Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a rich and comforting dinner made with golden, pan-seared chicken pieces smothered in garlic butter sauce and served alongside silky Parmesan cream pasta. This dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor with a perfect balance of crispy chicken and creamy pasta, exactly like the photo.

Ingredients

For the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

• 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into large bite-size pieces

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 5 cloves garlic, minced

• ¼ cup chicken broth

• ¼ cup heavy cream

• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta

• 12 oz spaghetti (or linguine)

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup heavy cream

• ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional, but recommended)

• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.

2. Season the Chicken

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

3. Sear the Chicken Bites

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add chicken pieces in a single layer.

Cook for 4–5 minutes per side, until deeply golden brown and fully cooked.
Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.

4. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium.
Add butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Pour in chicken broth and simmer for 2 minutes, scraping up browned bits.
Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until smooth.

Return chicken to the skillet and simmer for 2–3 minutes until coated in creamy garlic butter sauce.
Finish with chopped parsley.

5. Prepare the Creamy Parmesan Pasta

In a separate pan, melt butter over medium heat.
Add garlic and sauté briefly.

Pour in heavy cream, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Simmer gently for 3–4 minutes.
Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.

Add cooked pasta and a splash of reserved pasta water if needed. Toss until silky and well coated.

6. Serve

Plate creamy Parmesan pasta and top with garlic butter chicken bites.
Spoon extra sauce over the chicken. Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan.

Texture & Appearance (Like the Photo)

• Golden, crispy-edged chicken bites

• Rich garlic butter cream sauce pooling on the plate

• Creamy, glossy Parmesan pasta

• Visible herbs and melted cheese throughout

Storage & Reheating

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days

• Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk

• Not recommended for freezing (cream sauce may separate)