Irresistible Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta – A Flavor-Packed Dinner in Just 30 Minutes!

If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal, you just found it! Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is the ultimate weeknight dinner—juicy, golden-brown chicken bites tossed in garlic butter, served over a rich, cheesy Parmesan pasta. It’s the kind of dish that makes you wonder why you ever considered takeout in the first place!

This easy recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights. Plus, it’s packed with flavor—the garlic butter infuses the chicken with an irresistible richness, while the creamy Parmesan pasta brings everything together for the perfect bite.

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Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

• Quick & Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes for the ultimate weeknight meal
• Rich & Flavorful – Buttery, garlicky chicken paired with ultra-creamy pasta
• One-Pan Meal – Fewer dishes mean less cleanup
• Family-Friendly – Even picky eaters love it
• Customizable – Make it spicy, add veggies, or switch up the protein

What Does This Dish Taste Like?

Imagine tender, juicy chicken bites coated in a rich garlic butter sauce, perfectly seared for a crispy golden crust. Now pair that with creamy, cheesy Parmesan pasta, infused with hints of garlic and black pepper. Every bite is a perfect balance of buttery, garlicky, cheesy goodness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:

• 8 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup pasta water (reserved from cooking the pasta)

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet
• Medium pot (for cooking pasta)
• Tongs or a wooden spoon
• Garlic press (optional but helpful)

Optional Add-Ins & Substitutions

• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the butter sauce
• Extra Veggies: Toss in spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes
• Protein Swap: Use shrimp or diced steak instead of chicken
• Lighter Option: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk

How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of pasta water for the sauce.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces, paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Reduce heat to low and add 2 tablespoons butter and garlic, stirring until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Parmesan Pasta

In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Slowly add reserved pasta water, stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Toss in the cooked pasta, stirring until fully coated.

Step 4: Combine & Serve

Return the garlic butter chicken bites to the skillet and gently toss them with the pasta. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve hot and enjoy!

What to Serve with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites and Parmesan Pasta

• Garlic Bread – Because more garlic butter is always a good idea
• Steamed or Roasted Veggies – Broccoli, asparagus, or zucchini complement the creamy pasta
• Crisp Side Salad – A fresh green salad with balsamic dressing balances the richness
• Glass of White Wine – A light Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay pairs perfectly

Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Chicken Bites & Parmesan Pasta

• Don’t overcook the chicken! It should be golden brown and juicy—remove it from heat as soon as it’s cooked through
• Use fresh Parmesan. Pre-shredded cheese won’t melt as smoothly into the sauce
• Reserve pasta water! This helps thin out the sauce and makes it extra silky
• Adjust the sauce consistency. If it’s too thick, add a splash of milk or more pasta water

How to Store & Reheat Leftovers

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
• Freeze: Not recommended, as the creamy sauce may separate when reheated
• Reheat: Warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and work great in this recipe.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can cook the chicken and pasta separately, then reheat and combine before serving.

Is this dish spicy?

No, but you can add red pepper flakes for a little heat.

Can I make this without heavy cream?

Yes! Swap it for half-and-half or a mixture of milk and butter for a lighter version.

Final Thoughts – Your New Favorite Weeknight Dinner!

This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is the ultimate easy, flavor-packed dinner. It’s buttery, garlicky, cheesy, and comes together in just 30 minutes—perfect for busy nights when you want something comforting but quick. If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out!

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Looking for more creamy, comforting meals? Try these next:

• Creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti – A slow-cooked, cheesy pasta dish with tender chicken
• Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta – A rich, cheesy pasta packed with bacon and beef
• Healthy Creamy Cauliflower Chicken Soup – A nutritious yet comforting soup full of flavor

Happy cooking!

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