Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta recipe combines juicy, flavorful chicken bites sautéed in garlic butter with a rich, velvety Parmesan cream sauce over tender pasta. A quick, satisfying, and restaurant-quality meal perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
For the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes optional
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- 12 oz pasta fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp nutmeg optional
- ½ cup reserved pasta water if needed
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Bites
- Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken pieces, season with paprika, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Sauté for 6–7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Lower the heat, add 4 tbsp butter, and let it melt. Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Toss the chicken well to coat it in the garlic butter sauce. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta until al dente, following the package instructions.
- Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain the rest. Toss the pasta with 1 tbsp olive oil to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt 3 tbsp butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well.
- Lower the heat and add grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until melted.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and nutmeg (if using).
- Add the cooked pasta and toss gently to coat in the sauce. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water for consistency.
Step 4: Assemble & Serve
- Place the garlic butter chicken bites over the creamy Parmesan pasta.
- Garnish with fresh parsley.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet with a splash of cream or milk for a fresh taste.
- Customization: Add mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
- Spicy Version: Add extra red pepper flakes or drizzle hot sauce for a kick.
- Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.