Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Pasta – A Flavor-Packed Dinner That’ll Win Hearts Instantly!
Golden, juicy chicken bites drenched in garlic butter, paired with rich, creamy pasta… this is the kind of dinner you dream about all day. It’s indulgent, easy to whip up, and feels like something you’d order at your favorite cozy restaurant!
The first time I made this for my family, no one said a word—just the sound of forks scraping plates. Even the picky eaters went back for seconds. The garlic butter soaks into the chicken just right, and the creamy pasta? Pure magic.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp butter (divided)
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups heavy cream or half and half
- 8 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine work well)
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water (if needed)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken, season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Sear until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt remaining butter. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan. Simmer gently until sauce thickens, about 3–5 minutes.
- Add cooked pasta and mix well. If the sauce is too thick, loosen with pasta water.
- Return chicken to skillet, toss everything together, and heat through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm!
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approximate)
| Calories | 520 kcal |
| Fat | 32 g |
| Carbohydrates | 38 g |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Sodium | 410 mg |
Printable Recipe Summary
| Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Pasta | |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Chicken, garlic, butter, cream, Parmesan, pasta, seasoning |
| Instructions | Cook pasta, sear chicken, make garlic cream sauce, combine, serve hot |
FAQs
Q: Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. Add a bit more Parmesan or a touch of flour to thicken.
Q: What kind of pasta works best?
Short pasta like penne or fusilli is great, but linguine or fettuccine also pair beautifully.
Q: Can I add veggies?
Absolutely! Spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes go really well with this dish.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream.
