Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Spaghetti Recipe – Cozy weeknight comfort in 30 minutes

Introduction

I remember the first time the kitchen filled with warm garlic and butter — the whole house seemed to slow down. This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Spaghetti smells like that: buttery, garlicky, and a little indulgent. This always takes me back to Sunday dinners. Also, if you like a similar twist, try my grilled chicken bites with creamy garlic sauce for another weeknight favorite.

Why You’ll Love This

• Quick: Ready in about 30 minutes, so dinner stays simple.
• Crowd-pleaser: Kids and guests love the creamy sauce.
• Budget-friendly: Uses pantry staples and one protein.
• Versatile: Swap spices for more heat or more herbs; see tips.
• Comforting: Buttery, garlicky, and richly cheesy.

Quick Recipe Snapshot

• Servings: 4
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 20 minutes
• Total time: 30 minutes
• Skill level: Easy
• Taste: savory + buttery
  This dish is forgiving, so start confidently and adjust seasoning as you go. Also, if you want a richer spin, pair it with simple buttered noodles like in my chicken with buttered noodles.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1.25 lbs chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp Cajun seasoning (optional for heat)
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 12 oz spaghetti
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup pasta water (reserved)
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• Fresh parsley (optional garnish)
• Extra Parmesan (optional garnish)

Chef notes:

• Fresh garlic = bigger flavor.
• Unsalted butter helps control salt.

How to Make It

1. First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside. You should see a slightly firm bite when you test a strand.
2. Next, season the chicken pieces with 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp Cajun (if using), salt, and pepper. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and listen for a steady sizzle. Cook until golden and cooked through, about 4–6 minutes, turning so all sides brown. The edges should look nicely golden.
3. Then, lower the heat slightly and add 2 tbsp butter and the 3 minced garlic cloves to the pan. Stir so the garlic blooms in the butter. Cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute, then remove the chicken to a plate. The butter will smell nutty and garlic-forward.
4. Meanwhile, wipe the skillet lightly. Melt 1 tbsp butter over medium heat, and pour in 1 cup heavy cream. Bring the cream to a gentle simmer, stirring often. Whisk in 1 cup grated Parmesan until the sauce looks smooth and glossy. Add 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning. If the sauce gets too thick, stir in reserved pasta water a splash at a time until it loosens.
5. Now, add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce and toss well so every strand gets covered. The sauce should coat the pasta, not pool at the bottom. If it sticks, add a touch more pasta water.
6. Finally, nestle the garlic butter chicken bites on top or fold them into the pasta. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve hot, and enjoy the first forkful while it steams.

For another creamy, bold pasta, try the creamy cajun chicken linguine I sometimes make when I want a spicy night.

Kitchen Tips (From My Kitchen)

1. Time-saver: Cut chicken the night before and keep chilled for faster cooking.
2. Common mistake + fix: If the sauce breaks, lower the heat and whisk in a splash more pasta water slowly to bring it back.
3. Simple variation: Swap Italian seasoning for fresh basil or add red pepper flakes for heat.

Serving Ideas

• Weeknight dinner: Plate with a simple green salad and lemon wedges.
• Cozy weekend: Serve with garlic bread and roasted veggies.
• Casual party: Spoon into a large bowl for family-style serving.
• Brunch idea: Serve smaller portions with poached eggs on top.
  Pair with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan and chopped parsley for color.

Also, if you want a steak-and-pasta combo, this pairs well with recipes like cajun garlic butter steak with cheesy alfredo tortellini.

Storing & Leftovers

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze sauce and chicken separately for up to 2 months; pasta texture changes.
• Reheat: Gently rewarm in a skillet with a splash of cream or milk to restore creaminess.
  Leftover idea: Toss chilled leftovers into a warm bowl and top with a fried egg for a quick lunch bowl.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes. You can cook the chicken and sauce a day ahead. Reheat gently and toss with freshly cooked pasta to keep the texture bright. This makes relaxing weeknight service much easier.
Q: What can I substitute for heavy cream?
A: Use half-and-half plus a tablespoon of flour to thicken, but expect a lighter richness.
Q: How do I know the chicken is done?
A: Check for no pink inside and a firm texture. A thermometer reads 165°F (74°C) at the thickest piece.
Q: Can I freeze the whole dish?
A: You can, but the pasta will become softer; freeze only the sauce and chicken for best texture.

Final Thoughts

I love this recipe because it’s honest and forgiving — butter, garlic, and Parmesan do most of the work. Please try it, tweak the spice level to your taste, and make it yours. I hope it brings the same cozy, comforting feeling to your table that it does to mine; enjoy your Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Spaghetti.

Conclusion

For another take on a similar creamy chicken pasta, check this helpful recipe for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta, and for a quick five-ingredient idea, see Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites (Just 5 Ingredients) – The Kitchn.

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Spaghetti

Quick and comforting Garlic Butter Chicken Bites served over creamy Parmesan spaghetti, perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Italian

Calories: 600

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Chicken

• 1.25 lbs chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter Unsalted for better salt control
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 0.5 tsp paprika
• 0.5 tsp Cajun seasoning Optional for heat
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• 3 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic for bigger flavor

For the Pasta

• 12 oz spaghetti
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 0.5 cup pasta water, reserved
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 0.5 tsp Italian seasoning
• Fresh parsley, optional garnish
• Extra Parmesan, optional garnish

Method

 

Cooking the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8–10 minutes.
3. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside.

Preparing the Chicken

1. Season the chicken pieces with garlic powder, paprika, Cajun seasoning (if using), salt, and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken and cook until golden and cooked through, about 4–6 minutes.
4. Reduce heat, add butter and minced garlic, and cook until fragrant.
5. Remove chicken and set aside.

Making the Sauce

1. Wipe the skillet lightly and melt butter over medium heat.
2. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
3. Whisk in Parmesan until the sauce is smooth and glossy.
4. Add Italian seasoning. If the sauce is thick, stir in reserved pasta water.

Assembly

1. Add cooked spaghetti to the sauce and toss well.
2. Nestle the garlic butter chicken bites on top or fold into the pasta.
3. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan, then serve hot.

Notes

You can cut chicken the night before for faster cooking. If the sauce breaks, lower the heat and whisk in more pasta water slowly.