Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is the perfect recipe for anyone craving a rich, comforting meal that comes together in just 30 minutes. These juicy chicken bites are pan-seared to golden perfection in a flavorful garlic butter sauce, then served over creamy, cheesy Parmesan pasta. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters, hosting a casual dinner, or meal-prepping for the week, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Best of all, it uses simple ingredients you likely already have on hand. If you’re looking for a family-friendly dinner that’s both quick and indulgent, this recipe checks every box.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast and Effortless: Done in 30 minutes—ideal for those hectic weeknights.
- Family-Friendly: Kid-approved flavors that adults love too.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples and everyday items.
- Versatile: Can be adapted with different proteins or pasta types.
- Satisfying: A hearty, creamy, garlicky dish that feels indulgent.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz of your favorite pasta (such as fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup saved pasta water (optional, to thin the sauce if needed)
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook following the package directions. Save 1/4 cup of the pasta water, drain, and set pasta aside.
- Sear the Chicken: Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Add Garlic Butter: Lower the heat and stir in 2 tablespoons of butter along with the minced garlic. Cook until aromatic, about 1-2 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: Using the same pan, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce becomes rich and thick.
- Combine: Mix the cooked pasta with the creamy sauce, using reserved pasta water as needed to reach the desired consistency. Place garlic butter chicken on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley and serve right away.
Helpful Tips
- Don’t Overcook Chicken: Keep the chicken tender by cooking just until done.
- Use Fresh Garlic and Cheese: It makes a big difference in flavor.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Helps adjust the sauce’s thickness.
- Pre-chop Ingredients: Makes the cooking process faster and smoother.
Substitutions and Variations
- Protein Alternatives: Try shrimp, turkey, or tofu instead of chicken.
- Pasta Swaps: Use gluten-free pasta, zucchini noodles, or whole wheat.
- Add Veggies: Spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms are great additions.
- Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne for a little heat.
- Lighten It Up: Substitute half-and-half or milk for heavy cream.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! Cook the components separately and combine when ready to serve.
How do I reheat leftovers? Reheat gently with a splash of cream or milk to maintain the sauce texture.
Can I freeze this dish? Freezing is not recommended due to the cream sauce, but chicken alone can be frozen.
What sides go well with this? Garlic bread, a green salad, or roasted vegetables make great pairings.
Storage Instructions
- Keep in the Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stove or microwave, adding cream if needed.
- Do Not Freeze: The creamy sauce may separate when thawed.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta brings together the best of weeknight cooking: simplicity, speed, and satisfaction. From the tender garlic chicken to the luscious Parmesan cream sauce, every bite delivers comfort and flavor. Whether you’re cooking for family or treating yourself, this dish will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Try it tonight and let us know how it turned out in the comments below—and don’t forget to check out our other easy, delicious recipes!
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Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a fast, family-approved dinner ready in just 30 minutes. Juicy garlic chicken and rich, cheesy pasta make this a weeknight go-to. Try it tonight and enjoy a cozy meal everyone will love!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
2 tbsp olive oil
4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Pasta:
8 oz pasta of your choice (fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti)
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup reserved pasta water (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook following the package directions. Save 1/4 cup of the pasta water, drain, and set pasta aside.
- Sear the Chicken: Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Add Garlic Butter: Lower the heat and stir in 2 tablespoons of butter along with the minced garlic. Cook until aromatic, about 1-2 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: Using the same pan, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce becomes rich and thick.
- Combine: Mix the cooked pasta with the creamy sauce, using reserved pasta water as needed to reach the desired consistency. Place garlic butter chicken on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley and serve right away.
Notes
Use fresh garlic and Parmesan for the best flavor.
Adjust sauce thickness with pasta water if needed.
Add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
For a lighter version, sub half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Protein: 35g