This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta is one of my favorite comfort food recipes. Tender, juicy chicken bites are sautéed in rich garlic butter and paired with a luscious, creamy Parmesan pasta that’s full of flavor. It’s a quick and satisfying meal perfect for weeknights when I want something delicious but easy to make.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe brings together the best of both worlds: crispy, flavorful chicken bites and silky, cheesy pasta. The garlic butter adds an irresistible aroma and depth to the chicken, while the creamy Parmesan sauce makes every forkful indulgent without being too heavy. Plus, it’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy days when I still want a homemade meal.

Ingredients

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

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
Unsalted butter
Garlic cloves, minced
Olive oil
Heavy cream or half-and-half
Grated Parmesan cheese
Pasta (I usually use fettuccine or penne)
Salt and pepper
Fresh parsley or basil (optional for garnish)

Directions

Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of 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 the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce thickens slightly.
Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything together so the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce and the chicken is evenly distributed.
Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil before serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves about 3 to 4 people. From start to finish, it takes roughly 25 to 30 minutes to prepare, making it ideal for a quick dinner that doesn’t compromise on flavor.

Variations

Swap chicken for shrimp or even mushrooms to make a vegetarian version.
Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for a fresh, colorful twist.
Use different pasta shapes like rigatoni or farfalle depending on what I have on hand.
Spice it up with a pinch of red pepper flakes in the garlic butter for a little heat.
Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or milk for a lighter sauce, though it won’t be quite as rich.

Storage/Reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I warm it gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce if it’s thickened too much. Microwave works too but I prefer the stovetop for better texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

I recommend using fresh chicken for the best texture, but if I have frozen chicken, I thaw it completely before cooking to ensure even cooking.

What type of pasta works best?

I usually go with fettuccine or penne because they hold the creamy sauce well, but any pasta you like can work.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, I can substitute butter with olive oil and use dairy-free cream and cheese alternatives, though the flavor and creaminess will be slightly different.

How do I prevent the sauce from getting too thick?

If the sauce becomes too thick, I add a little pasta water, milk, or cream to thin it out while stirring.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

I find that freezing the creamy pasta tends to change its texture, so I prefer to make just enough for a few days rather than freezing it.

Conclusion

This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a go-to recipe when I want a quick, satisfying meal with rich flavors and comforting textures. The combination of garlic-infused chicken and creamy Parmesan pasta is a winning one that never fails to impress, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together. I hope this recipe becomes a favorite in your kitchen just like it is in mine.