Looking for a quick and cozy dinner idea? These Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta are rich, comforting, and come together in just about 30 minutes. Tender, bite-sized chicken pieces are sautéed to golden perfection in a fragrant garlic butter sauce, then paired with a luscious Parmesan cream pasta. It’s the perfect recipe for a busy weeknight or a laid-back weekend meal.
Why You’ll Love It
- Simple ingredients: Nothing fancy — just pantry staples and fresh flavors.
- Quick to make: On the table in about half an hour.
- Ultimate comfort food: Creamy, cheesy, buttery, and so satisfying.
Ingredients
For the Garlic Butter Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- 12 oz fettuccine (or your favorite pasta)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Extra garlic butter, for drizzling (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until just tender. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds), then return the chicken to the pan and toss to coat in the garlic butter sauce.
Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
In a separate pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring gently. Bring to a soft simmer, then whisk in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Assemble the Dish
Toss the cooked pasta in the creamy Parmesan sauce until well coated. Plate the pasta, top with the garlic butter chicken bites, and garnish with chopped parsley. For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle a little extra garlic butter over the top before serving.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serve immediately for the creamiest texture and best flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to refresh the sauce.
Helpful Notes
- Swap out the fettuccine for spaghetti, linguine, or even penne if you like.
- Drizzling extra garlic butter over the top just before serving makes this dish extra flavorful and luxurious.
Pro Tips from the Pros
- Chef Mario Batali recommends using freshly grated Parmesan for the richest, smoothest sauce.
- Chef Ina Garten suggests adding a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors of the garlic butter chicken — a great idea if you like a little zing!
Conclusion
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta recipe is pure comfort on a plate — buttery, garlicky, creamy, and cheesy, all in one dish. It’s a simple meal that feels indulgent, perfect for those times when you need something hearty but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner, this recipe will be one you’ll come back to again and again.