The ultimate weeknight comfort food in under 40 minutes!
If you’re searching for a hearty, flavor-packed dinner that comes together quickly and tastes like something you'd order at your favorite Italian bistro, these Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta are calling your name.
Golden, juicy chicken pieces are seared in garlic butter until crispy on the edges and tender inside, then served over a lusciously creamy parmesan pasta that's rich, silky, and comforting in every way. This dish is the perfect balance of savory, garlicky, cheesy goodness—all made in one pan if you’re feeling efficient.
Whether you’re making dinner for the family or just craving a bowl of carbs and cozy, this recipe will become an instant favorite.
🛒 Ingredients
For the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites:
- Chicken breast (boneless, skinless) – 500g, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Garlic powder – 1 tsp
- Smoked paprika – 1 tsp
- Salt – 1 tsp
- Black pepper – ½ tsp
- Olive oil – 1 tbsp
- Butter – 2 tbsp
- Fresh garlic – 4 cloves, minced
- Fresh parsley – 2 tbsp, chopped (for garnish)
- Red pepper flakes (optional) – ¼ tsp, for heat
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- Fettuccine or spaghetti – 300g
- Butter – 2 tbsp
- Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
- Heavy cream – 250ml
- Chicken broth – 150ml
- Parmesan cheese – 100g, finely grated
- Salt – ½ tsp
- Black pepper – ½ tsp
- Lemon zest – 1 tsp (adds brightness)
- Reserved pasta water – 50ml, as needed
- Extra parmesan and parsley for topping
👩🍳 Instructions
🔥 Step 1: Cook the Chicken
- In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken in a single layer (do it in batches if needed), and sear for about 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Reduce heat to low, add 2 tablespoon butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, tossing the chicken to coat in the garlic butter.
- Remove from heat and set aside. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes and chopped parsley.
🍝 Step 2: Make the Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 50ml of pasta water, then drain.
- In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt 2 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stir, and let it simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in grated parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Let it melt into a smooth sauce.
- Toss in the cooked pasta, adding reserved pasta water a bit at a time to loosen the sauce if needed.
- Add chicken bites back to the pan, toss everything together, and serve hot!
🍽️ Nutrition Information (Per Serving – Serves 4)
- Calories: 640 kcal
- Protein: 39g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fiber: 2g
💡 Tips & Tricks
- Add greens: Toss in a handful of spinach or steamed broccoli for a touch of color and nutrition.
- Use chicken thighs if you prefer richer, juicier meat.
- For extra indulgence, add a handful of sun-dried tomatoes or sautéed mushrooms to the pasta sauce.
- Make it spicy with a pinch of cayenne or extra red pepper flakes.
- Want to go low-carb? Serve the chicken over zucchini noodles or cauliflower mash instead.
🧄 Why This Recipe Works
- Combines the richness of alfredo with the bold flavor of garlic butter chicken.
- Quick cooking time with big, gourmet flavor.
- Comforting, filling, and restaurant-quality, but made in your own kitchen.
- Perfect for busy weeknights, date nights, or meal prep!
🍷 What to Serve With It
- A crisp Caesar salad or garlic-roasted asparagus
- Crusty bread or garlic knots for dipping in extra sauce
- A glass of dry white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio
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