Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Juicy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Crispy garlic butter chicken bites dance perfectly with creamy parmesan pasta, creating a meal that whispers comfort and excitement.

Weeknight dinners suddenly feel like a gourmet adventure waiting to unfold.

Tender chicken pieces bathed in golden butter will make your taste buds sing with joy.

Melted parmesan coats each pasta strand, promising rich flavors in every single bite.

Our kitchen trick transforms simple ingredients into something magical and irresistible.

Salt, herbs, and a touch of garlic elevate this dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

You’ll want to savor every moment of preparing and devouring this delightful combination.

FAQs

  • Is this dish spicy?

No, the recipe uses Italian seasoning for flavor without heat. The chicken is seasoned with salt, pepper, and herbs for a mild, savory taste.

  • Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken bites?

Yes, you can cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Just ensure they’re evenly cut and cooked through to maintain consistent texture and doneness.

  • Do I need special equipment to make this recipe?

You’ll need two pans, a pot for boiling pasta, measuring spoons, and basic kitchen utensils like a whisk and spatula. Standard kitchen tools work perfectly.

  • How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Cook chicken for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. The pieces should look opaque and have no pink centers.

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites & Parmesan Pasta: Comfort Combo

  • Savor Quick Cooking: Whip up this mouthwatering dish in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknights when you crave a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Elevate Comfort Food: Transform basic chicken and pasta into a gourmet experience with rich garlic butter sauce and creamy Parmesan, making ordinary ingredients extraordinary.
  • Master One-Pan Magic: Minimize cleanup with clever cooking techniques that use the same pan for chicken and sauce, reducing dishwashing time and kitchen mess.
  • Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by swapping chicken for shrimp, adding vegetables, or adjusting seasoning to match your family's taste preferences and dietary needs.

Gather for Garlic Chicken Pasta Perfection

Main Protein:
  • Chicken: Tender protein pieces that form the main component of the dish.
Pasta Base:
  • Pasta: Soft and starchy foundation that serves as the primary carbohydrate in the recipe.
Seasoning Blend:
  • Salt, Pepper, Italian Seasoning: Essential spices that enhance the overall flavor profile of the chicken.
Cooking Fats:
  • Olive Oil, Butter: Provide rich flavor and help with cooking and sauce creation.
Aromatics:
  • Garlic: Adds a robust and aromatic flavor to both the chicken and cream sauce.
Sauce Components:
  • Heavy Cream, Chicken Broth: Create a smooth and creamy base for the Parmesan sauce.
Cheese Ingredient:
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, tangy flavor and helps thicken the cream sauce.
Finishing Touches:
  • Parsley: Fresh herb used for garnishing and adding a bright, herbal note to the dish.

Sauté & Swirl: Cooking Chicken Pasta Bites

Step 1: Boil Water And Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt.

Bring the water to a rolling boil and add pasta.

Cook until the pasta reaches al dente texture, which means it’s tender but still has a slight bite.

Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare Chicken Pieces

Cut chicken into bite-sized chunks.

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to ensure proper browning.

Step 3: Sear Chicken

Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature.

Carefully place chicken pieces into the hot pan.

Sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper over the chicken.

Cook the pieces for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally to create a golden-brown exterior and ensure complete cooking.

Step 4: Create Garlic Butter Magic

Lower the skillet’s heat to medium.

Melt butter until it becomes smooth and slightly bubbling.

Add minced garlic and stir quickly to release its aromatic flavors.

Step 5: Coat Chicken In Butter

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.

Gently toss the pieces to ensure they’re completely covered in the fragrant garlic butter sauce.

Step 6: Craft Creamy Parmesan Sauce

In a separate pan, melt butter over medium heat.

Add extra minced garlic and sauté briefly until its scent fills the kitchen.

Step 7: Build Sauce Complexity

Pour heavy cream and chicken broth into the pan.

Allow the mixture to simmer gently, creating a rich and smooth base.

Step 8: Incorporate Cheese

Gradually whisk Parmesan cheese into the simmering liquid.

Continue stirring until the sauce transforms into a thick, velvety consistency.

Season with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor profile.

Step 9: Combine Pasta And Sauce

Add the cooked pasta directly into the creamy Parmesan sauce.

Stir thoroughly to ensure each pasta strand is generously coated.

Step 10: Plate And Garnish

Transfer the creamy pasta to serving plates.

Top with the garlic butter chicken bites.

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the dish for a pop of color and freshness.

Step 11: Final Touch

For an extra flavor boost, drizzle additional garlic butter over the plated dish.

Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the delightful combination of textures and flavors.

Tips for the Creamiest Garlic Chicken Pasta

  • Use freshly minced garlic for an intense, robust taste that elevates the entire dish's aromatic profile.
  • Cook pasta just until al dente to maintain a perfect texture and prevent mushiness when mixed with the creamy sauce.
  • Whisk Parmesan slowly into the cream sauce to ensure smooth melting and avoid lumpy texture.
  • Use medium-high heat and avoid overcrowding the pan to achieve golden, crispy chicken bites without steaming.
  • Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley right before serving to bring a bright, fresh element to the rich, creamy pasta.

Chicken Pasta Variations to Love

  • Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Version: Replace traditional pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles for a lighter, keto-friendly alternative that reduces carbohydrate intake while maintaining the delicious flavor profile.
  • Dairy-Free Coconut Cream Adaptation: Swap heavy cream and Parmesan cheese with coconut cream and nutritional yeast to create a lactose-free option that still delivers rich, creamy texture.
  • Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas, marinating them in the same seasonings to create a plant-based protein option that matches the original recipe's taste and texture.
  • Spicy Mediterranean Remix: Add red pepper flakes, paprika, and swap Italian seasoning with za'atar spice blend to transform the dish into a more intensely flavored Mediterranean-inspired meal.

Serving Up Chicken Bites Like a Pro

  • Family Feast Centerpiece: Serve this dish as a star attraction for a cozy family dinner, bringing everyone together around a warm, inviting meal.
  • Elegant Date Night Plating: Arrange the chicken bites artfully over the creamy pasta, creating a restaurant-quality presentation that impresses your dinner companion.
  • Meal Prep Champion: Pack individual portions in sealed containers for a delicious lunch at work or school, keeping the chicken and pasta separate to maintain optimal texture.
  • Herb Garden Boost: Sprinkle fresh chopped basil or chives on top for an extra burst of flavor and a pop of vibrant green color that elevates the dish's visual appeal.

Pasta Storage for Later Indulgence

  • Store leftover chicken and pasta in airtight containers separately, keeping them in the fridge for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess.
  • Sprinkle a few drops of water over the pasta, cover with a damp paper towel, and microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even heating and prevent dryness.
  • Gently warm chicken and pasta in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth or cream, stirring constantly to restore moisture and prevent sticking or burning.
  • Wrap individual portions in freezer-safe containers or bags, storing for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.
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Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe


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4.6 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent garlic butter chicken bites dance alongside creamy parmesan pasta, creating a luxurious dinner experience that whisks Italian comfort directly to your plate. Minimal ingredients and quick preparation ensure hearty satisfaction with maximum flavor in every delightful bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 1 lb (454 g) chicken breasts, boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces

Seasonings and Herbs:

  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Cooking Fats and Liquids:

  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
  • 4 tablespoons (56 g) unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons (28 g) butter (for pasta)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) chicken broth

Pasta and Cheese:

  • 12 ounces (340 g) fettuccine or preferred pasta
  • 1 cup (100 g) grated parmesan cheese

Optional:

  • Extra garlic butter (for drizzling)

Instructions

  1. Prepare a generously salted water bath and cook pasta until al dente, about 8-9 minutes. Drain and reserve.
  2. Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature. Introduce chicken pieces and sear until golden exteriors develop.
  3. Sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper across chicken. Rotate pieces to ensure thorough cooking for approximately 6-7 minutes.
  4. Reduce skillet temperature and melt butter, creating a luxurious foundation for the garlic infusion.
  5. Introduce minced garlic, allowing aromatic elements to permeate the butter. Gently reintegrate cooked chicken, coating thoroughly with fragrant mixture.
  6. Initiate cream sauce preparation in a separate pan by melting butter and briefly toasting additional garlic.
  7. Gradually incorporate heavy cream and chicken broth, allowing gentle simmering to develop rich flavors.
  8. Vigorously whisk Parmesan cheese into the liquid, encouraging smooth texture and nuanced thickness. Calibrate seasoning with salt and pepper.
  9. Envelop pasta completely with creamy Parmesan sauce, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
  10. Artfully arrange pasta on serving plates, crowning with garlic-butter chicken morsels.
  11. Elegantly scatter fresh parsley and optional additional garlic butter drizzle for enhanced presentation.

Notes

  • Opt for skinless, boneless chicken thighs for extra juiciness and richer flavor compared to chicken breasts.
  • Pat chicken pieces completely dry before cooking to ensure perfect golden-brown searing and prevent steaming instead of browning.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for smoother melting and more intense flavor compared to pre-packaged options.
  • Try alternative protein options like shrimp, tofu, or plant-based chicken for diverse dietary preferences while maintaining similar cooking techniques.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 507 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 282 mg
  • Fat: 33 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 34 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg
Nathaniel Brooks

Nathaniel Brooks

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Culinary storytelling

Education

Ivy Tech Community College – Indianapolis, IN
Culinary Arts / Hospitality Administration & Events
Focused on hands-on training in classical and modern culinary techniques. ​


Nathaniel’s story starts in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, where farm stands, backyard gardens, and old family recipes shaped his love for real food. After graduating from Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis, he spent years working in farm-to-table kitchens, learning how to turn local, seasonal ingredients into something memorable.
Today, Nathaniel pours that same spirit into every single recipe on Aspiring Culinarian – recipes that feel real, comforting, and connected to the land. When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll find him foraging wild herbs, chasing sunsets with his camera, or writing about the flavors that shaped his roots.

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