Name: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American/Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; 3 tbsp butter, divided; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 8 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti); Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)

This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a quick and satisfying meal that combines tender, flavorful chicken pieces cooked in garlic butter with a rich and creamy Parmesan pasta. It’s a comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights when I want something delicious but easy to prepare.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it brings together two all-time favorites—garlic butter chicken and creamy pasta—into one dish. The chicken bites are juicy and packed with garlic goodness, while the Parmesan pasta adds a smooth, cheesy finish that makes every bite irresistible. Plus, it comes together quickly, so I don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
Butter
Garlic cloves, minced
Olive oil
Heavy cream or half-and-half
Grated Parmesan cheese
Pasta (such as fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti)
Salt and pepper
Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)

Directions

Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil and half the butter over medium heat. Add the chicken bites, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, making sure not to burn the garlic.
Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy.
Return the chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Then add the cooked pasta and mix everything together until evenly combined and heated through.
Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired, and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves about 4 people. Preparation time is roughly 10 minutes, and cooking takes around 20 minutes, making the total time about 30 minutes.

Variations

I often swap chicken thighs for chicken breast for extra juiciness. Sometimes, I add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for extra flavor and color. Using a mix of Parmesan and Pecorino Romano cheese also gives the sauce a sharper, more complex taste. For a lighter option, I substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or use a dairy-free cream alternative.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm the chicken and pasta gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if it’s thickened too much. Microwaving works too, but I prefer the stovetop method for better texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, but I recommend thawing it completely before cooking to ensure even cooking and the best texture.

What type of pasta works best?

I like using fettuccine or penne because they hold the creamy sauce well, but spaghetti or any pasta shape you prefer will work fine.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely. I substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use dairy-free cream and cheese substitutes to keep the creamy texture.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, it stores well for a few days, making it great for meal prep. Just keep the sauce a little loose when reheating.

Can I add vegetables to the dish?

Definitely! Adding spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes during the sauce step adds more flavor and nutrition.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta has become one of my go-to meals when I want something comforting yet simple. The rich, garlicky chicken paired with the smooth Parmesan sauce and pasta makes for a satisfying dinner that never fails to please. It’s easy to customize and quick to make, so I always have it on my weekly rotation.