Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta 🍝🧄🧈
A cozy, creamy chicken and pasta combo that’s as elegant as it is comforting.
There’s something magical about buttery garlic, tender chicken, and creamy Parmesan sauce coming together in one plate. This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta recipe brings serious comfort food energy with bold flavors and a velvety sauce that coats every strand of pasta.
Whether you’re cooking for family, prepping a date-night dinner, or just indulging your pasta cravings, this dish delivers on all fronts.
Why I Love This Recipe
This recipe hits the sweet spot between ease and indulgence. The chicken bites are seared to golden perfection in garlic butter, while the Parmesan cream sauce hugs every noodle in creamy richness. It feels fancy—but comes together in about 30 minutes.
If you’re into satisfying, cheesy dinners like Instant Pot lasagna or hearty one-pots like Mexican chicken and rice casserole, this one’s going to be a favorite.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Bites:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- 8 oz fettuccine (or your favorite pasta)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Pasta
Boil your pasta according to package instructions.
Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2️⃣ Sear the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add chicken pieces and season with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Cook for 4–5 minutes, until golden and cooked through.
Remove from skillet and set aside.
3️⃣ Make the Garlic Butter Chicken
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Return the chicken to the pan and toss in garlic butter to coat.
Remove and keep warm.
4️⃣ Prepare the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
In a separate skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
Stir in heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
Gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.
Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste.
5️⃣ Combine
Toss the cooked pasta in the creamy sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen.
Plate the pasta, top with garlic butter chicken bites, and garnish with fresh parsley.
Tips for Success
✔️ Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting and texture.
✔️ Cut chicken evenly for consistent cooking.
✔️ Save the pasta water—it’s liquid gold for thinning and emulsifying your sauce.
✔️ Add veggies like spinach or peas if you want to bulk it up with greens.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is rich and satisfying on its own, but pairs beautifully with:
- Garlic bread or a warm baguette
- A crisp green salad with vinaigrette
- Roasted broccoli or asparagus
- A glass of white wine or lemon water for balance
Looking for a cozy side dish to pair with? Try Dorito casserole or sheet pan quesadillas to turn this into a feast.
Storage & Leftovers
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce.
- Freezer: Not recommended due to the dairy-based sauce texture.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoy this chicken and pasta combo, you’ll definitely want to try:
- This Instant Pot Lasagna Is My Favorite Way to Make Comfort Food Fast
- These Sheet Pan Quesadillas Are My Favorite Way to Feed a Crowd Fast
- This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit
- This Dorito Casserole Is My Favorite Weeknight Dinner Shortcut
- These Chicken Enchiladas Are My Go-To for Cozy, Crowd-Pleasing Dinners
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta recipe is everything you want in a comfort meal: rich, flavorful, and easy enough to make on a weeknight. It’s a dinner that feels indulgent but comes together fast—and it’s always a hit.
Give it a try, add your own twist, and don’t forget to share your photos—we’d love to see your skillet success! 🧄🍝🔥
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