A Quick and Creamy Pasta Dish You’ll Love!
Imagine tender, golden garlic butter chicken bites paired with a rich, cheesy Parmesan sauce coating every bite of pasta. This dish is the perfect combination of creamy, garlicky, and savory flavors—perfect for a cozy dinner at home.
The best part? It’s easy to make in just 30 minutes using simple ingredients you probably already have. Whether you need a quick weeknight meal or something special to impress your family, this dish is guaranteed to become a favorite. Let’s get started!
🍽️ Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make this creamy, garlicky delight.
Chicken Bites
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces | 1 lb |
| Butter | 2 tbsp |
| Garlic, minced | 3 cloves |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
| Italian seasoning | 1 tsp |
Creamy Parmesan Pasta
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Pasta (penne, fettuccine, or any type) | 12 oz |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup |
| Grated Parmesan cheese | 1 cup |
| Butter | 1 tbsp |
| Fresh parsley, chopped | For garnish |
⏳ Cooking Time & Servings
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 mins | 20 mins | 30 mins | 4 servings |
🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions.
- Drain, reserving ½ cup of pasta water, and set aside.
2️⃣ Cook the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
- Melt 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3️⃣ Prepare the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt 1 tbsp butter over medium heat.
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir for 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until smooth.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
4️⃣ Combine Everything
- Toss the cooked pasta in the creamy sauce, ensuring every piece is well coated.
- Return the chicken bites to the skillet and mix everything together.
- Let it simmer for a minute to allow the flavors to meld.
5️⃣ Garnish & Serve
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh touch.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
💡 Pro Tips for the Best Flavor
✔ Use fresh Parmesan cheese for a smoother, richer sauce.
✔ Don’t overcook the pasta—al dente is perfect for soaking up the sauce.
✔ Adjust the consistency by adding a bit of pasta water if needed.
✔ Experiment with seasonings—add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick!
📊 Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~650 kcal |
| Protein | 40g |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Fat | 35g |
| Sugar | 3g |
| Fiber | 2g |
(Nutritional values may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.)
🍝 Tasty Variations to Try
🧄 Extra Garlic Flavor
- Double the garlic for an even richer, bolder taste.
🌱 Veggie-Loaded Version
- Add spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for a nutritious twist.
🔥 Spicy Kick
- Sprinkle in red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
🧀 Ultimate Cheesy Upgrade
- Stir in a mix of mozzarella, cheddar, or gouda for an extra cheesy sauce.
🥄 Storage & Reheating Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the creamy sauce may separate upon thawing.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will make the dish even more tender and flavorful.
2. What type of pasta works best?
Penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni are ideal as they hold the creamy sauce well.
3. Can I make this dish without heavy cream?
Absolutely! Swap it for half-and-half, whole milk, or even Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
4. How do I prevent the sauce from thickening too much?
If the sauce becomes too thick, simply add a little reserved pasta water or milk to thin it out.
5. Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Yes! Broccoli, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms would make great additions.
6. What’s the best way to enhance the flavor?
Try adding a splash of white wine to the sauce or topping the dish with crispy bacon bits for extra flavor.
🍽️ Make This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Tonight!
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is the ultimate quick and satisfying dinner. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with bold flavors—all in just 30 minutes!
So, grab your ingredients, fire up your skillet, and treat yourself to this indulgent yet easy-to-make dish.
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Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta – A Flavor-Packed Comfort Meal
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is the perfect weeknight meal—quick, easy, and incredibly delicious. Juicy, golden-brown chicken bites are tossed in a rich, garlicky butter sauce, then combined with creamy Parmesan pasta for the ultimate comfort food experience. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen!
Ingredients
For the Chicken Bites:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water for later.
Cook the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
- Heat 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, making sure not to burn it.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt 1 tbsp butter over medium heat.
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir for about 1-2 minutes until warm.
- Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water to thin it out.
Combine Everything
- Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, ensuring each piece is well coated.
- Return the chicken bites to the skillet and stir everything together.
- Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes so the flavors can blend.
Garnish & Serve
- Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for added freshness.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Use fresh Parmesan cheese for a richer, creamier sauce.
- Don’t overcook the pasta—al dente is ideal for absorbing the sauce.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a little pasta water or milk to adjust the consistency.
- For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine to the sauce before adding the cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American