- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Cost per Serving: Under $4
- Calories per Serving: ~520 kcal
This garlic butter chicken bites with creamy parmesan pasta recipe is everything I want after a long day — fast, creamy, garlicky, and totally satisfying.
It’s one of those quick and easy dinners that feels like comfort food without the need for a full hour of prep or cleanup. And yes, the kids love it. Tender, juicy bites of chicken seared in butter and garlic, tossed into a silky parmesan cream sauce with your favorite pasta… tell me you’re not already getting hungry.
Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight, a cozy weekend meal, or even sneaking a warm bowl as a midnight snack, this dish just hits. And the fact that it all comes together in one pan? That’s dinner magic.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Because it’s the kind of recipe that just works — no matter how hectic the day has been.
These garlic butter chicken bites with creamy parmesan pasta come together in one pan, in under 30 minutes, with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. The chicken is tender and garlicky, the pasta is creamy and cheesy, and the whole thing feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
It’s a quick and easy dinner that’s satisfying enough for grown-ups but simple and familiar enough to be totally kid friendly. My girls ask for it all the time — and I don’t mind one bit, because clean plates and no complaints? That’s a win.
Plus, it’s the kind of dish that works any time of day. Weeknight dinner, meal prep lunch, or even a cozy midnight snack when you’re up late and want something comforting — this recipe delivers every time.
How to make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Ingredients you’ll need
Chicken Breasts (Cubed): Boneless, skinless chicken breasts cook quickly and soak up all that garlic butter flavor. You can also use thighs for extra juiciness.
Butter & Olive Oil: Butter is the base for the garlic flavor, and a touch of olive oil keeps it from burning and helps with searing the chicken evenly.
Garlic (Minced): Four cloves might seem like a lot, but they mellow in the butter and make this dish irresistible.
Paprika, Salt & Pepper: Paprika adds color and a mild smoky flavor. Keep the seasoning simple so the garlic and parmesan shine.
Heavy Cream: This is what makes the sauce rich and smooth — it clings beautifully to the pasta and chicken.
Parmesan Cheese (Grated): For best flavor and texture, use freshly grated parmesan. It melts into the cream and gives that classic salty, nutty taste.
Pasta (Your Choice): Penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti — go with what your family loves. Cook it al dente so it doesn’t get mushy when mixed in.
Fresh Parsley: Just a sprinkle on top for color and a fresh finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to the package directions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Sear the chicken bites
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken, season with salt, pepper, and paprika, and cook for 5–7 minutes, until golden and cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.
Step 3: Make the garlic butter sauce
Lower the heat to medium. In the same pan, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and add the minced garlic. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, but not browned.
Step 4: Build the creamy parmesan sauce
Stir in the heavy cream and let it simmer gently for 2–3 minutes. Add the grated parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth. If it feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
Step 5: Combine and serve
Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything together until well coated in sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe Tips
Cube the chicken evenly
Small, uniform chicken bites cook faster and more evenly — and they’re easier for little hands to manage if you’re serving this to younger kids.
Don’t skimp on the garlic
Four cloves might sound like a lot, but when it’s sautéed gently in butter, it mellows and gives that deep, rich flavor that makes this dish irresistible.
Use freshly grated parmesan
Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as well and can make the sauce grainy. Grating it yourself makes the sauce silky and smooth — totally worth the extra minute.
Reserve pasta water before draining
A splash of starchy water helps loosen the sauce and makes everything come together beautifully without needing extra cream.
Taste before serving
Between the parmesan, butter, and any salt from the pasta water, you may not need much seasoning at the end — or you might want a little pepper kick. Always taste and adjust.
Make it your own
Want to sneak in veggies? Stir in some spinach, peas, or steamed broccoli right before serving. They go great with the creamy garlic flavor and make the meal even more complete.
Perfect Pairings
This garlic butter chicken bites with creamy parmesan pasta is a full meal on its own, but if you want to round it out or make it feel a little more special (without making it complicated), here are some easy pairings that work beautifully:
- Simple green salad – A crisp salad with arugula, baby spinach, or romaine and a light lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of the cream sauce.
- Steamed or roasted veggies – Broccoli, green beans, or zucchini are quick to prep and go great with garlic and parmesan.
- Garlic bread or baguette slices – For soaking up that creamy sauce, because we all know someone’s going to swipe the pan with bread.
- Fruit salad or fresh berries – A refreshing, light finish if you want a no-fuss dessert.
- Sparkling water or lemonade – Especially for family dinners when you want it to feel a little fun without any effort.
Try our Lentil French Onion soup
This pasta pairs well with whatever you have on hand — or nothing at all. Honestly, we’ve served it solo more times than I can count, and no one complained.
When to Serve This Dish
This is one of those recipes that fits into your week wherever you need it.
It’s perfect for:
- Busy weeknight dinners when you need something fast but still homemade
- Last-minute meal ideas when the fridge is almost empty, but you’ve got pasta and chicken
- Sunday meal prep — it reheats beautifully for quick lunches or dinners
- Casual dinner with friends or family — serve it with salad and bread, and it feels like a full spread
- Late-night cravings — yes, it totally qualifies as a midnight snack (you won’t regret it)
Whether you’re feeding your family, your partner, or just yourself, this dish checks every box: easy, cozy, flavorful, and totally satisfying.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
1. Large Skillet or Sauté Pan
You’ll want a wide, deep skillet to cook the chicken and toss everything together. A non-stick or stainless steel pan with high sides is ideal for this one-pan dinner.
2. Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula
Gentle on your cookware and sturdy enough to stir creamy sauces and sear chicken evenly. A kitchen staple for every quick and easy dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions About Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Can I use a different protein?
Yes. Shrimp, turkey, or even tofu would work. Just adjust cook time based on what you use.
What pasta shape is best?
Short pasta like penne or rotini works best to catch the sauce and chicken bites. But spaghetti or linguine is great too.
Is this garlic butter chicken pasta kid-friendly?
Absolutely. It’s creamy, not spicy, and packed with familiar flavors. You can even cut the chicken smaller for little ones.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes. Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This quick and easy dinner features juicy garlic butter chicken bites tossed with creamy parmesan pasta. It’s a one-pan, kid-friendly recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a comforting midnight snack.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cubed)
- 3 tbsp butter (divided)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp paprika
- salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 oz pasta of your choice (spaghetti, penne, fusilli, etc.)
- 0.5 cup reserved pasta water (optional)
- fresh chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
Cook the pasta in a pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions. Before draining, reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water, then set the cooked pasta aside. In a large skillet, heat a bit of olive oil with 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken, season it with salt, pepper, and a touch of paprika, and sauté for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the chicken is golden and fully cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside. In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until it becomes fragrant, but not browned. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up to your liking. Now return the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the sauce. Let it cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until everything is warmed through. Plate the dish and finish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!
Notes
You can use boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts for more flavor.
For extra richness, stir in a spoonful of cream cheese at the end.
Add spinach, peas, or steamed broccoli for a veggie boost.
Stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of cream or milk.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Calories: 520
- Sodium: 480
- Fat: 29
- Saturated Fat: 15
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 32
Keywords: chicken parmesan pasta recipe, creamy pasta recipe, garlic butter chicken bites with creamy parmesan pasta, garlic chicken pasta, kid friendly dinner, midnight snack, one pot garlic parmesan chicken pasta, quick and easy dinner
i love
★★★★★
I rarely find meals that are quick, kid-approved and make me feel like I’m eating at a restaurant—but this Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta hits all the marks! So creamy, flavorful, and comforting. My family devoured it, and I loved that it came together so easily after a long day. Total weeknight win—thank you!
★★★★★