A Decadent 30-Minute Dinner That Feels Like Fine Dining
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta recipe is the perfect combination of indulgent flavor and weeknight simplicity. Tender, juicy chicken is coated in rich garlic butter, then paired with a velvety Parmesan pasta that melts in your mouth.
The harmony of garlic, butter, and cheese creates a restaurant-worthy meal that’s comforting, elegant, and ready in just 30 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests, this dish delivers pure satisfaction in every bite.
🧄 Ingredients
For the Chicken Bites
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- 12 oz fettuccine (or pasta of your choice)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Extra garlic butter (optional, for drizzling)
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken Bites
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked.
Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt the butter.
Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Return the cooked chicken to the pan and toss to coat in the garlic butter sauce.
Set aside and keep warm.
4. Prepare the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
In a separate skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, then bring to a gentle simmer.
Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta to the creamy Parmesan sauce and toss until evenly coated.
6. Serve
Plate the creamy pasta and top with garlic butter chicken bites.
Drizzle with extra garlic butter (if desired) and garnish with chopped parsley and freshly grated Parmesan.
⏱️ Prep Time: 10 minutes
🔥 Cook Time: 20 minutes
🍽️ Total Time: 30 minutes
🌿 Variations
- Lighter Version: Use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream.
- Zesty Twist: Add a splash of fresh lemon juice before serving to balance the richness.
- Spicy Kick: Sprinkle red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper for gentle heat.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with mushrooms or tofu. Sautéed cremini or shiitake mushrooms absorb the garlic butter beautifully.
- Protein Boost: Add chickpeas or white beans for a hearty twist.
- Low-Carb Alternative: Swap pasta for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
- Veggie Upgrade: Toss in spinach, roasted bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes for color and nutrition.
This dish adapts beautifully to your preferences — creamy, spicy, or veggie-packed!
💡 Tips for Perfect Results
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: It helps the chicken brown evenly instead of steaming.
- Pat chicken dry before seasoning for a crisp, golden crust.
- Marinate (optional): Let the chicken rest with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning for 15–20 minutes for deeper flavor.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.
- Go low and slow: Stir cheese into the sauce over low heat to prevent clumping.
- Fix thick sauce: Add a splash of reserved pasta water or broth to loosen it.
- Extra flavor: Slightly toast garlic in butter for a nutty aroma (be careful not to burn it).
- Finishing touch: Sprinkle extra Parmesan and cracked black pepper before serving.
🧊 How to Store
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess.
- Make-Ahead: Cook chicken and pasta separately, then combine with sauce before serving for best texture.
- Freezing: Not recommended — dairy sauces can separate when thawed.
(You can, however, freeze the cooked chicken bites separately.)
🍋 Conclusion
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is the kind of meal that turns an ordinary evening into something special. It’s indulgent yet simple, comforting yet elegant — the perfect balance for busy nights or cozy dinners.
Serve it with crusty garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or a glass of chilled white wine, and enjoy every luxurious, garlicky bite.
Once you try it, this dish will earn a regular spot in your dinner rotation! 🍝✨
