If you’re craving comfort food that comes together quickly, you’ll fall head over heels for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta. Tender, golden chicken pieces are coated in luscious garlic butter and served atop silky pasta, drenched in a rich, cheesy cream sauce. Every bite is pure bliss—juicy chicken meets velvety noodles, making it impossible not to go back for seconds. Dinner doesn’t get more crowd-pleasing than this easy, flavor-packed meal!

Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this dish is carefully chosen for maximum flavor and satisfaction. The simplicity is its charm—each item brings something special to Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta, from the garlicky bite to the creamy finish and fresh bursts of parsley.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts (1 ½ lbs, cut bite-sized): Quick-cooking and lean, these act as the perfect canvas for all that garlicky butter flavor.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps sear the chicken for that golden, appetizing crust.
- Butter (4 tablespoons total, divided): Essential for the rich, silky sauce and for carrying those fresh garlic flavors.
- Garlic (7 cloves, minced, divided): The sturdy backbone of this recipe; don’t hold back!
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): Provides subtle herby undertones that boost the savory notes of the chicken.
- Paprika (½ teaspoon): Adds just a kiss of smoky color to both the chicken and the final dish.
- Salt (¾ teaspoon, divided): Brings out all the flavors and balances the richness of the sauce.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon, divided): For a rounded depth of flavor in both the chicken and pasta sauce.
- Chopped fresh parsley: A finishing sprinkle that brightens every plate.
- Fettuccine or spaghetti (8 oz): Both hold up beautifully under the creamy sauce; use your favorite!
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Creates the luscious, velvety body of the sauce you’ll want to slurp up.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (¾ cup): Choose the real deal for that unmistakably savory, nutty cheese flavor!
- Reserved pasta water (as needed): Helps the sauce cling just right for perfect pasta every time.
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling your fettuccine or spaghetti in well-salted water. Cook until the noodles are just al dente—tender yet still fighting back a bit when you bite. Before draining, scoop out about half a cup of that starchy pasta water. This secret ingredient will help marry the creamy sauce and pasta later.
Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken
Pat your chicken pieces dry and toss them with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. This simple blend packs each bite with flavor. Heat olive oil in a large skillet until shimmering, then add the chicken. Let those pieces sear undisturbed for a couple of minutes to develop that irresistible golden crust. Flip and cook through—about 4 to 5 minutes in total.
Step 3: Add Garlic Butter for the Chicken
Turn down the heat to medium, scoot the chicken bites to the side, and drop in the butter and minced garlic. Stir gently, coating the chicken in a buttery, fragrant bath for another minute or two. The aroma is absolutely mouthwatering! Once the chicken is glistening and garlicky, transfer it to a plate while you build the creamy Parmesan pasta.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Using the same pan, melt the remaining butter over medium heat. Add the rest of your minced garlic and let it sizzle just until fragrant—about 30 seconds, no more! Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Gradually stir in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and dreamy. A pinch of salt and black pepper brings it all together.
Step 5: Toss Pasta with Sauce and Top with Chicken
Add the cooked pasta right into the sauce, tossing to coat every strand in that satiny goodness. Drizzle in a splash or two of your reserved pasta water to create the perfect glossy finish. Pile the garlicky chicken bites right on top, shower with chopped parsley, and get ready for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta to disappear in record time!
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley wakes up the whole plate with color and freshness. For extra decadence, add an extra dusting of Parmesan just before serving—no one ever said no to more cheese!
Side Dishes
Pair this pasta feast with crisp garlic bread (it’s impossible to resist swiping up the leftover sauce) or a lemony arugula salad to balance the richness. Roasted broccoli or asparagus are also great partners, adding texture and color to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta family-style in a large serving bowl, or plate individually with a swirl of pasta and a crown of chicken on top. For a date-night dinner, divide into shallow pasta bowls and finish each with a flourish of parsley and cracked black pepper.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (lucky you!), transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. The flavors develop even more overnight, making lunch the next day extra special!
Freezing
While the creamy pasta sauce is best fresh, you can freeze Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta in individual portions. Let everything cool completely, then pack into freezer-safe containers. Thaw gently in the fridge before reheating for best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, place the pasta and chicken in a skillet with a splash of milk or cream over gentle heat, stirring until warmed through and the sauce is creamy again. The microwave works, too—just cover loosely and heat in bursts, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful, making a fabulous swap in Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces and cook as directed—they’ll be even more tender.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
You bet! Swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta (like chickpea or rice-based noodles). All other ingredients in Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta are naturally gluten-free, so everyone can dig in.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
For the creamiest results, reheat leftovers on the stove with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. Stir gently and heat just until everything is steamy—this helps bring back the original silky texture.
Can I add vegetables for more color?
Definitely! Stir in a handful of baby spinach or some sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for bursts of flavor and color. They make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta even more vibrant and satisfying.
How can I make the sauce thicker or thinner?
If you like your sauce extra thick, let it simmer a bit longer before adding the pasta. For a looser sauce, add a splash of reserved pasta water or an extra dash of cream until you reach your desired consistency.
Final Thoughts
I can’t rave enough about how comforting and downright delicious Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is. With simple ingredients and joyfully easy steps, this dish is set to become your new weeknight favorite. Treat yourself and your favorite people to a plateful soon—you’ll see why it’s such a hit!
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Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and creamy flavors of this garlic butter chicken bites with creamy Parmesan pasta dish. Tender chicken bites are cooked in a flavorful garlic butter sauce and served over a bed of decadent Parmesan pasta. This recipe is a perfect combination of savory and satisfying comfort food.
Ingredients
For the chicken bites:
- 1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
For the pasta:
- 8 oz fettuccine or spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Reserved pasta water as needed
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Cook pasta according to package instructions in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare the chicken: Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Cook chicken in a skillet until golden brown and cooked through. Set aside.
- Make the pasta sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter, add garlic, then heavy cream. Simmer and stir in Parmesan cheese until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine: Toss cooked pasta into the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed. Top with garlic butter chicken bites, parsley, and serve.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs for extra tenderness.
- Add baby spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to the pasta for extra flavor and color.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 670
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 44g
- Cholesterol: 160mg