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

For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

For the Pasta:
- 8 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or your favorite shape)
- Salt for boiling water

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Instructions

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.
While pasta is cooking, season the chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
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.
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Stir in chicken broth and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Add Parmesan cheese and lemon juice. Stir until smooth.
Return the chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic butter sauce.
Add the cooked pasta and a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Toss until everything is well coated.

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.