Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Introduction

Can dinner really be creamy, cheesy, protein-packed, and ready in under 30 minutes? The answer is a sizzling yes—with this Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta recipe that checks all the boxes. In a world where flavor often takes a backseat to speed, this one-pan recipe proves you can have both. Whether you’re cooking for a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week, these juicy chicken bites and luscious parmesan pasta deliver unbeatable comfort and taste.

Ingredients List

For the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites:

1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:

8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 ½ cups heavy cream
¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
Reserved pasta water (¼ cup, as needed)

Substitutions:

Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness
Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut cream for lighter versions
Gluten-free pasta works perfectly for dietary needs

Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Compared to traditional creamy chicken pasta dishes that can take 45–60 minutes, this version saves 30–50% of your time without sacrificing flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente, according to the package instructions. Reserve ¼ cup of the cooking water before draining.

Step 2: Season and sear the chicken

Toss chicken bites with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer and sear until golden and cooked through (about 3–4 minutes per side). Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté garlic in butter

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in parsley if using, then return chicken bites to the pan. Coat them well with the garlic butter. Remove and keep warm.

Step 4: Make the creamy parmesan sauce

In a separate pan (or the same one, cleaned), heat 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter. Add minced garlic and sauté briefly. Pour in heavy cream and simmer for 2 minutes. Stir in Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and reserved pasta water until sauce thickens.

Step 5: Combine and serve

Toss cooked pasta into the creamy sauce until fully coated. Plate pasta and top with garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish with extra parmesan and parsley if desired.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Serves 4)

Calories: ~620
Protein: 38g
Fat: 35g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 2g
Calcium: ~25% DV

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

Lighter dairy: Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or low-fat milk and thicken with a cornstarch slurry
Pasta swap: Use whole wheat, chickpea, or zucchini noodles for a lower-carb meal
Butter swap: Use ghee or a light olive oil-butter blend for healthier fats

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a crisp Caesar salad or roasted green beans
Add red chili flakes for a spicy kick
Serve in bowls with crusty garlic bread for extra indulgence
Portion into meal-prep containers with sautéed spinach for balanced lunches

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcrowding the skillet: Cook chicken in batches to avoid steaming instead of searing
Burning garlic: Garlic cooks fast—keep the heat moderate and stir constantly
Too thick or too thin sauce: Use reserved pasta water to adjust consistency
Curdling cream: Add cheese slowly and stir constantly on low heat

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
Freezing: Freeze chicken bites separately from the pasta for up to 2 months
Reheating: Warm pasta on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess
Meal prep: Make chicken ahead and freeze in portions for quick weeknight dinners

Conclusion

This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta recipe delivers a restaurant-quality dish in a home-cook-friendly format. It’s fast, flavorful, and fantastically creamy—a weeknight winner every time.

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