If you love quick, flavorful, and restaurant-quality meals, this Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta recipe will become a weekly favorite. Tender chicken bites cooked in rich garlic butter pair perfectly with creamy, silky Parmesan pasta for a dish that feels indulgent yet simple to make. This 30-minute dinner is perfect for busy nights, family meals, or impressing guests with minimal effort.
Italian Cuisine
Ingredients
For the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoningGrains & Pasta
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- 12 oz fettuccine (or any pasta of your choice)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Extra garlic butter, optional for drizzling
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cooking & Recipes
Add your fettuccine (or preferred pasta) and cook until al dente, following package directions.
Before draining, reserve ½ cup of pasta water — this helps adjust the sauce later.
Drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Bites
Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels for a better sear.
Season with:
Dairy & Eggs
- Salt
- Pepper
- Italian seasoning
Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken bites in a single layer.
Cook 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden and cooked through.
Add 4 tablespoons of butter and the minced garlic.
Cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant and the chicken is fully coated in garlic butter.
Poultry
Transfer chicken to a bowl and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
In the same skillet, add:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 minced garlic cloves
Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant (do not brown the garlic).
Pour in:
Garlic
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.
Add 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, whisking until melted and creamy.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
If sauce feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta directly into the creamy Parmesan sauce.
Italian Cuisine
Stir until every strand is coated.
Once mixed, add the garlic butter chicken bites into the skillet.
Mix well so the flavorful chicken blends with the creamy pasta.
(Optional) Drizzle extra melted garlic butter on top for even more richness.
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish.
Serve hot with:
Grains & Pasta
- Garlic bread
- Roasted veggies
- A fresh salad
Pro Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smooth sauce.
- Do not overcook the garlic—keep it lightly sautéed.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.Cooking & Recipes
- Use linguine, spaghetti, penne, or bowtie pasta if you prefer.
Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm slowly on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream.
- Freezer: Cream-based sauces don’t freeze well, so freezing is not recommended.
