If you’re hankering for a feel-good dinner that comes together in under an hour, these garlic butter chicken bites slathered in creamy Parmesan pasta are your new best friend. Tender, juicy chicken pieces get a quick sear in golden garlic-butter before taking a luxurious bath in a velvety sauce studded with freshly grated Parmesan. Every forkful is a perfect harmony of rich, savory flavors balanced by a hint of Italian seasoning and a whisper of paprika. With just a handful of pantry staples—think butter, garlic, cream, and fettuccine—this dish delivers maximum comfort with minimal fuss, making it a standout in your rotation of easy dinner recipes.
I love how this recipe feels fancy enough for date night yet forgiving enough for a beginner cook. It’s beginner-friendly, requiring only simple techniques like sautéing and tossing pasta, and it clocks in at about 40 minutes from start to finish (15 minutes of prep, 25 minutes of cooking). Clocking around 600 calories per hearty serving, it strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and satisfaction. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or you’re gathering friends around the table, these Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta are sure to earn rave reviews—and maybe even a request to make it again tomorrow.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN GARLIC BUTTER CHICKEN BITES WITH CREAMY PARMESAN PASTA
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s get familiar with the stars of this show. These simple, high-quality ingredients come together to create layers of flavor and texture—from the perfectly cooked chicken bites to the dreamy Parmesan cream sauce that clings to every strand of pasta.
- Chicken breast
Boneless, skinless pieces that sear beautifully and stay juicy. Cutting them into bite-sized chunks ensures each piece picks up plenty of garlic butter and seasoning for maximum flavor in every mouthful.
- Unsalted butter
Divided use: the first portion gives the chicken a rich, golden crust; the second portion creates the creamy base of the sauce. Unsalted ensures you control the seasoning precisely.
- Garlic
Fresh, minced garlic infuses the butter with aromatic pungency. When sautéed just until fragrant, it adds depth and warmth without turning bitter.
- Italian seasoning
A fragrant blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme. It lends that classic Italian flair and binds the flavors of chicken, butter, and cream together.
- Paprika
A subtle hint of smoky sweetness and vibrant color. It enhances the chicken’s golden hue and adds a gentle kick without overpowering the dish.
- Salt and pepper
The dynamic duo that brings out the natural flavors of both the chicken and the sauce. Season to taste for a perfectly balanced dish.
- Heavy cream
The backbone of the sauce, delivering unctuous richness and a silky texture. It melds with melted butter and cheese to coat the pasta luxuriously.
- Parmesan cheese
Freshly grated for optimum creaminess and tang. It melts smoothly into the cream, creating a velvety sauce that clings to every noodle.
- Fettuccine pasta
Broad, flat noodles that hold onto the sauce wonderfully. Cooked al dente, it provides just the right bite and a satisfying base for the chicken.
- Fresh parsley
Chopped and sprinkled over the top for a burst of color and a hint of bright, herbaceous freshness that cuts through the richness.
- Olive oil
Used alongside butter to raise the smoke point and ensure the chicken browns evenly without burning.
HOW TO MAKE GARLIC BUTTER CHICKEN BITES WITH CREAMY PARMESAN PASTA
These step-by-step instructions will guide you through turning a few simple ingredients into a show-stopping dinner. From mastering the perfect sear on your chicken bites to creating a lusciously smooth Parmesan sauce, you’ll learn techniques that ensure restaurant-quality results in your own kitchen.
1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente—tender but with a slight bite. Drain the pasta, reserving ½ cup of the starchy pasta water, and set both aside.
2. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter and the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Add them to the skillet in a single layer and cook for 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until each bite is golden brown and fully cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned.
4. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine it with the garlic-butter mixture until smooth.
5. Gradually sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes silky and smooth. If the sauce thickens too much, stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
6. Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet. Use tongs or a pasta fork to toss the noodles thoroughly in the sauce, ensuring each strand is coated in the creamy goodness.
7. Return the seared chicken bites to the skillet with the pasta. Gently mix everything together, letting the chicken warm through for another minute.
8. Finish by garnishing with chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy a plateful of cheesy, garlicky, mouthwatering comfort.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR GARLIC BUTTER CHICKEN BITES WITH CREAMY PARMESAN PASTA
Once your Chicken Bites and Creamy Parmesan Pasta are ready, presentation and pairings can elevate the meal from simple weeknight dinner to a memorable culinary experience. Whether you’re inviting friends over or feeding a hungry family, these serving ideas will help you plate and complement the dish with style.
- Serve on deep plates to keep every drop of sauce pooled around the pasta. A swirl of noodles topped with chicken bites and a final dusting of grated Parmesan makes for a beautiful presentation.
- Pair with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette. The bright acidity of fresh greens cuts through the richness of the sauce and brings a refreshing balance to each bite.
- Offer a side of garlic bread or toasted baguette slices. Those crispy, buttery edges are perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce, ensuring no flavor goes to waste.
- Accompany the meal with a glass of dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc). The wine’s bright, citrusy notes complement the creamy sauce while refreshing your palate between bites.
HOW TO STORE GARLIC BUTTER CHICKEN BITES WITH CREAMY PARMESAN PASTA
Leftovers of this creamy, garlicky dish can be just as delightful as the first serving—if you store them properly. Because dairy-based sauces can thicken or separate over time, a few smart storage tips will keep your Chicken Bites and Parmesan Pasta tasting fresh and delicious for days to come.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Let the dish cool to room temperature before sealing to prevent condensation, then place in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- If you plan ahead, freeze individual portions for longer storage. Pack cooled pasta and chicken in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. It will keep for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- To preserve sauce texture, consider storing the pasta and chicken separately from the sauce. Keep the cream sauce in a small container on the side; combine and reheat gently when ready to serve.
- When reheating, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave at 50% power. Add a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to revive the creamy consistency and stir frequently for even heating.
CONCLUSION
From pantry staples to a sumptuous plate of Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta, this recipe hits all the marks for a satisfying beginner-level dinner. With just 15 minutes of prep and 25 minutes of cooking, you can transform boneless chicken breast, butter, garlic, cream, and Parmesan into a meal that feels indulgent yet approachable. Whether you’re feeding family, impressing friends, or simply craving comfort food on a busy weeknight, this dish delivers a harmonious blend of textures and flavors—golden-seared chicken, luxuriously smooth sauce, and perfectly al dente fettuccine. Clocking in at around 600 calories per serving, it’s hearty but not overbearing, making it ideal for a cozy dinner at home. And because it uses basic pantry ingredients, you can whip it up any night of the week without a special trip to the grocery store.
Feel free to print this article and save it for later reference in your recipe binder or digital folder. You’ll also find a helpful FAQ section below if you need tips on ingredient substitutions, reheating methods, or customizing the dish to your taste. If you give this recipe a try—or if you have any questions, comments, or feedback—please leave a note! I love hearing about your kitchen adventures and am always happy to help troubleshoot or share variations. Happy cooking!
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Description
Juicy chicken bites coated in savory garlic butter pair perfectly with rich, creamy Parmesan pasta. This dish is a satisfying meal that's bursting with flavor and sure to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients
Instructions
-
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
-
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter and the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown on all sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
-
In the same skillet, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter and add the minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
-
Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the heavy cream to the skillet. Stir well to combine with the garlic and butter.
-
Slowly add the Parmesan cheese to the cream, stirring continuously until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
-
Add the pasta to the skillet with the creamy sauce and toss to coat the pasta thoroughly.
-
Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet and mix everything together, allowing the chicken to heat through.
-
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving, and enjoy your garlic butter chicken bites with creamy Parmesan pasta.
Note
- For an added kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chicken while it cooks.
- Substitute spaghetti or penne if fettuccine is unavailable.
- Add extra vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for a healthy twist.
