When you need a dinner that feels indulgent but comes together easily, Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Parmesan Pasta checks all the boxes. Juicy, well-seasoned chicken pieces sautéed in rich garlic butter, served over velvety parmesan pasta—this dish brings restaurant-quality flavor to your kitchen without complicated steps.
Whether you’re feeding a family, prepping meals for the week, or hosting a cozy dinner at home, this recipe is versatile, approachable, and incredibly satisfying. In this blog post, you’ll get a full breakdown of everything you need to know, including preparation, variations, tips, and serving ideas.
Why This Dish Works
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Parmesan Pasta is a reliable favorite for many reasons:
- It’s quick to prepare — under 40 minutes from start to finish.
- The ingredients are familiar and easy to find.
- It combines classic flavors: creamy pasta, garlic, and savory chicken.
- You can adjust it to suit your tastes—add spice, vegetables, or swap in different proteins.
- It’s family-friendly, budget-conscious, and reheats well for lunch the next day.
This recipe doesn’t rely on shortcuts or artificial flavor. It’s built on real ingredients, cooked simply and well.
Ingredients List and Breakdown
For the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites:
- Chicken breast (about 500g): Boneless and skinless, cut into small cubes for even cooking.
- Salt and pepper: Basic but essential for enhancing flavor.
- Paprika: Adds color and a subtle warmth.
- Garlic powder: Enhances the garlic flavor without burning.
- Olive oil (2 tbsp): For searing the chicken.
- Butter (3 tbsp): Unsalted, so you can control the salt levels.
- Fresh garlic (4 to 5 cloves): Minced finely for strong aroma and flavor.
- Chopped parsley (optional): For freshness and garnish.
For the Parmesan Pasta:
- Pasta (250g): Penne, linguine, or fettuccine work well.
- Butter (2 tbsp): Adds richness to the sauce.
- Garlic (2 cloves): Infuses the cream with flavor.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): The foundation of the creamy sauce.
- Parmesan cheese (¾ cup): Freshly grated for the smoothest melt and best flavor.
- Salt and pepper: To season the sauce.
- Reserved pasta water (about ¼ cup): Helps thin and bind the sauce if needed.
- Parsley (optional): Adds brightness and a bit of color.
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Parmesan Pasta
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Place cubed chicken in a bowl. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Toss to coat evenly.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Sear for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from pan and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter
In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter and let it melt. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant—about 30 seconds. Return the cooked chicken to the pan and stir to coat in the garlic butter sauce. Turn the heat to low and cover to keep warm.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve about ¼ cup of pasta water before draining.
Step 5: Make the Parmesan Sauce
In a clean saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook gently until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add the grated parmesan cheese and stir until smooth. If the sauce gets too thick, stir in a little reserved pasta water. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Combine and Serve
Add the drained pasta to the parmesan sauce. Toss well until fully coated. Serve the creamy pasta topped with the garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra parmesan if desired.
Tips for Success
- Use freshly grated parmesan: It melts better and tastes richer than pre-packaged versions.
- Watch your garlic: Garlic can burn quickly and turn bitter. Use medium to low heat and stir constantly.
- Don’t overcook the chicken: Chicken breast can dry out fast. Cut into even pieces and remove from heat once golden and cooked through.
- Season each layer: Salt the pasta water, season the chicken, and taste the sauce as you go.
- Use pasta water wisely: This starchy liquid is perfect for thinning your sauce without losing creaminess.
Recipe Variations
This recipe is flexible and can be modified based on dietary needs or flavor preferences.
Add Vegetables
- Sauté spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms with the garlic for extra color and nutrition.
Make It Spicy
- Add red pepper flakes to the garlic butter or toss a pinch into the parmesan sauce.
Try Different Proteins
- Use shrimp, scallops, or even tofu in place of chicken. Adjust cooking times as needed.
Go Low Carb
- Serve the garlic butter chicken over spiralized zucchini or cauliflower mash instead of pasta.
Use Different Cheese
- While parmesan is classic, a blend of pecorino or asiago can add complexity.
What to Serve With It
Although this dish stands well on its own, pairing it with a few complementary sides can elevate your meal.
- Simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Garlic bread or crusty baguette slices
- Steamed or roasted vegetables, such as asparagus, green beans, or broccoli
- A light white wine, such as Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio, pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce
How to Store and Reheat
Storage
Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. For best texture, store the chicken and pasta separately if possible.
Reheating
- On the stove: Reheat over low heat with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.
- In the microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring in between. Add a little water or cream to maintain consistency.
Freezing
The pasta sauce may separate after freezing due to the dairy. If needed, freeze just the chicken bites and make fresh pasta when serving.
Final Thoughts
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Parmesan Pasta is a recipe that combines the best of comfort food with straightforward preparation. From its golden seared chicken to the silky parmesan sauce, each bite is full of flavor and warmth. Whether you’re feeding a family or enjoying a quiet meal at home, this dish is satisfying, reliable, and endlessly adaptable.
Once you try it, there’s a good chance it’ll become a permanent part of your meal rotation.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Description
Savory garlic butter chicken bites paired with creamy, cheesy parmesan pasta—this quick and easy dinner recipe is perfect for weeknights. Bursting with flavor and made with simple ingredients, it’s a family-friendly meal that’s as comforting as it is satisfying.
Ingredients
For the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites:
For the Parmesan Pasta:
Instructions
Season and Sear the Chicken
- In a mixing bowl, toss the chicken cubes with salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder until evenly coated. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken cubes in a single layer. Sear for 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
Prepare Garlic Butter Sauce
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add unsalted butter and let it melt. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, toss to coat in the garlic butter sauce, and cook for another 1–2 minutes. Turn off the heat and cover to keep warm.
Cook the Pasta
- Boil water in a large pot. Add salt and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Make the Parmesan Sauce
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Cook until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce thickens (3–4 minutes). If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss until fully coated. Simmer together for 1–2 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Serve
- Plate the parmesan pasta and top generously with garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra parmesan if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
Note
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or microwave with a splash of cream or milk.
Variations:
- Use boneless chicken thighs for a juicier result.
- Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to the pasta for extra flavor and texture.
- For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce.
Make it lighter: Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and reduce the butter slightly.
