Name: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired / American
Ingredients: 450 g (1 lb) boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 60 g (4 Tbsp) unsalted butter, divided; 225 g (8 oz) fettuccine or linguine; 100 g (1 cup) freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 120 ml (½ cup) heavy cream; Salt and black pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Jump to Recipe

If there’s one thing we can all agree on, it’s that weeknights don’t leave much room for elaborate meals. Between work, errands, and those little life curveballs (like realising you’re out of laundry detergent at 9 p.m.), dinner often ends up being the last thing we want to fuss over. That’s where Garlic Butter Chicken Bites come in to save the day.

This recipe pairs tender, golden chicken bites with a luscious Creamy Parmesan Pasta that feels restaurant-worthy but comes together in just 30 minutes. Yes, you read that right—half an hour from chopping board to dinner table. It’s the kind of meal that will have your family sneaking seconds and maybe even licking the pan (no judgment here).

Whether you’re feeding picky eaters, impressing your significant other, or just treating yourself after a long day, this dish ticks every box: flavorful, filling, and surprisingly easy. And the best part? It doesn’t require a culinary degree or a sink full of dirty dishes. Just simple ingredients, a skillet, and your trusty pasta pot.

So, tie on that apron, pour yourself a glass of something you love, and let’s dive into this cozy, crowd-pleasing recipe.

Why You’ll Love These Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Quick & easy: Ready in just 30 minutes.
One-pan magic: Less cleanup, more time to relax.
Comfort meets elegance: Creamy pasta with buttery, garlicky chicken—what’s not to love?
Family-friendly: Even picky eaters will be sold on this cheesy goodness.

Ingredients

450 g (1 lb) boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
4 cloves garlic, minced
60 g (4 tbsp) unsalted butter, divided
225 g (8 oz) fettuccine or linguine
100 g (1 cup) freshly grated parmesan cheese
120 ml (½ cup) heavy cream
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Steps

Prep the basics – Mince the garlic and cut chicken into bite-sized cubes.
Cook the chicken – In a large skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
Add the flavor – Toss in garlic, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Make it creamy – Lower the heat, stir in heavy cream and the remaining butter, then add parmesan until a silky sauce forms.
Cook the pasta – Boil in salted water until al dente (8–10 minutes). Save ½ cup pasta water before draining.
Bring it all together – Add pasta to the skillet, tossing gently. Use reserved pasta water as needed to reach your desired creaminess.
Finish & serve – Garnish with parsley, grab a fork, and dig in.

Cooking Tips

Cooking chicken bites is all about balance: you want them golden on the outside but juicy on the inside. Don’t crowd the skillet—let the chicken breathe, or it’ll steam instead of sear. If your sauce feels too thick, that reserved pasta water is your new best friend. Add it a splash at a time until your pasta looks like it came straight out of a trattoria in Rome.

And here’s a little secret: freshly grated Parmesan melts better than the pre-packaged stuff. It’s worth the extra minute of grating (and maybe a mini arm workout). Also, don’t panic if your sauce looks slightly clumpy before it smooths out—it’s just the cheese and cream getting acquainted. Stir patiently, and they’ll fall in love.

A Little Story from My Kitchen

This recipe was born on a Tuesday night when I was running on fumes after a long day. My husband asked, “What’s for dinner?”—and the truth was, I had no plan. I opened the fridge, spotted chicken and parmesan, and thought, Well, let’s wing it.

What came out of that impromptu experiment was so good that my family requested it again the very next night. That’s when I knew it was a keeper. Now it’s part of our regular rotation, and honestly, it feels like a little hug on a plate. It’s my go-to “I love you” dinner, whether for my family or just myself on nights I need extra comfort.

What to Serve with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

This dish is rich and indulgent, so pair it with something fresh to balance the flavors. A crisp green salad with a lemony vinaigrette works beautifully. Garlic bread is a natural partner (because honestly, can you ever have too much garlic?). For veggies, roasted broccoli or asparagus are great sidekicks—they add a pop of color and crunch.

And if you’re making this for guests, serve it with a chilled glass of white wine—something light like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. Suddenly, you’ve got yourself a little Italian bistro vibe right at home.

How to Store

If by some miracle you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen up the sauce before microwaving or warming on the stovetop. The pasta tends to soak up the sauce as it sits, so that extra liquid brings it back to life.

Freezing isn’t ideal for this recipe—the cream sauce doesn’t hold up well after thawing—but if you must, freeze the chicken separately and make a fresh batch of pasta when you’re ready. Trust me, it’s worth the extra step.

FAQs

Can I substitute chicken breasts with thighs?

Absolutely! Thighs are juicier and add even more flavor to this chicken pasta recipe.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half, though the sauce won’t be as rich. A little cream cheese can help thicken it up.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes! The flavors are mild, creamy, and comforting—perfect for picky eaters.

Can I make this ahead of time?

This dish tastes best fresh, but you can prep the chicken earlier in the day and store it in the fridge. Just cook the pasta and finish the sauce right before serving.

Can I use a different pasta?

Of course! Penne, spaghetti, or even rigatoni would work. The beauty of this easy weeknight dinner is its flexibility.

A Final Bite of Comfort

There’s something magical about Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with creamy pasta. It’s not just a meal—it’s a mood lifter, a stress reliever, and maybe even a peace treaty at the dinner table. In just 30 minutes, you can transform simple ingredients into a dish that feels indulgent yet approachable, perfect for weeknights or cosy weekends.

So next time you’re staring into your fridge wondering what to make, remember this recipe. Your future self (and your hungry family) will thank you.

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