Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
This comforting dish combines juicy garlic butter chicken bites with rich, creamy Parmesan pasta. It’s a fast, flavor-packed skillet dinner made with simple ingredients, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy meals. With bold garlic, buttery sauce, and a cheesy pasta finish, it’s a family favorite ready in under 30 minutes.
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
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta – Helpful Tips
✅ Cooking Tips & Techniques
• 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.
• 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.