Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is the ultimate easy weeknight meal that tastes like it belongs in a gourmet restaurant. This dish features tender, golden chicken bites sautéed in fragrant garlic butter, combined with pasta coated in a luscious, creamy Parmesan sauce. It’s the perfect comfort food that’s quick to prepare, flavorful, and customizable to suit your taste.
Why You’ll Love It
- Fast & simple: Ready in under 30 minutes with pantry staples.
- Rich & comforting: Garlic butter and Parmesan create a dreamy sauce.
- Flexible: Add veggies, swap chicken for shrimp or tofu, or choose gluten-free pasta.
- Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike enjoy the creamy, satisfying flavors.
Ingredients
- Chicken breast, cubed
- Pasta (penne or rotini recommended)
- Butter
- Fresh garlic
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh basil (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil salted water, cook pasta until al dente, drain, and set aside. Save ½ cup pasta water for later.
- Cook the chicken: In a skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Add chicken cubes and cook until golden and cooked through (165°F internal temp). Remove chicken and set aside.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, melt remaining butter. Stir in heavy cream gradually, then add Parmesan cheese. Cook until thick and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine: Toss pasta into the sauce, using reserved pasta water to adjust consistency. Fold in chicken until coated.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan. Enjoy immediately.
Tips for Success
- Cut chicken evenly for uniform cooking.
- Preheat the skillet and avoid overcrowding for a perfect sear.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Adjust seasoning and add a pinch of nutmeg or red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
Variations & Add-Ins
- Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes.
- Swap chicken with shrimp, scallops, tofu, or chickpeas.
- Use dairy-free cream and vegan Parmesan for a plant-based option.
- Gluten-free pasta works great for dietary needs.
Serving Suggestions
Serve alongside garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Ready for a weeknight dinner that feels fancy but comes together in under 30 minutes? This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta delivers juicy chicken and rich, velvety sauce made with just a few simple ingredients. It’s comfort food elevated—perfect for the whole family!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 8 oz pasta (penne or rotini recommended)
- 4 tbsp butter, divided
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil, chopped, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, according to package directions. Drain, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water. Toss the pasta lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken
In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the cubed chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through (about 6–8 minutes). Season with salt and pepper. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
3. Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly. Gradually add the Parmesan cheese and continue stirring until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Combine Pasta and Chicken
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it. Gently fold the chicken bites back into the sauce and pasta mixture.
5. Garnish and Serve
Plate the pasta and sprinkle with chopped fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Tips & Variations:
- Perfect Chicken: Make sure your chicken pieces are evenly sized and the pan is hot before cooking to get a nice golden crust. Avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Vegetables: Stir in fresh spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra color and nutrition.
- Protein Swap: Try shrimp or tofu for a different twist.
- Diet-Friendly: Use gluten-free pasta or dairy-free cream and cheese alternatives to accommodate dietary needs.
- Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of cream or milk to keep the sauce silky.
This dish pairs wonderfully with garlic bread or a crisp green salad. Enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of garlic butter and Parmesan in every bite!