There's nothing quite like the combination of tender, juicy chicken bites coated in rich garlic butter, paired with a luscious, creamy Parmesan pasta. This dish is pure comfort food, bringing together simple ingredients to create something truly special.

I first made this recipe on a chilly evening when I was craving something warm and satisfying but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. With just a handful of pantry staples, it quickly became a family favorite—so much so that we now make it at least once a month!
Why You'll Love This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites With Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Get ready to fall in love with a dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. These garlic butter chicken bites with creamy Parmesan pasta are a total game-changer for busy weeknights.
First off, it’s incredibly quick to prepare. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a hearty, restaurant-quality meal on the table—perfect for those nights when you’re short on time but still want something homemade.
Not only is it fast, but it’s also budget-friendly. With simple, affordable ingredients like chicken breast, pasta, and Parmesan cheese, you can feed your whole family without breaking the bank.
Another reason to love this dish? The flavors are absolutely irresistible. The rich, garlicky butter sauce clings to the tender chicken bites, while the creamy Parmesan pasta adds a velvety, cheesy goodness that ties everything together beautifully.
Best of all, it’s endlessly customizable. Want to add some veggies? Toss in some spinach or roasted cherry tomatoes. Prefer a little heat? A dash of red pepper flakes will do the trick. This recipe is a blank canvas for your creativity!
Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this dish lies in its simple, high-quality ingredients. Each one plays a key role in delivering bold flavors and a satisfying texture.
Let’s start with the chicken. I prefer using boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces. They cook quickly and develop a beautiful golden crust when seared in butter. You could also use chicken thighs for a juicier bite.
Next up, butter and garlic—the foundation of this dish’s incredible flavor. Be sure to use real butter, not margarine, for that rich, velvety taste. And when it comes to garlic, fresh is always best! Minced garlic infuses the butter with a deep, aromatic flavor that can’t be beaten.
For the pasta, choose a shape that holds onto the creamy sauce well. I love using fettuccine or penne because their texture allows the sauce to cling to every bite. If you prefer a lighter dish, whole wheat or gluten-free pasta works just as well.
The Parmesan cheese is the star of the sauce. Freshly grated Parmesan melts beautifully into the cream, creating a silky, cheesy coating. Avoid pre-shredded Parmesan, as it often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
Finally, heavy cream and chicken broth bring everything together. The cream makes the sauce ultra-rich, while the broth adds depth of flavor without making it too heavy. If you want a lighter version, half-and-half can be substituted, but the sauce won’t be quite as decadent.
How To Make This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites With Creamy Parmesan Pasta

This dish comes together in a few easy steps, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced cooks.
Start by preparing your pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water in case you need to thin out the sauce later.
While the pasta cooks, prepare the chicken. Cut your chicken into bite-sized pieces and season generously with salt, pepper, and a pinch of Italian seasoning. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add butter. Once melted, add the chicken in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Let it cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until golden brown, then flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes until fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, make the creamy Parmesan sauce. Lower the heat to medium and add a little more butter, along with minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Then pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan—this is where all the flavor is! Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Add the Parmesan cheese and combine everything. Slowly stir in the grated Parmesan until it fully melts into the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Toss in the cooked pasta, coating it evenly in the creamy sauce. Finally, return the chicken to the skillet and mix everything together.
Let everything simmer for a minute or two, then remove from heat. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley for a beautiful finishing touch.
Storage Options
If you have leftovers (which isn’t likely because this dish is so good!), here’s how to store and reheat them properly.
For refrigeration, store the cooled pasta and chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken as it sits, but a splash of milk or chicken broth when reheating will bring it back to life.
For freezing, place the pasta and chicken in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that cream-based sauces can separate when frozen, so when reheating, stir well and add extra liquid as needed.
To reheat, warm the pasta gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little milk or broth to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is! Here are some ways to customize it to your taste:
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat.
- Go low-carb: Swap the pasta for zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly option.
- Add veggies: Toss in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Use a different protein: Instead of chicken, try shrimp, salmon, or even crispy tofu for a vegetarian version.
- Lighten it up: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and opt for a lighter cheese like Pecorino Romano.
No matter how you customize it, this Garlic Butter Chicken Bites With Creamy Parmesan Pasta is guaranteed to be a hit. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular in your meal rotation!
PrintGarlic Butter Chicken Bites With Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta recipe is a rich, flavorful dish featuring tender, buttery chicken bites paired with a creamy, cheesy pasta sauce. It's a perfect comfort meal that’s quick to make and loaded with garlic, parmesan, and herbs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
For the Chicken Bites:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
For the Parmesan Pasta:
- 8 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your choice)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the chicken: Season chicken bites with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown. Add butter and garlic, sauté for 1-2 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
- Make the sauce: In the same pan, melt butter and sauté garlic. Add heavy cream, chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat. Top with the garlic butter chicken bites.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. Enjoy!
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best creamy texture.
- Swap heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 580mg
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