Name: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 2 tbsp olive oil; 4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided; 6 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional); 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning (optional); 1/4 tsp chili flakes (optional); Salt and black pepper, to taste; 8 oz pasta of your choice (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti); 1 cup heavy cream (or 1 cup half-and-half for lighter version); 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; Pinch of nutmeg (optional); 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

I whip up tender chicken bites drenched in garlic butter and serve them over a bed of rich, creamy Parmesan pasta—comfort food that feels special but comes together in under 40 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavors with minimal effort. The chicken gets golden and juicy, the sauce is indulgently creamy, and it all comes together in one pan. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and even better as leftovers the next day.

ingredients

(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Olive oil
Unsalted butter, divided
Garlic cloves, minced
Paprika (and optionally garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and chili flakes)
Salt and black pepper
Pasta of your choice (penne, fettuccine, spaghetti)
Heavy cream (or half‑and‑half for a lighter option)
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Optional nutmeg
Fresh parsley, chopped

directions

Cook the pasta. Boil salted water, cook pasta until al dente, drain (reserve some pasta water), and set aside.
Sear the chicken bites. In a skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil and some butter. Season chicken with paprika, salt, pepper (plus optional garlic powder or Italian seasoning) and cook for 5–8 minutes until golden. Add garlic in the last minute, then remove chicken.
Make garlic butter sauce. In the skillet, melt more butter and sauté garlic briefly. Return chicken to coat it.
Prepare creamy Parmesan sauce. Melt butter again, sauté garlic, pour in heavy cream, and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan (and a pinch of nutmeg if using) until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
Combine. Toss the cooked pasta in the sauce, adjusting consistency with reserved pasta water if needed. Plate pasta, top with garlic butter chicken, and garnish with parsley (and extra Parmesan if you like).

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: about 10–15 minutes
Cook time: about 20–25 minutes
Total time: around 35–40 minutes

Variations

Spicy version: add chili flakes or a dash of cayenne.
Veggie boost: stir in spinach, mushrooms or sun‑dried tomatoes.
Protein swaps: use shrimp, chicken thighs, or tofu.
Lighter sauce: swap heavy cream for half‑and‑half and reduce butter.
Gluten‑free: use gluten‑free pasta or swap noodles for zucchini noodles.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it gently on the stove with a splash of milk, cream, or pasta water to revive the sauce—microwaving alone can cause the sauce to separate.

FAQs

How can I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?

I just stir in a bit of reserved pasta water or milk until it coats the pasta smoothly.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes—I sometimes cook the chicken and sauce ahead, then reheat and combine with freshly cooked pasta when ready.

What’s the best pasta to use?

I find penne or fettuccine excellent because they hold onto the sauce well, but any pasta you enjoy works.

Can I use half‑and‑half or milk instead of heavy cream?

Absolutely. The sauce won’t be as rich, but using half‑and‑half or whole milk plus a bit of cornstarch works well.

What protein swaps work well?

Shrimp, chicken thighs, or tofu all work great. Just adjust cook time for each.

Conclusion

This garlic butter chicken bites with creamy Parmesan pasta is one of my go‑to comfort meals. It’s simple, satisfying, and custom‑friendly—you can make it extra spicy, add veggies, lighten it up, or swap proteins. I hope it becomes a favorite in your kitchen too!