Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta, garnished with parsley.

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta: A Restaurant-Quality Meal at Home

There’s something magical about the combination of tender chicken, rich garlic butter sauce, and creamy parmesan pasta that makes this dish an instant favorite. Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight dinner or an impressive meal to serve guests, this garlic butter chicken bites recipe delivers on all fronts.

Delicious garlic butter chicken bites served over creamy parmesan pasta — This mouthwatering dish combines juicy chicken with a luxurious pasta for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe from Northeast Nosh has become a favorite among home cooks because:

It comes together in under 30 minutes
Uses simple, pantry-staple ingredients
Delivers restaurant-quality flavors
Is easily customizable to different tastes
Makes excellent leftovers for meal prep

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about this recipe is that you probably have most of these ingredients already. For more delicious meal ideas, check out MealsMom.com.

For the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast – Cut into uniform 1-inch pieces for even cooking
2 tbsp olive oil – For that perfect sear
4 tbsp unsalted butter – The base of our rich sauce
4 garlic cloves, minced – Fresh is best for maximum flavor
1 tsp garlic powder – For an extra garlic punch
1 tsp paprika – Adds subtle smokiness and color
Salt & black pepper to taste – Essential seasoning
Fresh parsley, chopped – For a bright, fresh garnish

For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:

8 oz fettuccine or pasta of choice – Fettuccine holds the sauce beautifully
1 cup heavy cream – Creates that luxurious texture
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese – Use freshly grated for best results
2 tbsp butter – Adds richness to the sauce
1 tsp garlic powder – Ties the flavors together
Salt & black pepper to taste – Season to your preference

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Preparing the Chicken

Begin by cutting your chicken breasts into uniform bite-sized pieces. This ensures everything cooks evenly. In a large bowl, toss the chicken with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. The seasoning blend creates a flavorful crust when seared.

Chicken pieces seasoned with spices ready for cooking — Proper seasoning is key to flavorful chicken bites.

2. Cooking the Chicken to Perfection

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, add the chicken in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove the chicken and set aside on a plate.

3. Creating the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet (don’t wash it – those browned bits add flavor!), melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. The aroma will be incredible! Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic butter sauce. Let it simmer together for 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Garlic butter sauce coating chicken pieces in skillet — The garlic butter sauce transforms simple chicken into something extraordinary.

4. Cooking the Pasta

While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook your pasta according to package directions until al dente (typically 8-10 minutes). Reserve about 1/4 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining – this will help create a silky sauce later.

5. Making the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the heavy cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, whisking to combine. Gradually add the grated parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until melted and smooth. If the sauce seems too thick, add the reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency.

Creamy parmesan sauce being prepared in saucepan — The creamy parmesan sauce comes together quickly with just a few ingredients.

6. Combining Everything

Add the drained pasta to the creamy sauce, tossing to coat evenly. Divide the pasta among plates and top with the garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra parmesan if desired.

Expert Tips for the Best Results

Chicken selection: For extra juicy bites, consider using chicken thighs instead of breasts.
Garlic tip: Fresh garlic is essential – jarred minced garlic often has a different flavor profile.
Pasta perfection: Undercook your pasta by 1 minute as it will continue cooking in the sauce.
Sauce consistency: If your sauce thickens too much upon standing, stir in a splash of milk or cream when reheating.
Cheese matters: Always use freshly grated parmesan – pre-shredded varieties contain anti-caking agents that can make sauces grainy.

Delicious Variations to Try

This versatile recipe adapts beautifully to different tastes and dietary needs:

Flavor Twists

Spicy version: Add 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes to the chicken seasoning
Herbaceous: Stir in 1 tbsp chopped fresh basil or thyme at the end
Lemon garlic: Add zest of 1 lemon to brighten the flavors

Dietary Adaptations

Gluten-free: Use your favorite GF pasta
Low-carb: Serve over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash
Dairy-free: Substitute nutritional yeast for parmesan and coconut cream for heavy cream

What to Serve With Your Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Complete your meal with these perfect pairings:

Crusty garlic bread for soaking up extra sauce
A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette
Roasted asparagus or broccoli
A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay

Storage and Reheating Instructions

This dish stores beautifully for meal prep:

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months (note: cream sauces may separate slightly when thawed)
Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of milk or broth to refresh the sauce

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

While you can use pre-cooked chicken, we recommend cooking it fresh for this recipe. The searing process creates delicious browned bits that add depth to the garlic butter sauce.

What’s the best pasta to use?

Fettuccine works beautifully, but any pasta shape will work. Try penne, farfalle, or even cheese tortellini for fun variations.

Can I make this ahead for a dinner party?

Yes! Prepare all components separately, then combine and gently reheat just before serving. Add a splash of cream when reheating to refresh the sauce.

How can I make this dish healthier?

For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, increase the proportion of chicken to pasta, and add extra vegetables like spinach or mushrooms.

Final Thoughts

This garlic butter chicken bites with creamy parmesan pasta recipe is guaranteed to become a regular in your dinner rotation. It’s the perfect balance of comforting and sophisticated, simple enough for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for company. The combination of juicy chicken, rich garlic butter sauce, and velvety pasta creates a harmony of flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Don’t be surprised if this becomes your new go-to recipe for potlucks, date nights, and family dinners alike. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s earned rave reviews from home cooks everywhere. Happy cooking!

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