Garlic Butter Chicken Bites With Creamy Parmesan Pasta

There’s something about the smell of garlic butter that makes everyone in my house suddenly appear in the kitchen. My toddler Neil abandons his toys, and even my husband James looks up from grading papers when I’m making these Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta.

I first threw this dish together on a busy weeknight when the fridge was nearly empty, just some chicken, cream, and our always-present parmesan. What started as a “make-do” meal quickly became a family favorite. It’s rich enough for weekend dinners but simple enough for hectic Tuesday nights.

I love how flexible this recipe is. Sometimes I add sun-dried tomatoes or toss in some spinach, but the heart stays the same: juicy chicken in garlic butter alongside creamy parmesan pasta. Perfect comfort food that makes regular evenings feel a little special.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Large pot for cooking pasta
• Colander for draining
• Large skillet or frying pan (12-inch works best)
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula for stirring
• Cheese grater (unless using pre-grated Parmesan)
• Small bowl for mixing seasonings

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta until al dente. Drain it well but save about half a cup of the pasta water just in case.
2. While your pasta is cooking, grab your skillet and warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add your chicken pieces, sprinkle with paprika, salt, and pepper, and cook until they’re golden brown on the outside and no longer pink inside: about 6-8 minutes.
3. Lower the heat slightly, then add 2 tablespoons of butter and your minced garlic to the chicken. Stir everything around for about a minute until that wonderful garlic aroma fills your kitchen. Transfer the chicken to a plate.
4. Using the same pan (that’s where all the flavor is!), melt the remaining tablespoon of butter. Pour in the heavy cream and add your Parmesan cheese. Let it simmer gently while stirring until it becomes a smooth, velvety sauce, this takes around 3-4 minutes.
5. Add your drained pasta directly to the sauce and toss everything together. If the sauce seems too thick, splash in a little of that reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
6. Return the garlic butter chicken to the pan, giving everything a final gentle toss to combine.
7. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving, and maybe add an extra dusting of Parmesan if you’re feeling indulgent (we usually are in my house!).

Serve this garlic butter chicken bites with creamy parmesan pasta right away while it’s hot and everyone will be asking for seconds!

What To Serve With This Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta?

Here’s what I suggest as a side dishes:

• Roasted Lemon Asparagus: Perfect for adding something green to your plate.
• Simple Arugula Salad with Balsamic Glaze: Fresh and light to balance the creamy pasta.
• Garlic Butter Mushrooms: For when you just can’t get enough garlic goodness.
• Honey Glazed Carrots: Adds a touch of color and sweetness to complete the meal.

You May Also Like

Looking for more quick and delicious family meals? These recipes have been hits with my family and readers alike:

• Beef Stroganoff Recipe with Pickles: Ready in 30 Minutes.
• Buttermilk Chicken Thighs Recipe: If you love these chicken bites, you’ll adore these juicy, tender chicken thighs marinated in buttermilk.
• Stuffed Chicken Thighs Recipe: When you have a bit more time, these impressive stuffed thighs bring together my Eastern European and Caribbean influences in one delicious dish.

Answering Your Questions

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites With Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Nelya Carter

This comforting pasta dish features juicy garlic butter chicken bites paired with creamy Parmesan pasta. It’s a quick and satisfying meal for any night of the week.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 640 kcal

Equipment

• Large pot
• Colander
• Large skillet
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Wooden spoon
• Cheese grater
• Small bowl

Ingredients

  

Chicken Bites

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized cubes
• 1 tsp paprika
• salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 3 tbsp butter divided

Creamy Parmesan Pasta

• 8 oz pasta your favorite
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated, plus extra for serving
• fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Instructions

 

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain the rest.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken, season with paprika, salt, and pepper, and cook for 6–8 minutes until browned and cooked through.
• Add 2 tablespoons of butter and minced garlic to the chicken. Stir and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Transfer chicken to a plate.
• In the same skillet, melt remaining 1 tablespoon butter. Add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, and stir over medium-low heat until creamy, about 3–4 minutes.
• Add drained pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. Add reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
• Return chicken to the pan, combine everything, and garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Feel free to use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken to save time. You can also add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for a twist.

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