Name: Tender Garlic Butter Chicken Bites & Creamy Parmesan Pasta Delight
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; 2 tbsp olive oil; 3 tbsp butter, divided; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp paprika (optional); 12 oz pasta (penne, spaghetti, or fettuccine); 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half; 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup chicken broth or reserved pasta water; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish); 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

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This dish brings together juicy garlic butter chicken bites with creamy Parmesan pasta for the ultimate comforting meal. The chicken is seared to golden perfection in garlic butter, then paired with silky pasta coated in a rich Parmesan sauce. I love how simple yet indulgent it feels, making it perfect for both a quick weeknight dinner and a cozy special meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it feels like restaurant-quality food made right in my own kitchen. The chicken is tender and full of flavor, and I enjoy how the pasta’s creaminess balances the garlicky richness. I also like that it comes together quickly, in about half an hour, with ingredients I usually have on hand. This is one of those dishes I can make when I want comfort but still want something a little special.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Boneless chicken breast or thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
Olive oil and butter
Garlic (minced)
Salt and black pepper
Paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
Pasta of choice (penne, spaghetti, or fettuccine)
Heavy cream or half-and-half
Grated Parmesan cheese
Chicken broth or reserved pasta water
Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

Directions

I cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside, keeping some pasta water for the sauce.
In a skillet, I heat olive oil and butter, then sear the chicken bites seasoned with salt, pepper, and paprika until golden brown and cooked through. I remove the chicken and set it aside.
In the same skillet, I add more butter and sauté the garlic until fragrant.
I pour in chicken broth (or a splash of pasta water) and stir in the heavy cream, letting it simmer until slightly thickened.
I whisk in grated Parmesan until the sauce becomes smooth and velvety.
I toss in the cooked pasta, coating it well with the sauce. If it feels too thick, I add more pasta water until it reaches the right consistency.
I add the garlic butter chicken bites back into the skillet and toss everything together.
I finish with a sprinkle of parsley and, if I want a little kick, some red pepper flakes before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings. I usually need 10 minutes for preparation and 20 minutes for cooking, so the dish is ready in around 30 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes add spinach or broccoli to the pasta for extra vegetables. If I want a lighter version, I use milk instead of cream, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich. For a different twist, I swap the chicken for shrimp, which also pairs beautifully with the Parmesan sauce.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it gently on the stove with a splash of cream or milk to keep the sauce silky. I avoid reheating for too long in the microwave, since it can dry out the chicken and thicken the sauce too much.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?

Yes, I can use pre-cooked chicken, but I prefer cooking fresh chicken bites in garlic butter for the best flavor.

How do I make the sauce creamier?

I add extra Parmesan and a splash of cream, adjusting with pasta water until it’s perfectly smooth.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

I can cook the chicken and prepare the sauce ahead, then reheat and toss with freshly cooked pasta right before serving.

What kind of pasta works best?

I usually use penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti—any pasta that holds onto the creamy sauce works well.

How do I keep the chicken from drying out?

I cook it in small batches over medium-high heat just until golden, then remove it to rest before adding it back into the pasta at the end.

Conclusion

Tender garlic butter chicken bites with creamy Parmesan pasta is a dish I love making when I want something that feels indulgent yet easy. The chicken is juicy and flavorful, the pasta is rich and satisfying, and the whole dish comes together in no time. It’s a recipe I turn to when I want comfort, flavor, and a touch of elegance all in one plate.