This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a rich, flavorful dish combining golden seared chicken bites with a luscious, cheesy pasta. I love how the buttery garlic chicken pairs perfectly with the creamy, savory sauce for a meal that feels indulgent but comes together quickly.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I can make it in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
It brings together the irresistible flavors of garlic, butter, and Parmesan.
The recipe is flexible — I can switch up the pasta or protein easily.
It’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that everyone always enjoys.
I don’t need complicated ingredients to get gourmet-level flavor.

Ingredients

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

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
4 cloves garlic, minced
8 oz pasta (like fettuccine or linguine)
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

I start by cooking the pasta until al dente. I always reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water before draining.
In a large skillet, I melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Then I add the chicken and cook until golden and cooked through — about 5 to 7 minutes.
I stir in the minced garlic and cook for just a minute until it smells delicious.
Next, I pour in the cream and stir in the rest of the butter. Once that’s melted, I add the Parmesan and stir until the sauce is smooth.
I add the pasta into the skillet and toss it with the sauce, using some reserved pasta water if I need to thin it out.
To finish, I top it with fresh parsley and serve it hot.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Sometimes I use shrimp or tofu instead of chicken for a twist.
I like to toss in spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrients.
Gluten-free pasta works great in this recipe if needed.
For a lighter option, I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I do it gently on the stove and add a splash of milk or cream to bring the sauce back to life. I avoid microwaving if I can, since the sauce can break.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, I cook the chicken and sauce ahead, then just boil fresh pasta and combine everything when I’m ready to serve.

What kind of pasta should I use?

I usually go with fettuccine or linguine, but any pasta I have on hand will work well.

Is it freezer-friendly?

I don’t recommend freezing it — the creamy sauce doesn’t hold up well after thawing.

How do I make this lighter?

I swap the heavy cream for half-and-half and use less butter to lighten things up without losing the creamy texture.

What can I serve with this?

I love pairing it with a green salad or garlic bread for a full meal.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a comforting, flavorful dish that feels restaurant-quality but is simple enough to whip up any night of the week. I keep coming back to it for its creamy sauce, juicy chicken, and how easy it is to adapt for whatever I have in the kitchen.

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

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Author: Sue
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Halal

Print Recipe

Description

Tender chicken bites sautéed in garlic butter, served with creamy Parmesan pasta. A rich, comforting meal perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
4 cloves garlic, minced
8 oz pasta (fettuccine or linguine preferred)
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Pour in the heavy cream and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach the desired consistency.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.