If there’s one thing I love, it’s a recipe that comes together quickly but still feels like something you’d order at a nice restaurant. Enter Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta—a dish that’s rich, comforting, and packed with flavor. It’s the kind of meal that makes you want to grab a fork and dig in immediately, and the best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make!

Picture this: tender, juicy chicken bites seared in buttery garlic goodness, tossed with al dente pasta in a silky, cheesy Parmesan sauce. It’s pure comfort food bliss, and whether you’re cooking for your family or just yourself after a long day, this meal is bound to be a hit. Plus, it’s made with simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen.

Let’s dive into how to make this delicious dish from scratch!

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Pasta is the backbone of this dish, so getting it right is key. You want it perfectly al dente—not too soft, not too firm. Here’s how to do it:

1. Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a rolling boil. (Tip: Salting the water is crucial—it seasons the pasta from the inside out.)
2. Add 8 ounces of your favorite pasta. I love using penne or rotini because they hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully.
3. Cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente.
4. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of pasta water—this will help adjust the sauce later if needed.
5. Drain and set the pasta aside while we work on the chicken.

Pro Tip: If you’re making this dish ahead of time, toss the drained pasta with a teaspoon of olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook the Garlic Butter Chicken

Now for the star of the show—the garlic butter chicken bites. These little bites of heaven are juicy, flavorful, and cook up in no time!

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Once melted, add 2 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. (Be careful not to burn the garlic!)
3. Add 1 pound of cubed chicken breast to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F if you’re using a thermometer.
5. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside.

At this point, your kitchen is going to smell amazing—the combination of garlic and butter is chef’s kiss! But we’re not done yet. Next, we’ll make the creamy, cheesy sauce that brings everything together.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Using the same skillet where you cooked the chicken (because we want to keep all that delicious flavor!), it’s time to whip up the sauce:

1. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
2. Slowly pour in 1 cup of heavy cream, stirring constantly to prevent scorching.
3. Gradually whisk in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. The cheese will start to melt, creating a smooth and creamy texture.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste, keeping in mind that Parmesan is naturally salty, so start light and adjust as needed.

The key to getting a silky sauce is adding the cheese gradually while stirring—dumping it all in at once can cause clumps. If you notice your sauce is a bit too thick, don’t worry! That’s where the reserved pasta water comes in.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Now that our sauce is looking dreamy, it’s time to bring the pasta and chicken back into the mix:

1. Add the cooked pasta directly into the sauce, tossing to coat each piece evenly.
2. Stir in the garlic butter chicken bites, making sure they’re well distributed throughout.
3. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

This step is where the magic happens. The sauce clings to the pasta, the chicken soaks up all that garlicky, buttery goodness, and everything just comes together beautifully.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve

The final step? A little something extra to make this dish pop:

1. Sprinkle with fresh basil for a touch of brightness.
2. Add extra Parmesan cheese on top—because let’s be honest, you can never have too much cheese.
3. Serve immediately while everything is hot and creamy.

And there you have it! A restaurant-worthy pasta dish made right in your own kitchen.

Pro Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta

• Use freshly grated Parmesan – Pre-packaged Parmesan doesn’t melt as smoothly, so grating your own will give you the best texture.
• Don’t overcook the pasta – Since it will continue to absorb sauce, slightly undercooking it ensures it doesn’t turn mushy.
• Season at every step – Adding a little salt at different stages brings out the best flavors in the dish.

FAQs: Everything You Need to Know

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While penne and rotini work great because they hold onto the creamy sauce, you can swap them for fettuccine, spaghetti, or even a gluten-free pasta if needed.

2. What if I don’t have heavy cream?

No problem! You can substitute half-and-half or even whole milk, though the sauce may be slightly less rich. For an extra creamy texture, try adding a tablespoon of cream cheese to compensate.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can cook the pasta and chicken ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, reheat everything in a skillet with a splash of milk or pasta water to loosen the sauce.

4. How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or water to bring the sauce back to life.

5. Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Definitely! Spinach, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or broccoli would all make delicious additions. Just sauté them along with the chicken or stir them into the sauce before combining everything.

6. What protein alternatives can I use?

If you want to switch up the protein, try shrimp, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian version. The garlic butter sauce works beautifully with all of them!

Final Thoughts: Why You Need This Dish in Your Life

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is the ultimate comfort food—it’s rich, flavorful, and comes together in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight or a cozy dinner at home, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit.

So go ahead, grab a fork, and dig in! And if you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Drop a comment below and let me know any fun variations you tried. Happy cooking!

GARLIC BUTTER CHICKEN BITES WITH CREAMY PARMESAN PASTA

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• Author: Mark's Recipe
• Total Time: 30 mins

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Description

This dish is a delicious combination of tender, golden chicken bites and creamy Parmesan pasta, all infused with rich garlic butter flavor. It’s an easy, comforting meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Pasta:

• 8 oz pasta (penne or rotini preferred)
• Water for boiling
• Salt for pasta water

For the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:

• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ½ cup reserved pasta water (as needed)

For Garnish (Optional):

• Fresh basil, chopped
• Extra Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1️⃣ Cook the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.

Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water for the sauce.

2️⃣ Prepare the Chicken:

Heat 2 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium heat.

Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Add the cubed chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature: 165°F).

Remove from the skillet and set aside.

3️⃣ Make the Sauce:

In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tbsp butter over medium heat.

Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly.

Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4️⃣ Combine Everything:

Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly.

Stir in the chicken bites and mix well.

If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until desired consistency is reached.

5️⃣ Garnish and Serve:

Sprinkle with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese for added flavor.

Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

• Customize the Protein: Swap chicken for shrimp or tofu for a variation.
• Enhance the Flavor: Add red pepper flakes for a little heat or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of cream or milk to maintain the creamy texture.

• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 20 mins