Garlic butter chicken bites over creamy parmesan fettuccine pasta

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta: The Ultimate Comfort Dish

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Introduction

Picture this: a pat of unsalted butter melting, garlic sizzling, chicken bites turning golden, and rich cream swirling with parm. The steam hugs your nose. I remember making these Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta on a Friday night after a long week—no fuss, all flavor. That first forkful? A comforting hug. This dish is easy, indulgent, and made to make you feel good—whether you’re feeding yourself or impressing friends.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe and Creamy Parmesan Pasta Dish

  • Quick Preparation: Done in under 30 minutes—yes, really.
  • Rich Flavors: Think garlic butter chicken recipe meets creamy parmesan pasta dish.
  • Aesthetic Appeal: Golden brown chicken, glossy sauce, twirls of pasta—this one’s made for your camera roll.
  • Versatile Options: Switch up the pasta, throw in greens, or spice it up.
  • Social Proof: Everyone I’ve served this to has gone back for seconds (and sometimes thirds).

Essential Ingredients for This Chicken and Pasta Skillet with Parmesan Sauce

  • Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts – bite-sized for even cooking.
  • Garlic (Minced) – fresh, not pre-chopped. It makes a difference.
  • Unsalted Butter – so you can control the salt.
  • Pasta – fettuccine or linguine work best.
  • Parmesan Cheese – freshly grated, none of that green can stuff.
  • Heavy Cream – for a silky, luscious sauce.
  • Salt & Pepper – don’t skip this!
  • Fresh Parsley (Optional) – adds color and freshness.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Garlic Chicken Pasta at Home

Prep Ingredients

  • Cut chicken into uniform, bite-sized pieces—this ensures every piece is perfectly done.
  • Mince garlic finely so it infuses evenly without harsh bites.
  • Grate parmesan now—prepping ahead makes cooking smoother.

Sauté Chicken

  • Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Season chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper.
  • This is key: Add chicken in a single layer—don’t overcrowd. Let them sear to golden perfection (about 3–4 minutes per side), then remove and set aside.

Add Garlic & Seasoning

  • Lower heat to medium.
  • Add garlic to the butter-infused skillet oil. Let it cook for about 30 seconds—just until fragrant.
  • Most people mess this up: burnt garlic makes the whole sauce bitter.
Chicken bites searing in garlic butter sauce with herbs in a skillet

Create Sauce

  • Pour in heavy cream and a knob of butter.
  • Stir in parmesan a little at a time until it melts into a silky sauce.
  • Let it simmer gently (not boil) for 2–3 minutes so flavors deepen.
Cream, butter, and parmesan cheese melting in a skillet for pasta sauce

Cook Pasta

  • Boil salted water and cook your pasta to just “al dente.”
  • Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water before draining (this is your secret to silky sauce).

Combine & Toss

  • Return the chicken bites to the pan.
  • Add pasta and a splash of reserved pasta water if needed.
  • Toss everything together so each strand of pasta is coated in luscious parmesan sauce and dotted with golden garlic butter chicken.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Pro Tips for the Best Butter Garlic Chicken with Pasta

You Must Know

  • Works for weeknights or dinner parties.
  • Looks fancy but it’s seriously easy chicken and pasta dinner.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

  • Start boiling pasta as you cook the chicken to save time.
  • Use a large enough skillet for even cooking (avoid steaming!).

Add Your Touch

  • Try zucchini noodles for low carb.
  • Spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms? Excellent add-ins

Storing & Reheating

  • Keep leftovers in an airtight container.
  • Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or cream.

Chef’s Notes on Perfecting Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

  • Fresh Garlic Only: It’s non-negotiable.
  • Proper Chicken Seasoning: Before it hits the pan—don’t wait.
  • Simmer Sauce Slowly: Gives it that rich, developed flavor.

Suggested Recipes You’ll Love If You Enjoy Creamy Chicken and Pasta Dishes

If this dish hit the spot, here are five more recipes you’ll want on repeat:

FAQ About This Chicken Bites with Parmesan Sauce and Pasta Recipe

How to tell if chicken is done?

Use a meat thermometer: 165°F is the magic number.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes! Use olive oil and dairy-free cream alternatives.

What pasta works best?

Fettuccine or penne are top picks, but any will do.

Conclusion: This Garlic Butter Chicken and Pasta Dinner Is a Keeper


This chicken and pasta skillet is the real deal. Whether you’re cooking for one or five, this creamy garlic parmesan chicken hits every time. Save it, share it, and most importantly—make it again. Hungry yet? Grab your skillet.

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Print

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta: The Ultimate Comfort Dish

Golden chicken bites seared in garlic butter, tossed with creamy parmesan pasta—easy, indulgent, and weeknight-ready.

  • Author: Emilio
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • Boneless skinless chicken breasts – bite-sized
  • Garlic (minced) – fresh only
  • Unsalted butter
  • Pasta – fettuccine or linguine
  • Parmesan cheese – freshly grated
  • Heavy cream
  • Salt and pepper
  • Fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces. Mince garlic. Grate parmesan.
  2. Melt butter in a skillet on medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Sear until golden (3–4 min/side). Set aside.
  3. Lower heat to medium. Add garlic to pan. Cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Pour in heavy cream and a knob of butter. Gradually stir in parmesan. Simmer 2–3 minutes.
  5. Cook pasta in salted water to al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
  6. Add chicken and pasta to sauce. Toss everything, adding pasta water if needed.

Notes

Start boiling pasta as chicken cooks. Use a wide skillet to avoid steaming. Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for variation.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 720
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 580mg
  • Fat: 40g
  • Saturated Fat: 20g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 45g
  • Cholesterol: 135mg

Keywords: garlic butter chicken, creamy parmesan pasta, comfort food

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