Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Delicious Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Pasta is a quick and comforting dish loaded with juicy, golden chicken bites tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce and served over perfectly cooked pasta. It’s flavorful, creamy, and easy to make—all in under 30 minutes! Perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or when you’re craving something hearty and satisfying.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
chicken breast or thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)pastabutterolive oilgarlic (minced)Italian seasoningpaprikasaltblack pepperchicken broth or pasta waterparmesan cheese (grated)heavy cream or half-and-half (optional for a creamy twist)fresh parsley (for garnish)
directions
Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Season chicken bites with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat.
Add chicken and cook for 6–8 minutes, turning to brown all sides until fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add remaining butter. Sauté garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
Deglaze the pan with chicken broth or reserved pasta water, scraping up any browned bits.
Add cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything together until well coated.
Stir in parmesan cheese and a splash of cream if using for a creamier texture.
Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot with extra cheese if desired.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15–20 minutes
Total time: 25–30 minutes
Variations
Add spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and veggies.
Use shrimp or tofu instead of chicken for a protein swap.
Swap parmesan for mozzarella or a blend for a gooier finish.
Add red pepper flakes for a little heat.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce.
Not ideal for freezing due to the dairy content.
FAQs

Can I make this without cream?
Yes! It’s delicious with just garlic butter and broth.
What pasta works best?
Short pastas like penne, rotini, or rigatoni hold the sauce well, but any type works.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, just warm it in the butter sauce before adding the pasta.
Is it kid-friendly?
Absolutely—mild, buttery, and cheesy flavors make it a hit with kids.
How do I keep the chicken juicy?
Don’t overcook—brown on high heat and remove once fully cooked.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just use a large skillet or pot to accommodate everything.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and check labels on all ingredients.
Is the garlic overpowering?
Not at all—when sautéed in butter, garlic mellows into a rich, aromatic base.
What sides go well?
Serve with a side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables.
Can I prep this ahead?
You can cook the chicken and pasta in advance, then reheat and toss together just before serving.
Conclusion
Delicious Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Pasta is a fast, flavorful dish that delivers big on taste with minimal effort. With tender chicken, garlicky butter sauce, and plenty of parmesan, it’s a feel-good meal you’ll want to make again and again. Simple, satisfying, and full of comfort in every bite.
PrintDelicious Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Pasta is a rich, comforting meal made with juicy chicken pieces seared to perfection, tossed in a buttery garlic sauce, and served over pasta. It’s creamy, savory, and comes together in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights!
Ingredients
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For the Chicken:
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1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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1/2 teaspoon paprika
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1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
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3 tablespoons unsalted butter
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
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1/4 cup chicken broth
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
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For the Pasta:
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8 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or your favorite shape)
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Salt for boiling water
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Instructions
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Cook the pasta according to package directions in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
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While pasta is cooking, season the chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
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In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
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In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
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Stir in chicken broth and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
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Add Parmesan cheese and lemon juice. Stir until smooth.
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Return the chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic butter sauce.
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Add the cooked pasta and a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Toss until everything is well coated.
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Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve warm. Add extra Parmesan if desired!
Notes
You can use shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood twist.
Want it creamier? Add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese to the sauce.
Leftovers reheat well with a splash of broth or water.
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