Introduction

This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for any night of the week. Tender chicken pieces cooked in garlic butter pair beautifully with rich, creamy Parmesan pasta for a meal that’s both easy and impressive.

A close-up view of a dish in a white bowl shows a creamy layer of light yellow pasta noodles at the bottom, coated in a smooth sauce. On top, there are golden-brown grilled chicken pieces evenly spread, each piece showing a slightly crispy, caramelized texture with small black char marks. Small green herb bits are sprinkled over the dish, adding a fresh touch of color contrast. The bowl rests on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for chicken)
3 cloves garlic, minced (for chicken)
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste
300 g (10 oz) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for sauce)
2 cloves garlic, minced (for sauce)
1 1/2 cups (360 ml) heavy cream
1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (plus extra for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Season the chicken pieces with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 4: Add the butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir to coat the chicken in the garlic butter and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 5: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 6: Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer, then stir in the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning.
Step 7: Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 8: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the Parmesan sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly in the creamy sauce. Stir in the chopped parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 9: Plate the creamy pasta and top with the garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish with extra parsley and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in a little lemon juice and garlic before cooking.
Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, though it will be less rich.
Try adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the sauce for added texture and nutrients.
If you prefer a spicier kick, sprinkle red pepper flakes over the chicken while cooking.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. If the sauce thickens too much after storage, add a splash of cream or milk to loosen it.

How to Serve

A close-up of a creamy pasta dish served in a white bowl with a black rim, showing two main layers: the bottom layer is long, smooth spaghetti coated in a rich, light yellow creamy sauce, and the top layer consists of golden-brown grilled chicken bites with a slightly crispy texture, scattered evenly over the pasta and sprinkled with small pieces of fresh green herbs. The whole dish sits on a white marbled surface, with small shadows adding depth to the bowl's round shape, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of chicken for this recipe?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for a juicier result. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure they are fully cooked but not dry.

What type of pasta works best with this creamy sauce?

Pasta shapes like penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni work well as they hold the creamy sauce nicely. Feel free to use your favorite type or what you have available.