Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Delicious Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Pasta is a flavorful and comforting dish made with tender, juicy chicken pieces sautéed in garlic butter, tossed with perfectly cooked pasta and a light, savory sauce. It’s quick, satisfying, and perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels like a restaurant-quality meal without the fuss.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite)
butter
olive oil
garlic (minced)
Italian seasoning
paprika
salt
black pepper
grated Parmesan cheese
fresh parsley (chopped)
optional: red pepper flakes, lemon juice, cherry tomatoes, or baby spinach
directions
Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
Heat olive oil and half of the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add chicken in a single layer and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add remaining butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Return the chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic butter.
Add cooked pasta and a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Toss everything together until well combined.
Stir in Parmesan cheese and adjust seasoning if needed.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
Add spinach or cherry tomatoes for extra color and flavor.
Use shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood twist.
Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
Use cream or cream cheese for a richer sauce.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or in the microwave until warmed through.
Not recommended for freezing, as the texture may change.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, just warm it in the garlic butter before adding the pasta.
What type of pasta works best?
Short shapes like penne or farfalle hold the sauce well, but any pasta will work.
Is this dish spicy?
Not by default, but you can add red pepper flakes for heat.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Use dairy-free butter and skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
Can I meal prep this?
Yes, it reheats well for lunches or quick dinners.
Conclusion
Delicious Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Pasta is the perfect combination of comfort, ease, and bold flavor. With juicy chicken, fragrant garlic butter, and tender pasta, it’s a dish that comes together fast and leaves everyone satisfied. Ideal for weeknights or casual entertaining, it’s a recipe worth repeating.
PrintDelicious Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Pasta Recipe
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Pasta is a flavorful and satisfying dish featuring tender, juicy chicken bites tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce with perfectly cooked pasta. A quick and delicious dinner option for any night of the week.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 oz pasta (penne or your choice)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Season chicken pieces with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 6–8 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, stir in the garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Return chicken to the skillet and toss in the garlic butter sauce.
- Add cooked pasta and Parmesan cheese. Toss everything to combine and heat through.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Add a splash of chicken broth or pasta water if you prefer a saucier consistency.
- Great with a side salad or garlic bread.
- Try using shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 95mg