Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Delicious Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Pasta is a savory, satisfying dish packed with juicy, golden-seared chicken bites and tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce over perfectly cooked pasta. This quick and easy meal is ideal for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings. The creamy, garlicky flavor combined with tender chicken and pasta makes it an instant family favorite.

ingredients

Delicious Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Pasta Recipe

Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)olive oilsalt and black pepperpaprikagarlic powderunsalted butterfresh garlic (minced)red pepper flakes (optional)chicken brothheavy creamgrated Parmesan cheesepasta of choice (like penne or fettuccine)fresh parsley (chopped)

directions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

In a bowl, toss chicken pieces with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder until evenly coated.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.

Return the chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until evenly coated.

Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 20 minutesTotal time: 30 minutes

Variations

Use shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood twist.

Add spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.

Swap heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce.

Use gluten-free pasta if preferred.

Add a squeeze of lemon juice for a zesty finish.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.Microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work well and offer a juicier texture.

Is this dish spicy?
It can be mildly spicy if red pepper flakes are used, but you can skip them for a milder version.

What pasta works best with this recipe?
Short pasta like penne or rotini holds the sauce well, but fettuccine or spaghetti also works great.

Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the chicken and sauce ahead. Cook pasta fresh and combine when ready to serve.

Can I freeze this dish?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it for up to 1 month. Reheat gently with added cream or broth.

How can I make it dairy-free?
Use plant-based butter and cream alternatives, and skip the cheese or use a dairy-free version.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely! Just omit red pepper flakes for a milder flavor.

Can I add vegetables?
Yes, broccoli, peas, or bell peppers are great additions.

Conclusion

Delicious Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Pasta is a rich and flavorful dish that’s simple to make yet impressive enough to serve guests. With juicy chicken, creamy garlic sauce, and comforting pasta all in one, it’s a perfect dinner solution for any occasion. Give it a try, and it just might become your new go-to meal!