a weeknight dinner or a special weekend meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it combines two of my favorite things—garlic butter chicken and creamy pasta—into one satisfying plate. The chicken bites are quick to cook and full of bold flavor, and the Parmesan pasta is velvety smooth and indulgent. It’s a one-pan kind of flavor experience that’s both simple and elegant.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the garlic butter chicken bites:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)

• Garlic powder

• Paprika

• Salt and black pepper

• Olive oil

• Butter

• Garlic (minced)

• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

For the creamy Parmesan pasta:

• Pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or penne)

• Butter

• Garlic (minced)

• Heavy cream

• Chicken broth (or reserved pasta water)

• Grated Parmesan cheese

• Salt and pepper

• Optional: crushed red pepper flakes or lemon zest

Directions

1. I season the chicken bites with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

2. In a large skillet, I heat olive oil and cook the chicken until golden and fully cooked. I remove it from the pan and set it aside.

3. In the same skillet, I melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. I return the chicken to the pan, toss to coat in the garlic butter, and keep warm.

4. Meanwhile, I cook the pasta according to package directions.

5. In a separate saucepan (or wiped skillet), I melt butter, add garlic, and pour in cream and a splash of chicken broth or pasta water.

6. I simmer gently, then stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. I season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired.

7. I toss the drained pasta in the sauce until evenly coated.

8. I serve the pasta topped with the garlic butter chicken bites and sprinkle fresh parsley over everything.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

Sometimes I add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to the pasta for extra color and flavor. I’ve also used shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood version. When I want a lighter dish, I swap cream for half-and-half and use zucchini noodles in place of pasta. A squeeze of lemon over the chicken also adds a fresh, bright finish.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. The microwave works too, but I stir halfway through to keep the pasta from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, but I still toss it in garlic butter to boost the flavor and reheat it gently to avoid overcooking.

What kind of pasta works best?

I usually use fettuccine or penne, but any pasta that holds sauce well—like linguine or rigatoni—will work great.

Can I make it without cream?

Yes, I use half-and-half or even milk with a bit of cream cheese or extra Parmesan for richness.

Is this dish spicy?

It’s not spicy unless I add red pepper flakes. I adjust the heat depending on my taste.

Can I freeze this dish?

It’s best fresh, but I’ve frozen it in portions with decent results. I thaw and reheat gently with a splash of liquid to refresh the sauce.

Conclusion

Delicious Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is one of those dishes that feels fancy but is incredibly easy to make. It’s buttery, cheesy, and completely satisfying. Whether I’m making dinner for the family or treating myself to a cozy night in, this meal always hits the mark.