Let’s be honest—by the time dinner rolls around, most of us are just trying to make something delicious without dirtying every dish in the kitchen or spending hours over the stove. That’s exactly where Garlic Butter Chicken Bites swoop in to save the day.
This easy skillet recipe delivers everything we crave on a busy weeknight: tender, golden chicken bites, buttery garlic flavor, and a rich, silky creamy Parmesan pasta that clings to every bite. It’s indulgent without being fussy and elegant enough to serve to guests—though let’s be real, it’s also the kind of dish you’ll make in leggings while binge-watching your favorite show.
I love recipes like this because they hit that sweet spot between comfort food and convenience. You can whip it up in about 30 minutes, yet it tastes like something from your favorite Italian bistro. Ready to make magic with butter, garlic, and Parmesan? Let’s do it.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe
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30 minutes to pure joy: Quick enough for weeknights, impressive enough for weekends.
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One skillet, less cleanup: Because the last thing you want after dinner is a sink full of pans.
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Creamy, garlicky goodness: Buttery chicken meets a silky creamy Parmesan pasta—it’s perfection.
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Customizable: Add spinach, mushrooms, or a squeeze of lemon for your own twist.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta recipe is everything a weeknight dinner should be—quick, comforting, and irresistibly rich. Tender, golden chicken bites are tossed in a buttery garlic sauce, then paired with creamy Parmesan pasta that clings to every forkful. It’s simple enough for busy evenings yet decadent enough to impress. Ready in just 30 minutes, this one-skillet wonder will quickly become your go-to comfort meal.
Ingredients
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1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
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4 garlic cloves, minced
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4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
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8 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta
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1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
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½ cup heavy cream
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
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Prep the ingredients: Mince garlic and cut chicken into bite-sized cubes for even cooking.
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Cook the chicken: In a large skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium-high heat. Add chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook 5–7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
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Sauté the garlic: In the same skillet, melt 1 tbsp butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant—watch closely to prevent burning.
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Make the sauce: Lower the heat to medium. Stir in heavy cream and the remaining 1 tbsp butter. Gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.
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Cook the pasta: Boil pasta in salted water according to package directions (8–10 minutes). Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
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Combine everything: Add pasta to the sauce and toss well. Return chicken to the skillet and add a splash of pasta water to loosen the sauce. Stir until creamy and evenly coated.
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Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce—it melts better than pre-shredded cheese.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or lemon juice for extra brightness.
Double the recipe easily for meal prep or larger gatherings.
For lighter texture, substitute half-and-half for cream.
Avoid overcooking the pasta—it should stay al dente for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop (one-skillet)
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients You’ll Need
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1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
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4 garlic cloves, minced
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4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
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8 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta
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1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
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½ cup heavy cream
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Step-by-Step Directions
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Prep Your Ingredients:
Mince the garlic and cut your chicken into bite-sized cubes for even cooking. -
Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5–7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside. -
Sauté the Garlic:
In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute—just until fragrant. (Pro tip: garlic burns faster than you think, so keep an eye on it!) -
Make the Creamy Sauce:
Lower the heat to medium. Stir in the heavy cream and the remaining tablespoon of butter. Slowly whisk in Parmesan cheese until the sauce turns smooth, creamy, and irresistible. -
Cook the Pasta:
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package directions (8–10 minutes). Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining. -
Combine Everything:
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss it gently in the sauce. Return the chicken to the pan and pour in a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen and silk up the sauce. -
Serve It Up:
Garnish with parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan because… why not? Serve immediately while it’s hot and heavenly.
Cooking Tips for Foolproof Flavor
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Freshly grated Parmesan makes all the difference. Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly—it’s worth the extra minute to grate it yourself.
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Butter balance: Don’t skimp! Butter is what makes the chicken bites golden and gives the sauce that rich, velvety texture.
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Need more sauce? Add a splash of milk or cream to loosen things up.
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Upgrade the flavor: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lemon juice at the end for a little zing.
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Double it up: This recipe doubles beautifully if you’re feeding a crowd or planning for leftovers.
A Little Story from My Kitchen
The first time I made these Garlic Butter Chicken Bites, it was one of those “what’s in the fridge?” kind of nights. A couple of chicken breasts, some pasta, and half a stick of butter—that was it. I threw everything into my favorite skillet, crossed my fingers, and hoped for the best.
The result? Let’s just say my family now refers to it as “that butter pasta thing you make.” It became one of those rare dishes that everyone—from my husband to my picky teenager—actually agrees on. And honestly, there’s something incredibly satisfying about transforming basic ingredients into something that makes the whole house smell divine.
What to Serve with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
This dish is rich and satisfying on its own, but if you want to round out your weeknight dinner, here are a few ideas:
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A crisp green salad: A simple arugula or Caesar salad adds a refreshing balance.
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Garlic bread or focaccia: Because one can never have too much butter and garlic.
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Roasted veggies: Try broccoli, asparagus, or cherry tomatoes for a pop of color and flavor.
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A chilled glass of white wine: Optional… but highly recommended.
How to Store and Reheat
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of cream or milk to bring back that silky texture.
Freeze: While possible, I don’t recommend freezing this one—the cream sauce tends to separate when thawed. Trust me, it’s much better enjoyed fresh (or reheated the next day for lunch!).
Pro tip: If you’re planning for leftovers, cook your pasta slightly under al dente—it’ll reheat perfectly without getting mushy.
FAQs about Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and add extra richness to this easy skillet recipe.
Can I make it lighter?
Yes! Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or even evaporated milk. It’ll still be creamy, just a bit less indulgent.
What pasta works best?
Fettuccine or linguine are perfect, but penne or rotini work great for bite-sized options.
Can I add veggies?
Definitely. Spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes all pair beautifully with the creamy Parmesan pasta base.
Bringing It All Together
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites recipe is the kind of dish that proves weeknight cooking doesn’t have to be complicated to be extraordinary. A few simple ingredients, one trusty skillet, and 30 minutes later—you’ve got buttery, garlicky perfection on your plate.
It’s creamy, cozy, and guaranteed to make even the most hectic weekday feel a little more special. So go ahead—grab your skillet and make tonight’s dinner one to remember. Your family (and your taste buds) will thank you.
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