Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta – A One-Pan Weeknight Wonder

Introduction

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is the definition of quick comfort food done right. Juicy, pan-seared chicken bites smothered in garlicky, buttery goodness, paired with a lusciously creamy Parmesan sauce and tender pasta – this meal is a full flavor explosion in under 30 minutes.

Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-pan dinner delivers restaurant-quality taste without the need for complicated steps or fancy ingredients. It’s a family-friendly favorite that combines golden chicken bites seasoned with Italian herbs and paprika, swirled into a pasta sauce made with heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley. The aroma alone will get your household running to the dinner table.

Want to elevate your pasta game even more? Check out this guide on creamy pasta techniques that’ll ensure your sauces are always velvety smooth and flavorful.

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Ingredients

🧄 Produce

• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

🧂 Baking & Spices

• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

🛢️ Oils & Vinegars

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

🧈 Dairy

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1½ cups heavy cream
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated

🍗 Meat (to add)

• 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces

🍝 Pasta (to add)

• 8 oz (about ½ box) of your favorite pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti work great)

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Directions

🍝 Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water.

🍗 Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken Bites

1. In a bowl, toss chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken in a single layer and sear for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
4. Remove the chicken and set aside.

🧄 Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

1. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the butter.
2. Stir in minced garlic and sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
3. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine.
4. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.

🧀 Step 4: Add Parmesan and Finish the Sauce

1. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy.
2. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.

🍽️ Step 5: Combine and Serve

1. Return the cooked chicken to the pan and stir to coat in the sauce.
2. Add cooked pasta and gently toss everything together.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
4. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot.

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🍽️ Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

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🧑‍🍳 Variations

• Low-Carb Option: Swap pasta for zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
• Add Veggies: Toss in baby spinach, cherry tomatoes, or steamed broccoli.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne for some heat.
• Cheese Twist: Mix in some mozzarella or sharp white cheddar for extra cheesiness.
• Herbaceous Boost: Add fresh basil or chives along with the parsley.

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🧊 Storage and Reheating

Storage:

• Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheating:

• Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.
• Microwave in short intervals, stirring frequently, until heated through.

Freezing:

• You can freeze the chicken separately, but cream sauces may separate upon thawing. Not recommended for best texture.

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❓ 10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, but reduce searing time and focus on reheating the chicken in the sauce to avoid overcooking.

2. What’s the best type of pasta to use?

Short pastas like penne or fusilli hold the creamy sauce well, but long noodles like fettuccine also work beautifully.

3. Can I use milk instead of cream?

You can, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich. Whole milk with a little butter works best.

4. How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?

Keep the heat moderate and avoid boiling the cream once added. Stir constantly for even blending.

5. Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes! Just use gluten-free pasta and double-check your Parmesan and seasoning blends.

6. Is this dish spicy?

Not at all, but you can add spice easily with red chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

7. Can I use rotisserie chicken instead?

Yes, shred or cube it and warm it through in the garlic butter sauce before adding pasta.

8. What Parmesan is best?

Freshly grated Parmesan melts smoother and gives better flavor than pre-shredded options.

9. How can I lighten the sauce?

Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream or try unsweetened almond milk with cornstarch for a dairy-light version.

10. How do I make this ahead of time?

Prep the chicken and garlic sauce in advance, then reheat and toss with fresh pasta just before serving.

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📝 Conclusion

This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta recipe checks all the boxes: it’s rich, comforting, quick, and made with pantry-friendly ingredients. Whether you’re cooking for a date night, family dinner, or just need a satisfying end to a busy day, this creamy pasta is sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen.

It’s endlessly customizable and easy to whip up, making it ideal for weeknight cooking. Plus, it’s fancy enough to serve guests without breaking a sweat in the kitchen.

Love creamy pasta dishes? Browse more creamy pasta recipes here.