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
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
4 garlic cloves, minced
4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
8 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup heavy cream
Salt and black pepper, to taste
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Prep the ingredients: Mince garlic and cut chicken into bite-sized cubes for even cooking.
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.
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.
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.
Cook the pasta: Boil pasta in salted water according to package directions (8–10 minutes). Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
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.
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