Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Pasta – A Dreamy One-Pan Dinner You’ll Crave Every Week
When you’re craving something rich, comforting, and easy to make, this Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Pasta checks every box. 🍗🧄 With golden, pan-seared chicken pieces swimming in a velvety garlic-Parmesan cream sauce, and twirled into tender strands of pasta, it’s the kind of cozy dinner that feels restaurant-worthy—without leaving home.
Made with simple ingredients you probably already have—like butter, garlic, heavy cream, and Parmesan—it’s weeknight luxury in a single skillet. Ready in under 40 minutes and guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest eaters, this dish is one you’ll come back to again and again.
Ingredients
🥩 Protein
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
🧄 Vegetables & Herbs
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped (plus more for garnish)
🍝 Pasta
- 8 oz fettuccine or linguine cooked al dente
🧂 Spices & Seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
🧈 Dairy
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook fettuccine or linguine until al dente according to package directions.
- Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water for later.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
- Season chicken bites with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp butter.
- Add the chicken and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
- Transfer to a plate and cover to keep warm.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tbsp butter.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
Step 4: Add Parmesan and Pasta
- Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add the cooked pasta, tossing to coat well.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen.
Step 5: Combine & Finish
- Return the chicken to the skillet and toss everything together.
- Sprinkle in fresh chopped parsley and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
Step 6: Serve
- Serve warm, garnished with extra Parmesan and parsley if desired.
Notes
🥄 Variations
Garlic Herb Version: Add thyme or rosemary to the sauce for earthy, aromatic depth. Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic. Cheese Swap: Use Asiago or Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor twist. Vegetable Boost: Stir in spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or sautéed mushrooms for extra color and nutrients. Pasta Alternatives: Use penne, spaghetti, or gluten-free pasta as needed. 🧊 Storage & Reheating
Storage
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Freezer: Freeze in portions (without fresh parsley) for up to 2 months. Reheating
Microwave: Reheat for 1–2 minutes with a splash of cream or milk to keep it moist. Stovetop: Warm gently over low heat, adding extra cream or pasta water as needed. ❓ 10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully and stay juicy. 2. Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. Use whole milk for better richness. 3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes—cook the pasta and chicken in advance. Reheat with added cream to loosen the sauce. 4. What’s the best Parmesan to use?
Always use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melt and flavor. 5. Can I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken?
Sure! Just skip the sautéing step and stir it in when combining with the pasta. 6. Is this recipe spicy?
Not at all—but you can add crushed red pepper or cayenne if you want heat. 7. Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes—just use your favorite gluten-free pasta and check your Parmesan for additives. 8. Can I add wine to the sauce?
Absolutely—add ¼ cup of white wine after the garlic and reduce before adding cream. 9. How can I make it healthier?
Use half-and-half instead of cream and whole wheat pasta or zucchini noodles. 10. Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Skip the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms, peas, or roasted veggies.
🏁 Conclusion
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Pasta is more than a recipe—it’s the answer to every weeknight dinner dilemma. It’s creamy, cozy, and totally satisfying, yet quick and easy enough for even your busiest nights. Loaded with garlic butter flavor, tender chicken, and silky Parmesan sauce, this pasta delivers restaurant-style indulgence without the effort. Perfect for families, dinner guests, or cozy solo nights in—it’s comfort food done right. 🍝💛 Go ahead—pour yourself a glass of wine, twirl up a forkful, and savor every garlicky, creamy bite. 🧄🍷✨
Garlic Herb Version: Add thyme or rosemary to the sauce for earthy, aromatic depth. Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic. Cheese Swap: Use Asiago or Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor twist. Vegetable Boost: Stir in spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or sautéed mushrooms for extra color and nutrients. Pasta Alternatives: Use penne, spaghetti, or gluten-free pasta as needed. 🧊 Storage & Reheating
Storage
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Freezer: Freeze in portions (without fresh parsley) for up to 2 months. Reheating
Microwave: Reheat for 1–2 minutes with a splash of cream or milk to keep it moist. Stovetop: Warm gently over low heat, adding extra cream or pasta water as needed. ❓ 10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully and stay juicy. 2. Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. Use whole milk for better richness. 3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes—cook the pasta and chicken in advance. Reheat with added cream to loosen the sauce. 4. What’s the best Parmesan to use?
Always use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melt and flavor. 5. Can I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken?
Sure! Just skip the sautéing step and stir it in when combining with the pasta. 6. Is this recipe spicy?
Not at all—but you can add crushed red pepper or cayenne if you want heat. 7. Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes—just use your favorite gluten-free pasta and check your Parmesan for additives. 8. Can I add wine to the sauce?
Absolutely—add ¼ cup of white wine after the garlic and reduce before adding cream. 9. How can I make it healthier?
Use half-and-half instead of cream and whole wheat pasta or zucchini noodles. 10. Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Skip the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms, peas, or roasted veggies.
🏁 Conclusion
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Pasta is more than a recipe—it’s the answer to every weeknight dinner dilemma. It’s creamy, cozy, and totally satisfying, yet quick and easy enough for even your busiest nights. Loaded with garlic butter flavor, tender chicken, and silky Parmesan sauce, this pasta delivers restaurant-style indulgence without the effort. Perfect for families, dinner guests, or cozy solo nights in—it’s comfort food done right. 🍝💛 Go ahead—pour yourself a glass of wine, twirl up a forkful, and savor every garlicky, creamy bite. 🧄🍷✨