Garlic Butter Chicken Bites + Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Juicy golden chicken bites tossed in rich garlic butter and served over silky, creamy Parmesan pasta. This comforting dinner is quick enough for weeknights but tastes restaurant-quality.
Servings
4 servings
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
25 minutes
Ingredients
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
- 1½ lbs boneless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
- Pinch chili flakes (optional)
Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- 12 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or linguine)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Garnishes
- Extra Parmesan
- Fresh parsley
- Cracked black pepper
- Lemon zest for brightness
Instructions
1. Cook the pasta
Boil pasta in salted water until al dente.
Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
Drain and set aside.
2. Season the chicken
In a bowl toss chicken with:
- paprika
- garlic powder
- Italian seasoning
- salt
- pepper
3. Cook chicken bites
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add chicken in a single layer.
Cook:
- 6–8 minutes total
until golden and cooked through.
Avoid overcrowding for better browning.
4. Make garlic butter sauce
Reduce heat slightly.
Add butter and garlic to skillet.
Cook 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
Toss chicken in garlic butter.
Add parsley and chili flakes if using.
Remove chicken from pan and keep warm.
5. Make creamy Parmesan sauce
In the same skillet melt butter.
Add garlic and sauté briefly.
Pour in heavy cream and simmer gently for 2–3 minutes.
Whisk in Parmesan cheese until smooth.
Add pasta water gradually until sauce becomes silky.
Season with salt and pepper.
6. Combine pasta
Add cooked pasta to the sauce.
Toss until fully coated and creamy.
7. Serve
Plate creamy Parmesan pasta and top with garlic butter chicken bites.
Garnish with:
- extra Parmesan
- parsley
- black pepper
- optional lemon zest
Serve hot.
Flavor Variations
Spicy Version
Add:
- cayenne
- extra chili flakes
- hot sauce drizzle
Mushroom Parmesan Pasta
Sauté mushrooms before making sauce.
Lemon Garlic Version
Add:
- lemon juice
- lemon zest
Cajun Twist
Use Cajun seasoning on chicken instead of Italian seasoning.
Tips for Best Results
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for smooth sauce.
- Don’t overcook chicken — keep it juicy.
- Save pasta water; it helps emulsify the sauce.
- Cook chicken in batches if needed for a better sear.
Q & A
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. Add a little cream cheese or extra Parmesan for richness.
What pasta works best?
Fettuccine, linguine, penne, or rigatoni all work beautifully.
Can I make it ahead?
Best served fresh, but leftovers keep well refrigerated for 2–3 days.
How do I reheat without drying it out?
Add a splash of milk or cream while reheating gently.
Can I use chicken thighs?
Absolutely. Chicken thighs stay extra juicy and flavorful.
