Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Some nights, you just need a meal that’s quick, satisfying, and packed with flavor. That’s where these garlic butter chicken bites with creamy parmesan pasta come in!
Juicy, golden-brown chicken bites tossed in rich garlic butter pair perfectly with a creamy parmesan sauce and tender pasta. It’s a match made in food heaven!
This dish has everything you love—creamy, cheesy pasta, buttery garlic goodness, and bite-sized pieces of well-seasoned chicken. Plus, it all comes together in just about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
If you’re a fan of easy one-pan meals, comfort food, or anything smothered in parmesan, this recipe is for you. Whether it’s a cozy winter evening or a lazy summer night, this dish will always hit the spot. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy days.
- Rich & Creamy: The creamy parmesan pasta is loaded with cheesy goodness.
- Garlic Butter Heaven: The garlic butter chicken bites are juicy, flavorful, and addicting.
- One-Pan Chicken: Less cleanup, more flavor!
- Versatile: Serve it with a side of veggies or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
Ingredients
For the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
- 2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- 8 ounces pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your favorite)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional, adds depth of flavor)
This recipe is rich, creamy, and loaded with garlic butter flavor. Ready to put it all together? Let’s move on to the cooking steps!
Kitchen Tools Needed
Before we start cooking, make sure you have these tools on hand:
- Cutting board & knife – For chopping the chicken and garlic.
- Large skillet or pan – To cook the garlic butter chicken bites.
- Large pot – For boiling the pasta.
- Colander – To drain the pasta.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – For stirring the sauce and cooking the chicken.
- Measuring cups & spoons – To measure ingredients accurately.
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
- In a bowl, season the chicken bites with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken pieces and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Reduce the heat to medium and add butter, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Stir everything together and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until the garlic is fragrant.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Set aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.
- Stir in the parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg. Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Step 4: Assemble & Serve
- Plate the creamy parmesan pasta and top it with the garlic butter chicken bites.
- Garnish with extra parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
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Tips and Tricks for Success
- Don’t overcook the chicken: Since the butter chicken bites are small, they cook quickly. Keep an eye on them to prevent dryness.
- Use freshly grated parmesan: Pre-packaged parmesan doesn’t melt as smoothly. Freshly grated cheese gives the best creamy texture.
- Save pasta water: The starchy water helps adjust the consistency of the creamy parmesan sauce without making it too thin.
- Add extra flavor: For a deeper taste, try adding a splash of lemon juice or a pinch of Italian seasoning to the pasta sauce.
- Make it a full meal: Serve with a side of roasted veggies, a fresh salad, or garlic bread for a complete dinner.
This garlic butter chicken with creamy parmesan pasta is an easy, restaurant-quality meal you’ll want to make again and again. Give it a try tonight, and let me know how it turns out!
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
Want to switch things up? Here are some ideas to customize your garlic butter chicken bites with creamy parmesan pasta:
Ingredient Substitutions
- Chicken: Swap chicken breasts for chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful bite.
- Heavy cream: Use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter sauce. If dairy-free, try coconut cream or cashew cream.
- Parmesan cheese: Substitute with pecorino romano or grated cheddar for a different cheese flavor.
- Pasta: Use gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
Flavor Variations
- Spicy twist: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
- Lemon garlic version: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken before serving for a bright, tangy flavor.
- Mushroom parmesan pasta: Sauté sliced mushrooms in butter before adding the garlic and cream for extra richness.
- Herby boost: Add fresh basil or thyme to the pasta sauce for a fresh, aromatic taste.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is a full meal on its own, but here are some delicious ways to round it out:
- Garlic bread: A crispy side of garlic bread is perfect for scooping up that creamy parmesan sauce.
- Steamed or roasted vegetables: Serve with roasted broccoli, asparagus, or bell peppers for a healthy balance.
- Fresh salad: A simple Caesar salad or mixed greens with a light vinaigrette pairs well with the richness of the pasta.
- Wine pairing: If you’re feeling fancy, pair with a glass of white wine, like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.

Storage and Reheating Instructions
Storing Leftovers
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: The creamy parmesan pasta doesn’t freeze well, but the garlic butter chicken bites can be frozen separately for up to 2 months.
Reheating Instructions
- Stovetop: Warm in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to bring back the creamy texture.
- Microwave: Reheat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to prevent drying out.
- Oven: Place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and warm at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Any pasta works—penne, rigatoni, fettuccine, or even spaghetti. Pick your favorite!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can cook the chicken bites and parmesan sauce ahead of time. Store them separately and combine them when reheating for the best texture.
How do I prevent the pasta sauce from getting too thick?
If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of reserved pasta water, milk, or chicken broth to loosen it up.
What’s the best way to make this dish low-carb?
Swap the pasta for zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash, or cauliflower rice.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes! If using leftover or rotisserie chicken, skip the cooking step and toss it in the garlic butter before adding to the pasta.
This garlic butter chicken bites with creamy parmesan pasta is a dish you’ll want to make again and again. It’s rich, cheesy, and full of flavor—perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal. Try it tonight and let me know how it turns out!
Did you try this recipe? Let me know in the comments how it turned out!
Don’t forget to share your photos on Instagram and tag me @tasiahub. I’d love to see your creations!

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Equipment
- Cutting Board & Knife
- Large Skillet or Pan
- Large pot
- Colander
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring Cups & Spoons
Ingredients
For the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
- 2 large chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for a little heat
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- 8 ounces pasta fettuccine, penne, or your favorite
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg optional, adds depth of flavor
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
- In a bowl, season the chicken bites with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken pieces and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Reduce the heat to medium and add butter, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Stir everything together and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until the garlic is fragrant.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Set aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.
- Stir in the parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg. Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Step 4: Assemble & Serve
- Plate the creamy parmesan pasta and top it with the garlic butter chicken bites.
- Garnish with extra parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Nutritional Value (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~650-750 kcal
- Protein: ~40g
- Carbohydrates: ~55g
- Fat: ~35g
- Saturated Fat: ~18g
- Cholesterol: ~120mg
- Sodium: ~800mg (varies based on seasoning)
- Fiber: ~2-3g
- Sugar: ~3g
The nutritional information on this website is only an estimate and is provided for convenience and as a courtesy only. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed. It should not be used as a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.