Oh my goodness, you’re in for a treat! This creamy parmesan pasta with garlic butter chicken bites is my absolute go-to when I need something quick, indulgent, and packed with flavor. I first stumbled upon this combo during one of those “what’s left in the fridge?” nights, and wow – it was love at first bite. The way the rich, cheesy sauce clings to every strand of pasta, paired with those juicy chicken pieces swimming in garlicky butter… it’s pure comfort food magic. Best part? It comes together faster than takeout would arrive at your door. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become your new weeknight hero.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Parmesan Pasta with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Let me tell you why this dish has become my weeknight savior—and why it’ll steal your heart too:

Faster than takeout: Seriously, from fridge to table in under 30 minutes! Those golden chicken bites and silky sauce come together while your pasta cooks.
Restaurant-worthy flavor: That garlic butter sear on the chicken? The way parmesan melts into cream? It tastes like something from a fancy Italian trattoria—but you’re wearing pajamas.
One-pan magic: Minimal cleanup means more time to actually enjoy your food (or collapse on the couch—no judgment here).
Customizable comfort: Throw in extra garlic if you’re feeling bold, or swap in veggies—it’s forgiving like your favorite cozy sweater.

Every bite feels like a warm hug, and honestly? We all need more of those.

Ingredients for Creamy Parmesan Pasta with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Okay, let’s gather our kitchen treasures! Here’s everything you’ll need to create this dreamy dish (and yes, I’ve included all my little prep notes that make all the difference):

8 oz pasta – I’m partial to fettuccine for this, but any shape you love works
2 chicken , cubed into 1-inch pieces (pro tip: slightly frozen chicken cubes easier!)
3 cloves garlic, minced (or go wild with 4 if you’re a garlic fiend like me)
2 tbsp butter – real butter only, please! It makes that golden sear magical
1 cup heavy cream – take it out of the fridge 10 minutes early so it blends smoothly
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese – freshly grated melts SO much better than the pre-shredded stuff
1/2 tsp salt – I use kosher salt for more even seasoning
1/4 tsp black pepper – freshly ed adds such nice warmth
1 tbsp olive oil – for getting those chicken bites perfectly golden

See? Nothing fancy – just good, honest ingredients that transform into something extraordinary together. Now let’s get cooking!

Equipment You’ll Need

Don’t worry – you won’t need any fancy gadgets for this one! Just grab these kitchen basics:

Large skillet – big enough to hold all that saucy goodness
Wooden spoon – my trusty sidekick for stirring without scratching pans
Pot for pasta – any medium-sized pot will do the trick
Measuring cups – eyeballing works, but measurements keep the sauce perfect

That’s it! Now let’s make some magic happen.

How to Make Creamy Parmesan Pasta with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Alright, let’s dive into the magic-making! I’ll walk you through each step just like I would if we were cooking together in my kitchen – with all my little tricks and “aha” moments included.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

First things first – get that pasta going! Bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil (it should taste like the sea). Drop in your pasta and cook it just until al dente – about 1 minute less than the package says. Here’s my secret: scoop out a mug of that starchy pasta water before draining! We’ll use it later to make our sauce silky smooth. Drain the pasta and give it a quick drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking while it waits.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, let’s work on those golden chicken bites. Heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat – you want it nice and hot but not smoking. Pat your chicken cubes dry (this helps them brown beautifully) and add them in a single layer. Don’t crowd the pan! Let them sizzle undisturbed for 2-3 minutes per side until they develop that gorgeous golden crust. They’ll finish cooking through in the sauce later, so don’t worry if they’re still slightly pink inside at this stage.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

Now for the showstopper! Push the chicken to one side of the pan and reduce heat to medium. Add your butter and let it melt until it starts foaming slightly – that’s when you know it’s ready for the garlic. Toss in your minced garlic and stir constantly for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant (but not brown – burnt garlic is bitter!). Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly. This is when you’ll want to add that reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until the sauce coats the back of a spoon beautifully.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

The grand finale! Remove the pan from heat (this prevents the cheese from clumping) and stir in your grated parmesan until it melts into the sauce. Return the drained pasta to the pan along with the chicken and any juices. Toss everything together with tongs, making sure every strand gets coated in that luscious sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning – sometimes I add an extra pinch of salt or a of black pepper at this stage. Serve immediately while it’s piping hot, maybe with an extra sprinkle of parmesan because… why not? Dig in and enjoy the creamy, garlicky bliss!

Tips for Perfect Creamy Parmesan Pasta with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

After making this dish more times than I can count (okay fine, weekly), I’ve picked up some foolproof tricks to guarantee restaurant-quality results every single time:

Temperature matters: Take your cream out 10 minutes early – room temp blends smoothly without curdling when it hits the hot pan.
Space those chicken bites: Overcrowding steams instead of sears. Cook in batches if needed for that perfect golden crust.
Garlic timing is everything: Add it just as the butter foams and stir constantly – 30 seconds max keeps it fragrant without bitterness.
Pasta water gold: That starchy liquid is magic for adjusting sauce consistency. Add it gradually until it coats your spoon perfectly.

Trust me, these little details make all the difference between good and “oh-my-gosh-I-made-this?!” amazing.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

Listen, I know we don’t always have exactly what a recipe calls for – and that’s okay! Here are my tried-and-true swaps that keep this dish delicious no matter what’s in your pantry:

Out of heavy cream? Half-and-half works beautifully, or mix whole milk with a tablespoon of flour for thickness (just whisk well to avoid lumps).
Parmesan alternatives: Pecorino Romano packs a similar salty punch, or try Asiago for a slightly milder flavor.
Gluten-free? Your favorite GF pasta works great here – just watch the cooking time since some varieties cook faster.
Chicken variations: Thinly sliced chicken thighs add richer flavor, or swap in shrimp for a seafood twist (cook just until pink!).

The beauty of this recipe? It’s like your favorite jeans – it looks good no matter how you style it!

Serving Suggestions for Creamy Parmesan Pasta with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Now, let’s talk about turning this already-amazing dish into a complete meal that’ll have everyone at the table begging for seconds! Here’s how I love to serve it:

Crusty garlic bread: Perfect for mopping up every last drop of that creamy sauce (I won’t judge if you lick the plate).
Simple green salad: A crisp mix of arugula with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully.
Roasted veggies: Toss some asparagus or broccoli in olive oil and roast while the pasta cooks – easy peasy!

Sometimes I’ll even add a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio – because why not make Tuesday night feel special?

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Okay, confession time – I rarely have leftovers of this dish because it’s just that good! But if you somehow manage to resist eating it all, here’s how to keep it tasting fresh:

Fridge storage: Let it cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. It’ll stay delicious for 3-4 days – the flavors actually deepen overnight!
Freezer option: Portion into freezer-safe bags (lay flat to save space) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating magic: Always reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce. Microwaving tends to make the pasta gummy and the sauce separate – trust me, I learned this the hard way!

Pro tip: If freezing, undercook the pasta slightly – it’ll finish cooking when reheated and stay perfectly al dente.

Nutritional Information

Here’s the scoop on what’s in each comforting bite (but remember – these are estimates based on my exact ingredients):

Calories: 650 per serving
Protein: 40g (hello, muscle fuel!)
Carbs: 45g
Fat: 35g (the good kind that makes it taste amazing)

Just a friendly reminder – nutritional values can vary depending on your specific ingredients and brands. But honestly? Some dishes are worth every delicious calorie!

Frequently Asked Questions

I’ve gotten so many questions about this recipe over the years – here are the ones that pop up most often (with all my hard-earned answers!):

Can I use pre-shredded parmesan?
Technically? Yes. But freshly grated melts SO much better without that weird grainy texture. The pre-shredded stuff has anti-caking agents that can make your sauce slightly clumpy. If you must use it, let the sauce simmer a bit longer to help it incorporate.

How do I prevent the sauce from separating?
Two secrets: 1) Remove the pan from heat before adding cheese (shocking temperature changes cause separation), and 2) Use room temperature cream. Also, that starchy pasta water works miracles for bringing everything back together if it does separate.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Cook everything except combining the pasta with sauce. Store separately, then gently reheat the sauce while cooking fresh pasta. Toss together right before serving – it’ll taste just-made!

Is there a lighter version?
Sure! Swap half the cream for whole milk thickened with a teaspoon of cornstarch. It won’t be quite as decadent, but still delicious. But don’t skip the butter – that’s where the magic happens! If you are looking for other quick dinner ideas, check out this lazy girl pasta recipe.

Share Your Feedback

I’d love to hear how your creamy parmesan pasta turned out! Did you add any fun twists? Leave a comment below or snap a photo – nothing makes me happier than seeing your kitchen creations. Happy cooking, friends!

30-Minute Creamy Parmesan Pasta with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Perfection

Author: Ella Parker
Total Time: 25 mins
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Diet: Low Lactose

Print Recipe

Description

A delicious and creamy parmesan pasta paired with garlic butter chicken bites.

Ingredients

Scale

8 oz pasta
2 chicken , cubed
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp butter
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add chicken cubes and cook until browned.
Add minced garlic and butter to the pan. Stir until fragrant.
Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
Stir in parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Add cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot.

Notes

Use freshly grated parmesan for best results.
Adjust seasoning to taste.
Add a splash of pasta water if sauce is too thick.

Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate
Calories: 650
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 450mg
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 40g
Cholesterol: 150mg

Keywords: creamy parmesan pasta, garlic butter chicken, easy pasta recipe