FAQsHow do you make garlic butter chicken bites with creamy pasta?

Start by searing seasoned chicken bites in butter until golden. In the same skillet, sauté garlic, then add broth, cream, and parmesan to build the sauce. Simmer until thick, return the chicken to the pan, and toss in cooked pasta until fully coated. It’s a simple, flavor-packed dish that comes together in under 30 minutes.

What’s the best pasta to use with garlic chicken?

Short pastas like penne, rigatoni, or rotini are perfect because they hold the sauce well. Fettuccine or linguine are also great for a silky bite. You want a shape that traps the creamy garlic butter sauce and blends well with the chicken bites.

Can I use heavy cream or cream cheese for the sauce?

Absolutely. Heavy cream provides richness and a silky finish. If you prefer a slightly tangier or thicker texture, cream cheese is a great alternative. For a lighter version, use half-and-half or Greek yogurt—but adjust the seasoning accordingly.

How do you keep creamy chicken pasta from drying out?

Always reserve a bit of pasta water to rehydrate the sauce if needed. When reheating, add a splash of cream, milk, or broth and warm gently over low heat. This keeps the creamy garlic butter chicken pasta smooth and prevents the chicken from overcooking.

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Pasta – 5-Star Comfort Dinner in 30 Minutes

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tbsp butter
1 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream (or ½ cup cream cheese for variation)
½ cup chicken broth
½ cup grated parmesan cheese
8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or fettuccine)
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

Cook pasta until al dente, according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
In a bowl, season chicken with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add chicken pieces in a single layer and sear for 3–4 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tbsp butter. Sauté garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in chicken broth and stir, scraping up brown bits from the bottom.
Stir in the cream (or cream cheese) and bring to a gentle simmer.
Add parmesan cheese and stir until smooth and creamy.
Return chicken bites to the skillet and simmer in sauce for 2–3 minutes.
Add cooked pasta and a splash of pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Toss everything together until evenly coated.
Garnish with chopped parsley and more parmesan before serving.

Notes

For extra richness, use a mix of cream and cream cheese.
Add spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for more texture and flavor.
Reheat leftovers with a splash of milk or broth to maintain creaminess.
Great served with garlic bread or a light green salad.

Author: Paula
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American