There’s just something about a creamy, cheesy pasta dish that feels like a warm hug after a long day. And when you add tender, buttery garlic chicken bites to the mix? Absolute perfection. This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a dish that checks all the boxes—quick, easy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re making it for a cozy weeknight dinner or need something impressive yet effortless, this recipe delivers every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple ingredients, big flavor – Everything you need is probably already in your kitchen.
• Quick and easy – Ready in about 30 minutes from start to finish.
• Comforting and satisfying – A creamy, garlicky sauce paired with juicy chicken is a match made in heaven.
• Customizable – Swap out the pasta type, adjust seasonings, or add your favorite veggies!

Now, let’s get cooking!

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Before we get to that flavorful garlic butter chicken, let’s start with the pasta. You’ll want to choose something that holds onto the creamy sauce really well—penne or rotini are great options.

Here’s what to do:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. (Tip: Salting the water is key! It seasons the pasta from the inside out.)
2. Cook the pasta until al dente, following the time on the package. This ensures it has a slight bite and doesn’t turn mushy when combined with the sauce.
3. Before draining, reserve about ½ cup of pasta water—this will help adjust the sauce consistency later.
4. Drain the pasta and set it aside while we move on to the star of the dish: the garlic butter chicken bites.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Now for the part that’s going to make your kitchen smell absolutely amazing—garlic butter chicken bites.

Here’s how to get that golden, juicy chicken:

1. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
2. Once melted, add the minced garlic and let it cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. (Don’t let it brown too much, or it can turn bitter!)
3. Toss in the cubed chicken and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked. This should take about 5-7 minutes. (For extra accuracy, you can check with a meat thermometer—it should reach 165°F internally.)
5. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside while we move on to making the creamy Parmesan sauce.

By this point, your kitchen should be filled with the mouthwatering aroma of garlic, butter, and perfectly cooked chicken. But we’re not done yet—let’s bring everything together with the ultimate creamy Parmesan sauce!

Step 3: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

This sauce is the heart of the dish, so you want to make sure it’s silky smooth and full of flavor. And the best part? It comes together in just a few minutes.

Here’s how to make it:

1. Using the same skillet where you cooked the chicken (no need to wash it—those leftover flavors are gold!), melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
2. Once melted, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and start whisking. This helps create that luxuriously smooth base for the sauce.
3. Slowly stir in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, whisking continuously so it melts evenly into the cream. You should see the sauce start to thicken within a couple of minutes.
4. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent any sticking or clumping.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste, but remember—the Parmesan already adds some saltiness, so start with a small pinch and adjust as needed.

Pro Tip: If your sauce is too thick, don’t worry! This is where that reserved pasta water comes in handy. Adding a little at a time (about a tablespoon at a time) will help loosen it up and create the perfect consistency.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Now comes the best part—bringing everything together for one unforgettable, creamy, garlicky pasta dish.

Here’s what to do:

1. Add the cooked pasta directly into the sauce, tossing it well to ensure every piece is coated in that creamy goodness.
2. Gently stir in the garlic butter chicken bites, mixing them evenly with the pasta.
3. If the sauce seems too thick, gradually pour in small amounts of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. The starch in the pasta water helps the sauce cling to the pasta without making it too runny.
4. Give everything one final stir to make sure every bite is perfectly coated.

At this point, the dish is basically irresistible—but we’re not quite finished yet.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve

The final touches are what take this dish from delicious to restaurant-worthy!

• Sprinkle on some extra grated Parmesan for an added cheesy kick.
• Tear up some fresh basil and scatter it on top for a burst of freshness.
• Serve immediately while everything is hot and creamy!

This is the kind of meal that makes you want to grab a fork right out of the skillet—it’s that good. Creamy, garlicky, cheesy, and buttery with juicy chicken in every bite. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making it again and again!

FAQ: Your Top Questions Answered

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While penne and rotini work great because they hold onto the sauce well, you can use any pasta you like. Fettuccine, rigatoni, bowtie, or even spaghetti will all work beautifully.

2. What can I use instead of heavy cream?

If you want a lighter option, you can swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or even whole milk. Just note that the sauce might not be as thick, so you may need to let it simmer a little longer or add a small amount of flour or cornstarch to help thicken it up.

3. How do I keep the sauce from getting too thick?

The key is reserved pasta water! If the sauce thickens too much, just add a little pasta water (a tablespoon at a time) until it reaches your desired consistency. The starch in the water helps smooth it out without making it watery.

4. Can I make this ahead of time?

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but if you do need to make it ahead:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to bring back the creamy texture.

5. Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes! This pasta pairs well with spinach, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or broccoli. Just sauté them in the skillet before adding the cream and cheese to make it a well-rounded meal.

6. What’s the best way to season the chicken?

The simple combo of salt, pepper, butter, and garlic is amazing, but you can also add some extra seasonings like Italian seasoning, paprika, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.

7. Can I use pre-shredded Parmesan cheese?

Freshly grated Parmesan is always best because it melts smoothly into the sauce. Pre-shredded Parmesan often has anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy. If you only have pre-shredded, just whisk it into the cream extra well!

Final Thoughts: Why You Need to Make This Tonight

This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is one of those recipes that feels fancy enough for a special dinner but is also simple enough for a busy weeknight. The combination of tender, buttery chicken, rich Parmesan sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta is pure comfort food at its best.

So the next time you’re craving something creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor, skip the takeout and make this instead. Your taste buds (and anyone you share it with) will thank you!

Happy cooking!