Some of my fondest memories take me back to a chilly Saturday afternoon at my sister’s house, where our family gathered for an impromptu game night. The kids—my two grown children and their cousins—were buzzing with excitement, while the adults settled into comfortable chairs, ready for an evening of laughter and storytelling.

My sister, ever the gracious hostess, asked me to bring something simple yet satisfying. I wanted a dish that would feel like a warm hug after a busy week.

That’s when I reached for this recipe — a cozy blend of tender chicken bites, rich garlic butter, and a creamy Parmesan pasta that somehow manages to be both indulgent and comforting. The aroma filled the kitchen as the garlic melted into the butter, stirring memories of my grandmother’s kitchen where scents of garlic and fresh herbs were always welcome.

Watching everyone gather around the table, digging into this creamy, flavorful meal reminded me how food has a way of connecting generations, sparking joy even on the busiest days.

Short Description

Tender garlic butter chicken bites served over creamy Parmesan-coated pasta create a rich, flavorful meal perfect for cozy dinners. Simple to prepare with everyday ingredients, this dish blends savory, buttery, and cheesy notes effortlessly.

Key Ingredients

For the Chicken Bites:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:

12 oz fettuccine or pasta of your choice
2 tablespoons butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup chicken broth
Salt and pepper to taste
Extra garlic butter (optional, for drizzling)

Tools Needed

Large pot for boiling pasta
Large skillet for cooking chicken and garlic butter sauce
Separate skillet for preparing creamy Parmesan sauce
Colander for draining pasta
Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Knife and cutting board

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually 10-12 minutes). Drain and set aside, reserving a small cup of pasta water just in case you need to loosen the sauce later.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken Bites
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces, seasoning them with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

Cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Reduce heat to medium in the same skillet. Add butter and let it melt. Stir in minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, careful not to burn it. Return chicken to skillet and toss to coat evenly in garlic butter.

Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
In a separate skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Stir in heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add cooked pasta to the creamy Parmesan sauce. Toss well to ensure every strand is coated.

Step 6: Serve
Plate the creamy pasta and top with garlic butter chicken bites. Drizzle extra garlic butter if desired, and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

– Easy and quick enough for weeknight dinners

– Combines tender chicken with smooth, creamy pasta

– Uses simple, wholesome ingredients

– Great for health-conscious eaters when portioned properly

– Easily customizable for dietary preferences

– Comfort food that feels indulgent without fuss

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Overcooking the Chicken: Cooking chicken too long makes it dry and tough. Cook until just golden and no longer pink inside, around 6-8 minutes. Use a meat thermometer if unsure.

Burning the Garlic: Garlic cooks quickly and burns easily, turning bitter. Sauté garlic on medium heat for only 30 seconds or until fragrant, then proceed quickly.

Sauce Too Thick or Thin: If your Parmesan sauce thickens too much, thin it with reserved pasta water or more chicken broth. If it’s too runny, simmer gently a little longer to reduce.

Not Seasoning Enough: Both chicken and pasta sauce need proper seasoning. Taste and adjust salt and pepper before serving to avoid blandness.

Crowding the Pan: Adding too many chicken pieces at once lowers the pan temperature, leading to steaming instead of searing. Cook in batches if needed.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve this dish plated with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Pair with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness.

For drinks, a chilled glass of white wine like Pinot Grigio or a sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon complements the flavors beautifully.

This meal works well for family dinners or intimate gatherings. Serve family-style for casual comfort or plated for a special occasion.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

To reheat pasta and chicken, warm gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.

Avoid microwaving directly as it can dry out chicken and make pasta rubbery.

For longer storage, freeze cooked chicken and sauce separately for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight before reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Fettuccine is traditional, but penne, linguine, or even rigatoni work great with the creamy sauce.

2. How can I make this recipe lighter?
Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or a mixture of milk and Greek yogurt, and reduce butter slightly.

3. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can cook chicken and pasta separately, then reheat and combine just before serving for fresher texture.

4. What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?
Pecorino Romano or Asiago are good alternatives for a similar sharp, salty flavor.

5. Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Chicken freezes well, but creamy pasta may separate. Freeze chicken separately and make sauce fresh if possible.

Tips & Tricks

Let chicken rest a few minutes after cooking to keep it juicy.

Use fresh garlic for the best aroma and flavor.

Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency smoothly.

Toast Parmesan cheese lightly before adding to sauce for a nuttier flavor.

Garnish with fresh parsley for a bright, fresh finish.

Recipe Variations

Spicy Twist: Add crushed red pepper flakes to garlic butter sauce and sprinkle chili powder in the flour coating for a subtle heat.

Herb Boost: Mix fresh basil and thyme into the Parmesan sauce for an aromatic herbaceous note.

Vegetarian Option: Swap chicken for sautéed mushrooms or roasted cauliflower bites cooked in garlic butter.

Lighter Version: Use grilled chicken breasts with a light drizzle of olive oil and a cream sauce made with milk and a small amount of cream cheese.

Final Thoughts

Reflecting on that evening, I realize dishes like these do more than just fill the stomach—they nourish the soul. Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is one of those recipes that brings people together effortlessly. It invites easy conversation, laughter, and second helpings. The balance of buttery garlic with creamy, cheesy pasta feels like comfort on a plate, yet it’s straightforward enough for anyone to prepare on a weeknight.

Every time I make this, I’m reminded that cooking is not only about the ingredients but the stories we create around the table. I hope this recipe inspires you to make your own memories, filled with good food and great company.

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites With Creamy Parmesan Pasta

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Nutrition facts: calories fat

Rating: 5.0/5

( 1 voted )

Ingredients

For the Chicken Bites:
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
12 oz fettuccine or pasta of your choice
2 tablespoons butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup chicken broth
Salt and pepper to taste
Extra garlic butter (optional, for drizzling)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil salted water and cook pasta until al dente (10-12 minutes). Drain, reserving some pasta water.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken Bites

Heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook 6-8 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Make Garlic Butter Sauce

Lower heat to medium. Melt butter in the skillet, add garlic, and sauté 30 seconds. Toss chicken in garlic butter.

Step 4: Prepare Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Melt butter in another pan, sauté garlic briefly. Add heavy cream and chicken broth, simmer. Whisk in Parmesan until smooth. Season, add pasta water if needed.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Toss pasta in creamy Parmesan sauce until coated.

Step 6: Serve

Plate pasta, top with garlic butter chicken. Garnish with parsley and extra garlic butter if desired. Serve immediately.