✨ Introduction
When it comes to comfort food, few things satisfy like buttery, golden chicken bites paired with a silky, creamy pasta. Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Pasta brings two world favorites together in a stunning one-dish meal. It’s rich yet balanced, hearty yet not heavy, and it’s guaranteed to earn rave reviews at your table.
Whether you’re cooking for your family on a weeknight or planning a cozy meal for guests, this recipe checks all the boxes:
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Quick (ready in about 40 minutes)
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Simple ingredients
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Hugely flavorful
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Stunning presentation
Let’s dive into every delicious detail!
🛒 Ingredients
For the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites:
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1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
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1 teaspoon paprika
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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½ teaspoon onion powder
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½ teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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3 tablespoons unsalted butter
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
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1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional but highly recommended)
For the Creamy Pasta:
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8 oz (about 225g) fettuccine, linguine, or pasta of choice
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2 tablespoons butter
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4 cloves garlic, minced (yes, more garlic!)
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1 cup heavy cream
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
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½ teaspoon salt
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¼ teaspoon black pepper
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¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a gentle kick)
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½ cup reserved pasta water
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1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
🍽️ Equipment Needed:
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Large skillet
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Medium pot (for boiling pasta)
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Tongs
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Sharp knife
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Cutting board
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Measuring cups and spoons
🕐 Timeline Overview:
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 25 minutes
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Total Time: ~40 minutes
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Servings: 4 hearty portions
👩🍳 Instructions
🥄 Step 1: Prep Your Chicken
Start by patting your chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Dry chicken browns better!
In a large bowl, toss the chicken with:
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1 teaspoon paprika
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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½ teaspoon onion powder
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½ teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
Coat the chicken evenly with the seasoning blend.
Pro Tip: Pre-seasoning builds deep flavor fast. Always season before you cook!
🍳 Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet.
When the oil shimmers:
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Add the chicken in a single layer (work in batches if necessary; don’t overcrowd the pan).
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Sear for about 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp of 165°F/74°C).
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Remove the chicken and set aside on a plate.
Don’t wipe out the skillet — those little browned bits (called fond) are flavor gold!
🧄 Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Lower the heat to medium-low.
Add:
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3 tablespoons butter
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4 cloves minced garlic
Sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant — do not burn the garlic.
Return the chicken to the pan, tossing to coat in the garlic butter sauce.
Squeeze over 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice for a bright finish.
Cover loosely to keep warm.
🍝 Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook your pasta according to package directions until al dente.
Reserve ½ cup of the starchy pasta water before draining.
Pasta Water Secret: It’s liquid gold for making creamy sauces stick!
🥄 Step 5: Make the Creamy Pasta Sauce
In the same skillet (or a clean one if you prefer), melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat.
Add:
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4 cloves minced garlic
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Sauté for 30 seconds until aromatic.
Pour in:
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1 cup heavy cream
Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly.
Stir in:
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½ cup grated Parmesan
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½ teaspoon salt
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¼ teaspoon black pepper
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Red pepper flakes if using
Simmer for about 2–3 minutes, stirring often, until slightly thickened.
Add drained pasta and toss to coat. If the sauce feels too thick, add a little reserved pasta water until silky.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
🍽️ Step 6: Assemble and Serve
Pile the creamy pasta onto plates or a serving platter.
Top generously with garlic butter chicken bites and drizzle any extra sauce from the pan over the top.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.
Serve immediately with warm bread or a crisp green salad.
🔥 Tips for the BEST Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
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Chicken Thighs vs. Breasts: Thighs stay juicier, but either works beautifully.
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Don’t overcook chicken: It cooks quickly; keep it juicy!
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Use real Parmesan: Freshly grated cheese melts better and tastes miles better than pre-grated.
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Season pasta water: It should taste like the sea.
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Pasta shape: Fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti work best, but you can use penne, rigatoni, or even pappardelle.
🥡 Storage and Reheating
Fridge:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat:
Gently reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.
Freezing:
Not ideal for cream-based sauces (they tend to split), but you can freeze the garlic butter chicken bites separately and add to freshly cooked pasta later.
🌿 Variations and Add-Ins
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Vegetables: Add spinach, roasted broccoli, or sautéed mushrooms.
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Protein Swap: Use shrimp or turkey instead of chicken.
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Herbs: Fresh basil or thyme can be a lovely flavor twist.
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Cheese: Mix in mozzarella or provolone for extra stretchiness.
📖 The Story Behind This Dish
The idea for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Pasta came from wanting an indulgent meal that didn’t take all night to make. Inspired by classic Italian-American favorites like Chicken Alfredo and buttery garlic shrimp, this hybrid recipe focuses on maximum flavor with minimum fuss.
The garlic butter chicken bites alone are so good you’ll want to snack on them straight from the skillet. Pairing them with creamy pasta transforms the simple bites into an utterly satisfying full meal.
It’s easy enough for weeknights, fancy enough for date nights, and definitely a keeper for your recipe rotation.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use milk instead of cream?
You can, but the sauce will be thinner. You might want to thicken it with a bit of flour or cook it down longer.
Q: What’s the best pasta for this recipe?
Fettuccine is classic, but any noodle with a wide surface area works beautifully to catch the creamy sauce.
Q: Is it very garlicky?
It’s garlicky in a rich, buttery way—not overwhelmingly so. If you’re super sensitive, you can reduce the garlic slightly.
🧄🍝 Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing, soul-hugging meal, Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Pasta is it. This dish captures everything we love about great cooking: simple ingredients, layered flavors, satisfying textures, and just a hint of indulgence.
Make it once, and you’ll probably find yourself craving it again by next weekend. It’s that good.
Happy cooking — and don’t forget the extra Parmesan!
