Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Pasta is a mouthwatering dish that brings together tender, golden chicken bites tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce with perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a quick and satisfying meal ideal for busy weeknights or comforting dinners, packed with flavor and ready in no time.

Delicious Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Pasta

ingredients

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

chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)olive oilbuttergarlic cloves (minced)paprikaitalian seasoningcrushed red pepper flakes (optional)salt and black pepperfresh parsley (chopped)parmesan cheese (grated)pasta of choice (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)chicken broth or pasta water (for loosening the sauce)

directions

Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.

While the pasta cooks, season the chicken bites with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and sear until golden and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Return the chicken to the skillet, stir to coat in the garlic butter, and add a splash of chicken broth or reserved pasta water to create a light sauce.

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together. Sprinkle with parmesan, fresh parsley, and red pepper flakes if using.

Serve warm with extra cheese on top.

Servings and timing

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

Variations

Use shrimp or turkey instead of chicken for a protein swap.

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

Stir in a splash of heavy cream for a creamier sauce.

Use gluten-free pasta to make the dish gluten-free.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work well and stay juicy.

What kind of pasta works best?
Short pasta like penne or rigatoni holds the sauce well, but any type works.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the chicken and pasta ahead, then quickly reheat and combine.

Is this dish spicy?
It’s mild by default, but you can add more red pepper flakes to increase the heat.

Can I freeze Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Pasta?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but can be frozen. Reheat gently to avoid drying out the chicken.

How do I keep the chicken juicy?
Don’t overcook the chicken and sear on high heat to lock in moisture.

Can I add cheese to the sauce?
Yes, parmesan or a little mozzarella melts nicely into the sauce.

What sides go well with this pasta?
A crisp green salad or garlic bread pairs perfectly.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Pasta is the ultimate comfort food—simple, flavorful, and satisfying. It’s a versatile dish you’ll want to make again and again, perfect for both a casual dinner or a cozy night in. With its garlicky richness and tender bites of chicken, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation.