Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Delicious Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Pasta is a rich, comforting dish that combines juicy, golden-seared chicken bites with a creamy garlic butter sauce tossed in perfectly cooked pasta. It’s quick to prepare, packed with flavor, and makes for a cozy dinner any night of the week. A guaranteed crowd-pleaser with minimal effort.

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 or thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)pasta of choice (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)garlic (minced)butterolive oilsaltblack pepperItalian seasoning or dried herbs (optional)grated Parmesan cheeseheavy cream (optional for a richer sauce)fresh parsley (chopped)red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

directions

Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.

Season chicken bites with salt, pepper, and optional Italian seasoning.

Heat olive oil and a tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add chicken in a single layer and cook for 5-7 minutes, flipping to brown all sides until cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add remaining butter.

Sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant.

Optional: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or reserved pasta water to create a silky sauce.

Return chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat in the garlic butter.

Add cooked pasta to the pan and toss until everything is well combined.

Stir in grated Parmesan and chopped parsley. Adjust seasoning as needed.

Serve hot, garnished with extra cheese or red pepper flakes if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 20 minutesTotal time: 30 minutes

Variations

Use shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood twist.

Add sautéed spinach, broccoli, or cherry tomatoes for extra color and nutrition.

Swap heavy cream for cream cheese or half-and-half for a creamy version.

Use gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary needs.

Try it with lemon zest and juice for a fresh, zesty twist.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or cream, or microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through.Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the pasta and sauce may change.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes, just skip the sautéing step and toss it in the garlic butter at the end.

What pasta works best?

Short pastas like penne or rotini hold the sauce well, but any pasta works.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Use plant-based butter and omit Parmesan or use a vegan alternative.

Is this recipe spicy?

Not unless you add red pepper flakes—adjust to taste.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes, stir in your favorites like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.

How do I make it creamy?

Add heavy cream or cream cheese to the garlic butter for a richer sauce.

Can I meal prep this?

Yes, it holds up well and reheats easily for lunch or dinner throughout the week.

What’s the best way to cook chicken bites?

Sear over medium-high heat until golden and cooked through for the best texture.

Can I use pre-minced garlic?

Yes, but fresh garlic gives the best flavor.

Is this kid-friendly?

Absolutely—just keep the seasoning mild if needed.

Conclusion

Delicious Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Pasta is a fast, flavorful meal that delivers comfort and satisfaction in every bite. With tender chicken, garlicky goodness, and perfectly coated pasta, it’s ideal for weeknight dinners or impressing guests without the fuss. Make it once, and it’s sure to earn a spot in your regular rotation.