Mark Anthony Introduction
When I want something indulgent that still comes together in under 30 minutes, I head straight to the stove and make my garlic butter chicken bites with creamy Parmesan pasta. I sear juicy chicken bites until golden and sizzling in rich garlic butter, then toss them into a pot of silky, cheesy pasta that coats every piece in pure comfort. From that first hit of garlic in the pan to the final swirl of Parmesan into the noodles, this dish delivers full-on flavor with minimal effort.
I love how the garlic butter clings to the chicken, giving each bite a rich, savory edge. The pasta isn’t just a sidekick — it’s velvety, cheesy, and loaded with nutty Parmesan that brings the whole dish together like a dream. Everything happens in one pan, which means less cleanup and more time to sit down and enjoy a seriously crave-worthy meal.
Whether I’m cooking this up for a cozy weeknight dinner, a quick date-night dish, or just treating myself after a long day, it hits the spot every single time. It’s simple, it’s bold, and honestly? It tastes like something you’d order at a fancy bistro — only better because you made it yourself.
Let’s dive into this garlic butter chicken and creamy parmesan pasta — one skillet, big flavor, and nothing but comfort ahead.
Perfect For
- Busy weeknights when you want comfort food fast
- Impressing guests without too much effort
- Hearty lunches that reheat well
- Anyone who loves creamy pasta and garlic-forward dishes
- Kids and picky eaters — this one always disappears fast!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor-packed garlic butter chicken: Each bite is golden, juicy, and bursting with savory flavor thanks to the garlic butter sear.
- Ultra-creamy parmesan pasta: Silky, cheesy pasta made with real cream and aged parmesan — it’s the perfect balance of richness.
- One-pan wonder: You can do this all in one skillet if you’re efficient, which means less cleanup.
- Customizable: Add veggies, swap the pasta shape, or spice it up — it’s flexible and forgiving.
- Restaurant-quality at home: Honestly, this rivals some of the best pasta dishes I’ve ordered out. You won’t believe you made it yourself.
Prep & Cook Time
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Total: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: ~590 kcal per serving
Ingredients
For the chicken bites:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast (or thighs), cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the creamy parmesan pasta:
- 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Ingredient Highlights
Chicken breast or thighs: Chicken breast gives lean bites, but I personally love using thighs for their juiciness. Either works great — just cube them evenly for even cooking.
Garlic butter: This is the heart of the flavor — don’t skimp! Real butter and fresh garlic make all the difference.
Parmesan cheese: Go for the good stuff — freshly grated parmesan melts beautifully and adds that deep umami richness.
Heavy cream: Creates the luxurious texture of the sauce. You can use half and half, but the result won’t be as indulgent.
Nutmeg: A pinch enhances the creaminess of the sauce without making it taste sweet.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Boil the pasta: Cook pasta according to package instructions in salted water. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Cook the chicken bites: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the chicken, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Sauté for 6–8 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Make the sauce: In the same pan, melt more butter. Add minced garlic and sauté briefly. Pour in the cream, season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using), and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Add parmesan: Reduce heat to low. Stir in the grated parmesan until fully melted and smooth.
- Combine pasta: Add cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing gently. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
- Add the chicken: Return the garlic butter chicken bites to the pan, tossing everything together.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions
- With a crisp Caesar salad and garlic bread
- Topped with sautéed spinach or broccoli for color and crunch
- With a glass of chilled Chardonnay or sparkling water with lemon
- As a pasta bake: toss it all into a dish, top with cheese, and broil
- With roasted cherry tomatoes for a pop of acidity
Additional Tips
- Cut chicken evenly: This helps get even browning and cook time.
- Use fresh garlic: Powder doesn’t cut it for this one — real garlic = real flavor.
- Don’t overcook cream sauce: Keep the heat low once the cream is in to prevent separation.
- Grate your own parmesan: Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt the same way.
- Make ahead tip: Cook chicken and pasta separately, then reheat with sauce.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Kick
- If you’re into a little heat, stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne when seasoning the chicken. That subtle spice cuts through the richness of the sauce and adds a bold edge to every bite. You can even finish with a drizzle of chili oil for an extra punch.
- Mushroom Addition
- For a deeper, earthy flavor, sauté sliced mushrooms in a bit of olive oil before adding your cream. They soak up all the seasoning and lend a savory umami boost that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce and tender chicken. Cremini or shiitake mushrooms work best here.
- Low-Carb Option
- Want to lighten things up? Swap the pasta for spiralized zucchini (zoodles) or roasted cauliflower gnocchi. You’ll still get that comforting, creamy texture but with fewer carbs—perfect if you’re watching macros or sticking to keto-friendly meals.
- Bacon Boost
- Everything’s better with bacon, right? Crisp up a few strips and crumble them over the finished dish just before serving. The salty, smoky crunch adds a whole new layer of flavor and contrast against the silky sauce and juicy chicken.
- Lemon Zest
- A little citrus can work magic. Grate in some fresh lemon zest just before serving to brighten the richness of the cream and bring a touch of freshness to the whole dish. It’s subtle, but it elevates the flavor in a big way—especially if you’re using heavier pasta shapes like fettuccine or rigatoni.
Storage & Freezing
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 4 days. The sauce thickens in the fridge, so add a splash of cream or milk when reheating.
Freezer: Freeze portions without pasta for best results — just the chicken and sauce. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of cream or pasta water. Microwave in 30-second bursts if needed.
Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Pot for boiling pasta
- Tongs or spatula
- Cheese grater
- Measuring cups/spoons
FAQs (From Google’s People Also Ask)
What is garlic butter chicken made of?
It’s made from chicken pieces seared in a mix of garlic, butter, and seasonings like Italian herbs and paprika.
Can I make creamy parmesan pasta without cream?
Yes — you can use milk and flour to thicken, but the sauce won’t be as rich or silky.
What’s the best pasta for creamy sauces?
Fettuccine, penne, and rigatoni all hold creamy sauces well because of their shape and surface texture.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! Cook the components separately, then reheat and combine just before serving.
Is garlic butter chicken bites with creamy parmesan pasta gluten-free?
Not by default, but you can easily make it gluten-free with gluten-free pasta and flour alternatives.
External Links (Non-Recipe Resources)
- Butter Storage and Safety Tips
- Garlic Health Benefits – Cleveland Clinic
- How to Cook Pasta Perfectly
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Ingredients
For the chicken bites:
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast (or thighs), cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the creamy parmesan pasta:
- 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Boil the pasta: Cook pasta according to package instructions in salted water. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Cook the chicken bites: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the chicken, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Sauté for 6–8 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Make the sauce: In the same pan, melt more butter. Add minced garlic and sauté briefly. Pour in the cream, season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using), and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Add parmesan: Reduce heat to low. Stir in the grated parmesan until fully melted and smooth.
- Combine pasta: Add cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing gently. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
- Add the chicken: Return the garlic butter chicken bites to the pan, tossing everything together.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
• Cut chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure quick, even cooking. Smaller cuts also absorb flavor better from the garlic butter.
• For that beautiful golden sear, pat chicken dry before seasoning and pan-searing. Use a hot skillet—cast iron works best—for caramelization.
• Don’t rush the garlic butter: sauté garlic gently in butter until fragrant but not browned to avoid bitterness.
• When making the creamy Parmesan pasta, stir continuously once you add the cheese to avoid clumping. Freshly grated Parmesan melts smoother than pre-shredded. ✅ Serving Suggestions
• Serve with a crisp side salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
• Add steamed broccoli or green beans on the side for freshness and balance.
• Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or basil, an extra sprinkle of Parmesan, and a wedge of lemon for brightness.
• Want to bulk it up? Toss in sautéed mushrooms or spinach right into the pasta sauce for added texture. ✅ Make-Ahead & Storage
• Chicken bites can be marinated a day in advance with olive oil, garlic, and seasoning for more flavor.
• Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce.
• You can freeze the chicken bites separately for up to 2 months—just defrost in the fridge overnight and sear before serving. The pasta sauce is best made fresh but can be stored for 2–3 days refrigerated. ✅ Tasty Variations to Try
• Spicy Garlic Chicken Pasta – Add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the butter for heat.
• Lemon Herb Twist – Mix lemon zest and a squeeze of juice into the pasta sauce for a bright, citrusy note.
• Low-Carb Option – Serve garlic butter chicken over zucchini noodles or cauliflower mash instead of pasta.
• Creamy Tuscan Style – Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and baby spinach into the pasta sauce for an Italian-inspired upgrade.
• Bacon Parmesan Pasta – Crumble in crispy bacon for added texture and smoky richness.
Conclusion
There’s something deeply satisfying about a skillet full of garlic butter chicken bites and creamy parmesan pasta — it’s rich, comforting, and exactly the kind of dish that makes dinner feel like a reward. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just looking to level up a midweek meal, this recipe hits all the right notes: golden seared chicken, a luscious parmesan sauce, and just the right touch of garlic to make every bite pop.
It’s one of those meals that’s easy to pull together but tastes like you’ve been in the kitchen all day. Pair it with a fresh salad or roasted veggies, or enjoy it just as it is — hearty, creamy, and full of flavor. The best part? It’s endlessly customizable. Want to toss in spinach or sun-dried tomatoes? Go for it. Craving extra heat? A pinch of red pepper flakes will do the trick.
I hope this recipe brings some real joy to your table — and maybe even becomes a new favorite in your rotation. When you cook it up, take a moment to admire that cheesy, buttery perfection… then plate it up, snap a photo, and include me in your post. I’d love to see how your pasta night turns out.
Happy cooking!
