There’s just something about creamy pasta and golden garlic chicken that hits the soul—and this Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta recipe brings the comfort and the flavor in every bite. Juicy chicken bites seared in garlic butter, tossed with silky Parmesan cream sauce and your favorite pasta? This is a weeknight dinner that tastes like it came straight from your favorite restaurant.
It’s cozy, satisfying, and ready in about 30 minutes. Whether you’re feeding the family or just want to indulge in something rich and creamy after a long day, this one’s a guaranteed winner.
Why This Dish Deserves a Spot in Your Rotation
This isn’t just another pasta dish. It’s the perfect balance of richness, garlic, and sharp cheese wrapped around tender bites of chicken and your go-to noodles. Here’s why I love it:
- Quick and easy: One skillet, one pot of pasta, and dinner is served in under 30 minutes.
- Big flavor, simple ingredients: Garlic, butter, and Parmesan are the ultimate flavor trio.
- Customizable: Swap the chicken for shrimp, tofu, or even sautéed mushrooms.
- Crowd-pleaser: It’s creamy without being heavy, and elegant enough for guests.
You’ll want to make extra—leftovers reheat like a dream.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter (for searing)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
For the Sauce & Pasta:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 12 oz pasta (fettuccine or your favorite shape)
- Fresh parsley or lemon zest, for garnish (optional)
How I Make This Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta (Step-by-Step)
1. Cook the Pasta
I bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Once it’s al dente, I drain it and set it aside—but save a little pasta water in case I want to thin the sauce later.
2. Sear the Chicken Bites
While the pasta cooks, I season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. In a large skillet, I heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. I add the chicken in a single layer and let it sear, cooking for about 5–6 minutes total until golden and fully cooked. Then I remove it from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Build the Sauce
In the same skillet, I melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and add the minced garlic. I let it sizzle for about a minute—just until fragrant—then pour in the heavy cream. I bring it to a gentle simmer and stir in the Parmesan, letting it melt and thicken the sauce.
4. Bring It All Together
I return the chicken bites to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Then I add the cooked pasta and stir everything together until it’s creamy and fully coated. If the sauce feels too thick, a splash of reserved pasta water loosens it up perfectly.
5. Garnish and Serve
Right before serving, I sprinkle on some fresh parsley or lemon zest for brightness. If I’m feeling bold, a pinch of red pepper flakes gives it a spicy kick.
How I Like to Serve It
This dish is a full-on comfort meal on its own, but here are a few extras I love pairing with it:
- Garlic bread for dipping into that sauce
- Steamed or roasted broccoli for a pop of green
- A simple side salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness
- A chilled glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio for wine night
Tips From My Kitchen
- Cut the chicken evenly: This ensures it cooks quickly and evenly.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan: It melts better and adds more flavor than pre-shredded.
- Add a splash of pasta water: This helps bind the sauce and gives it that restaurant-quality finish.
- Make it spicy: Red pepper flakes or even a touch of cayenne take it up a notch.
FAQs From My Kitchen
Q: Can I use half-and-half instead of cream?
A: You can! Just simmer it a bit longer to thicken the sauce. Add an extra tablespoon of Parmesan to help it along.
Q: What’s the best pasta for this?
A: Fettuccine is classic, but penne, rigatoni, or even spaghetti work great too.
Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
A: Sure! Just heat it through in the sauce—but you’ll miss out on the garlic butter sear. Worth doing it fresh if you can.
Q: How long does it keep?
A: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.
Why You’ll Want to Make This Again (and Again)
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is what I call a no-brainer dinner. It’s rich without being too heavy, loaded with garlic and cheese, and ready in no time. Whether you’re cooking for two or feeding a family, it’s the kind of meal that disappears fast and leaves everyone asking, “Can you make this again soon?”
Spoiler: You’ll want to say yes.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter (for searing)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 12 oz pasta (fettuccine or your favorite shape)
- 1 tablespoon butter (for sauce)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
- Season the chicken breasts with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet, tossing to coat in the creamy sauce.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
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