Why This Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta Will Be Your New Favorite!
Rich, creamy, and loaded with flavor—this Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is the kind of dish that turns an ordinary dinner into a restaurant-worthy experience. Juicy golden chicken bites coated in a garlicky butter sauce, paired with silky pasta, all done in under 30 minutes.
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Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings 1x
Description
An easy comfort food classic, Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Pasta is packed with juicy seared chicken, a buttery garlic sauce, and a dreamy parmesan cream pasta base. Perfect for weeknights or when you’re craving something rich and satisfying.
Ingredients
1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized chunks
Salt & pepper, to taste
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 lb fettuccine or linguine
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated parmesan
1/4 cup reserved pasta water
2 tbsp chopped parsley
Juice of 1/2 lemon
Instructions
1. Toss chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear chicken on all sides until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
3. In the same pan, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute).
4. Boil pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
5. To the garlic butter, add heavy cream and parmesan. Stir until smooth and slightly thickened.
6. Add cooked pasta and reserved pasta water to the sauce. Stir well to coat.
7. Return chicken to the pan and toss everything together.
8. Garnish with chopped parsley and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
9. Serve hot and enjoy your creamy, garlicky dinner!
Notes
Swap chicken for shrimp if desired.
Use penne or spaghetti i
nstead of fettuccine.
Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and color.
Reheats well the next day—add a splash of cream to revive the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken Bites:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into 1-inch bites)
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- Fresh parsley for garnish
For the Creamy Pasta:
- 8 oz fettuccine or linguine
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes, lemon zest
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Pasta
- Boil the Pasta
Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain. - Cook the Chicken Bites
Season chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat oil in a large skillet, add chicken, and cook until golden and cooked through (about 6–8 minutes). Add butter and garlic, stir until fragrant and coated. Remove and set aside. - Make the Cream Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter, sauté garlic, then add heavy cream. Stir gently, then whisk in parmesan. Simmer until thickened (about 2–3 minutes). Season to taste. - Combine
Add cooked pasta and reserved water (as needed) to the sauce. Toss well. Top with chicken bites and garnish with chopped parsley.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with garlic bread or a fresh green salad
- Add steamed broccoli or spinach for a veggie boost
- Want spice? Add a pinch of cayenne or chili oil on top
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & easy—done in 30 minutes
- Bold, comforting flavors
- Family-friendly and elegant enough for guests
- Great for leftovers—flavors deepen the next day!
Tips for Best Results
- Use freshly grated parmesan for smooth melting
- Don’t overcook the chicken—golden outside, juicy inside is the goal
- Add lemon zest for a fresh, bright finish
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