Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

This dish is the perfect blend of tender, juicy chicken bites coated in rich garlic butter and served over a luxuriously creamy Parmesan pasta. It’s fast, comforting, and bursting with flavor — an easy weeknight dinner that tastes restaurant-worthy!

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⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in 30 minutes
• Creamy, garlicky, buttery, and ultra-satisfying
• Uses simple, everyday ingredients
• Family-friendly and customizable
• Perfect for meal prep or leftovers

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🍗 Ingredients

For the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

• 1 lb chicken breasts, cut into small bite-sized cubes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta

• 8 oz pasta (penne, bowties, or fettuccine)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup pasta water
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes

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🍝 Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

• Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
• Add the pasta and cook until al dente.
• Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.

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2. Season the Chicken

In a bowl, toss the chicken cubes with:

• Paprika
• Italian seasoning
• Onion powder
• Salt & pepper
• Olive oil

Make sure each piece is coated well.

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3. Cook the Chicken Bites

• Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
• Melt 1 tablespoon butter.
• Add the chicken in a single layer.
• Sear for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through.
• Add the remaining 2 tablespoons butter and minced garlic.
• Cook another 1–2 minutes, until fragrant and buttery.
• Set aside.

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4. Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

In the same skillet (do not clean it — the chicken bits add flavor):

• Melt 2 tablespoons butter
• Add minced garlic and sauté 30 seconds
• Pour in heavy cream
• Add Parmesan cheese
• Stir until smooth and creamy
• Add a splash of pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce

Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (optional).

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5. Combine

• Add the cooked pasta into the creamy Parmesan sauce.
• Toss until every noodle is coated.
• Spoon the garlic butter chicken bites on top (along with all the buttery pan drippings).
• Garnish with parsley.

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😋 Tips for Best Results

• Use freshly grated Parmesan — it melts smoother than pre-shredded.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan or the chicken won’t brown properly.
• Add a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
• Swap heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version.

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🌿 Variations

Spicy Version

Add red pepper flakes to the chicken seasoning.

Creamy Mushroom Version

Sauté mushrooms before making the cream sauce.

Broccoli Alfredo Twist

Add steamed or roasted broccoli to the pasta.

Low-Carb Option

Serve chicken bites over zucchini noodles or cauliflower mash.

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🥡 Storage

• Fridge: Store up to 4 days
• Reheat: Add a splash of cream or milk before reheating to revive the sauce
• Freezer: The chicken freezes well, but the cream sauce may separate — not recommended

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