Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Pasta

A delightful blend of savory garlic butter chicken bites paired with a creamy Parmesan pasta, this dish brings together indulgent flavors with a quick and simple preparation. Perfect for a cozy dinner, it’s both comforting and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Full of rich, buttery garlic flavor and tender chicken pieces.

• Creamy, cheesy pasta that pairs perfectly with the savory chicken.

• Quick to make – ideal for busy weeknights or casual entertaining.

• Family-friendly and easily adjustable for different tastes.

• Made with simple pantry ingredients – no special trips to the store.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

• Olive oil

• Unsalted butter

• Garlic, minced

• Salt

• Black pepper

• Paprika or Italian seasoning

• Pasta of your choice (penne, fettuccine, etc.)

• Heavy cream

• Parmesan cheese, freshly grated

• Optional: chicken broth, fresh parsley for garnish

Directions

1. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta water.

2. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and paprika or Italian seasoning.

3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and cook the chicken over medium-high heat until golden and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

4. Reduce heat and melt butter in the same skillet. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

5. Return the chicken to the skillet and toss it in the garlic butter.

6. In a separate saucepan or the same skillet, melt additional butter, add more garlic, then pour in the heavy cream. Stir in Parmesan cheese and cook on low heat until the sauce thickens.

7. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, mixing well. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce if needed.

8. Return the chicken to the pan and toss everything together. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

• Serves: 4 people

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 20 minutes

• Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Use boneless chicken thighs for a juicier result.

• Substitute shrimp or tofu for a seafood or vegetarian version.

• Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or milk for a lighter sauce.

• Add spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for more vegetables.

• Try different cheeses like Asiago or Romano for a new twist.

• Use gluten-free pasta to make the dish gluten-free.

storage/reheating

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• To reheat, warm on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk, cream, or broth to loosen the sauce.

• Avoid freezing the pasta if possible, as the texture may change. If freezing, do so without the pasta and add fresh pasta when reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook the chicken and sauce in advance. Store separately and combine with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.

2. What pasta works best for this recipe?

Short pasta like penne or rotini works well, but long noodles like fettuccine or linguine are also great.

3. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, but reduce the cooking time and simply heat the chicken in the garlic butter before combining it with the pasta.

4. How can I make the sauce thicker?

Simmer the sauce longer, add more Parmesan cheese, or use a small amount of cornstarch slurry.

5. What can I use instead of Parmesan?

You can substitute with Romano, Asiago, or a blend of Italian cheeses.

6. Is this dish spicy?

Not by default, but you can add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper if desired.

7. Can I use milk instead of cream?

Yes, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich. Whole milk works best.

8. How long does the sauce last in the fridge?

The sauce can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat gently and stir well to restore its texture.

9. Can I freeze leftovers?

It’s better to freeze the chicken and sauce separately from the pasta. Add freshly cooked pasta when reheating.

10. What’s the best way to reheat this dish?

Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of liquid to prevent the sauce from drying out.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Pasta is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of golden garlic butter chicken and rich, cheesy pasta makes it an irresistible favorite. Whether you’re cooking for family or guests, this recipe offers versatility, comfort, and delicious results every time.