Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Introduction
Garlic butter chicken bites with creamy parmesan pasta is one of those recipes that instantly makes dinner feel special—without the stress. It combines golden, juicy chicken, a velvety parmesan sauce, and tender pasta all in one skillet. In this article, we’ll walk through the inspiration behind the dish, the ingredients that bring it to life, and a step-by-step method that guarantees results even for beginners. You’ll also get tips for customizing it, serving suggestions, and related dishes to explore like creamy sausage pasta and one-pot chicken favorites. Ready to bring this comfort food classic into your kitchen?
Print
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites With Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Garlic butter chicken bites with creamy parmesan pasta is your new favorite one-skillet dinner—creamy, buttery, and easy to make in 35 minutes.
Ingredients
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
3 tbsp butter, divided
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
10 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine)
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp olive oil
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. Season chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
2. In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp butter and olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add chicken and sear until golden and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes.
4. Remove chicken and set aside.
5. Melt remaining 2 tbsp butter in the skillet and sauté garlic for 1 minute.
6. Add chicken broth, heavy cream, and uncooked pasta.
7. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
8. Stir in parmesan until sauce becomes creamy.
9. Return chicken to skillet and toss to coat evenly.
10. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Swap heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version. Add spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes to customize it. Reheat with a splash of broth to maintain creaminess.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One Pot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 670
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 39g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
Why Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Feels Like Coming Home
How I Fell in Love with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
The first time I made garlic butter chicken bites with creamy parmesan pasta, I wasn’t aiming for anything special. It was a cool afternoon in Tuscany. I’d just returned from the local market with some Parmigiano, fresh cream, and a basket of garlic. My only goal was to make something warm and filling.
I started with butter and garlic in a skillet. As it sizzled, the smell alone felt like a hug. I added bite-sized chicken pieces, seasoned and golden, then poured in broth and cream. Finally, a handful of freshly grated parmesan. What started as a quick meal turned into something unforgettable. That moment reminded me why I love cooking—because the simplest meals can become your favorites.
This dish became a regular at my table. Just like my chicken and sausage orzo pasta, it’s packed with comfort. But unlike most pasta dishes, this one doesn’t need hours in the kitchen. It comes together quickly, in one skillet, and still delivers a rich, satisfying flavor.
Why Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Works Every Time
Garlic butter chicken bites with creamy parmesan pasta is everything good food should be. The garlic-infused butter gives the chicken its signature flavor and golden crust. The pasta, cooked right in the sauce, soaks up all the flavor from the broth and cream. Parmesan finishes the dish with a savory bite that balances the richness perfectly.
And here’s the secret: because everything happens in one pan, the flavors don’t just sit on top—they build. Each step enhances the next. That’s why this recipe works so well, even when you’re in a rush.
It reminds me a lot of my go-to creamy tuscan sausage pasta: rich, quick, and wildly satisfying. But this version focuses on buttery garlic and creamy cheese, making it even more comforting.
If you want more delicious and protein-rich dishes, I advise you to try it Ground Beef and Rice Protein Bowl or Ground Beef and Egg Protein Bowl.
Ingredients That Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Irresistible
The Garlic Butter Base Behind Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
The reason garlic butter chicken bites with creamy parmesan pasta hits so hard? It starts with a base that’s pure gold—garlic sautéed in butter. That combo instantly transforms plain chicken into juicy bites full of flavor. The butter helps sear the chicken beautifully, while garlic brings bold aroma and depth.
A little olive oil helps prevent burning while keeping everything smooth. You want that garlic just fragrant, not browned. When done right, this step builds a foundation that makes the sauce taste like it simmered all day—even if it didn’t.
It’s a method I use in other favorites like spicy cajun garlic butter sausage pasta. Garlic butter works like magic across recipes, but it’s especially good when you add cream and cheese later.
Cream, Broth, and Cheese in Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
This next trio—chicken broth, heavy cream, and parmesan—is where the dish gets its signature texture. In garlic butter chicken bites with creamy parmesan pasta, these three ingredients come together to create a sauce that’s silky but not heavy. The broth adds depth, the cream smooths everything out, and parmesan thickens as it melts.
You don’t need flour. You don’t need roux. Just let the cheese work naturally with the starch from the pasta as it cooks in the same pan.
Parmesan matters here. Grate it fresh if you can. Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt the same way and can clump. Trust me—this step makes the difference between decent and restaurant-worthy.
It’s the same kind of balance you’ll find in dishes like boursin chicken pasta, where cheese does all the heavy lifting.
With every bite, you get a creamy coating that clings to the pasta and hugs the chicken. It’s bold, savory, and crave-worthy.
Step-by-Step – How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Prepping the Chicken for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Making garlic butter chicken bites with creamy parmesan pasta starts with one important step: getting the chicken bites just right. Begin by cutting boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Try to keep the size even so everything cooks uniformly.
Season the chicken generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. That spice blend lays the foundation for big flavor, even before it hits the skillet.
In a large pan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter with a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd. Let them sit untouched for a few minutes so they develop that golden crust.
After about 6–8 minutes, the chicken should be browned and fully cooked. Remove it and set it aside on a plate. At this stage, your kitchen will already smell like dinner is nearly done.
I use this same browning method in recipes like chicken and shrimp alfredo to build bold, layered flavor from the start.
Building the Sauce for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Now it’s time to bring the pasta and sauce together—all in the same pan. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and stir in the minced garlic. Sauté for just about 60 seconds until fragrant. Be careful—burnt garlic can turn bitter fast.
Next, pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and uncooked pasta. Yes, uncooked. That’s the beauty of this dish: the pasta cooks directly in the liquid, soaking up every bit of flavor.
Bring everything to a gentle boil. Then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10–12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. As the pasta softens, the sauce will thicken naturally.
Once the pasta is al dente, stir in the grated parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth and creamy. Finally, return the chicken bites to the pan and toss everything to coat.
The result? Rich, buttery chicken surrounded by silky parmesan sauce and perfectly cooked pasta.
It’s similar to the technique used in one-pot smoky cajun chicken and sausage pasta—but with a creamy, garlicky twist.
Serve warm, and if you’d like, garnish with parsley for color and freshness.
Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Your Own
Easy Customization Ideas for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
One of the best things about garlic butter chicken bites with creamy parmesan pasta is how flexible it is. You can switch things up based on what you have or what you’re craving.
Want extra veggies? Toss in a handful of baby spinach or sun-dried tomatoes right before stirring in the cheese. Mushrooms also add great texture and soak up the sauce beautifully. If you like a little kick, add crushed red pepper flakes with the garlic.
You can also change the pasta shape. Penne is sturdy and holds sauce well, but fettuccine creates long, creamy strands that feel luxurious. Gluten-free pasta works too—just monitor the cook time closely.
Looking for something lighter? Try swapping the cream for half-and-half or evaporated milk. You’ll still get that smooth texture without going overboard. I use a similar method in my chicken pasta recipe without cream, and it never disappoints.
No matter how you adapt it, the garlic butter and parmesan base guarantees flavor in every bite.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Garlic butter chicken bites with creamy parmesan pasta is rich and satisfying on its own, but pairing it right makes it shine. A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the creamy sauce. Garlic bread or a warm baguette is great for scooping up the last of that parmesan goodness.
Hosting? Serve this pasta with a glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water with lemon. It turns a weeknight meal into something special.
Got leftovers? Store them in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
This meal reheats surprisingly well—just like shrimp mushroom pasta, it keeps its flavor and texture with minimal effort.
FAQs Garlic Butter Chicken Bites With Creamy Parmesan Pasta
1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken for garlic butter chicken bites with creamy parmesan pasta?
Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken, but the flavor won’t be as rich. Searing fresh chicken in garlic butter adds essential flavor to the sauce. If using leftovers, reheat the chicken in butter before adding it to the pasta.
2. What pasta works best in garlic butter chicken bites with creamy parmesan pasta?
Short cuts like penne or rigatoni hold the creamy sauce well, while fettuccine adds a silky texture. For one-skillet cooking, use pasta that cooks in 10–12 minutes to match the sauce timing.
3. Can I make garlic butter chicken bites with creamy parmesan pasta without heavy cream?
Absolutely. Substitute with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version. You can also use cream cheese or even Boursin to add richness, like in our boursin cheese chicken pasta.
4. How do I store and reheat garlic butter chicken bites with creamy parmesan pasta?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove with a splash of broth or cream to restore the sauce’s texture. Avoid microwaving too long—it can dry out the chicken and separate the cream.
Conclusion
Garlic butter chicken bites with creamy parmesan pasta is more than a quick dinner—it’s a cozy, crave-worthy dish you’ll want to make again and again. With just one skillet and a few pantry staples, you get tender, golden chicken wrapped in a creamy, garlicky sauce that clings to every bite of pasta.
Whether you’re cooking for your family or just need a comforting meal on a busy night, this recipe always delivers. And once you’ve mastered the basic version, it’s easy to add your own spin—extra veggies, a spicy kick, or a lighter twist.
I still remember the first time I made it, not realizing how much that simple mix of garlic, butter, and parmesan would stick with me. Now it’s a regular part of my rotation—and I hope it becomes part of yours too.
Hungry for more creamy favorites? Try creamy boursin shrimp pasta or chicken pasta recipes without cream next.
