Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Alfredo Pasta

by

Why This Dish Is So Irresistible

  • Juicy, flavorful chicken with golden crust
  • Rich, creamy Alfredo sauce
  • Simple ingredients
  • One-pan chicken + one-pot pasta
  • Restaurant-style comfort food
  • Crowd-pleasing and filling

This recipe balances crispy textures, creamy sauce, and savory garlic butter flavor perfectly.

What This Dish Tastes Like

  • Savory, buttery chicken with garlic and herbs
  • Creamy, cheesy pasta sauce
  • Mild richness without being heavy
  • Perfect balance of salt, fat, and cream

It’s indulgent but not overwhelming, and incredibly comforting.

Recipe Breakdown

This dish has three main components:

  1. Garlic butter chicken bites
  2. Creamy Alfredo sauce
  3. Perfectly cooked pasta

Each element is simple, but together they create a powerful combination.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Bites

  • 700 g chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)

For the Pasta

  • 400 g fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti
  • Salt for boiling water

For the Creamy Alfredo Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 300 ml heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Salt to taste

For Garnish

  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Extra Parmesan cheese

Equipment Needed

  • Large skillet
  • Large pot for pasta
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Knife and cutting board

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add generous salt — the water should taste like the sea.

Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.

Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta water.

Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

In a large bowl, add the chicken pieces.

Season with:

  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Paprika
  • Oregano
  • Onion powder
  • Chili flakes (if using)

Toss well so every piece is evenly coated.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken Bites

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the chicken in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the pan — cook in batches if needed.

Cook for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.

Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.

Step 4: Make Garlic Butter Base

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium.

Add butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant (do not brown).

This step builds deep flavor from the browned bits left by the chicken.

Step 5: Prepare the Alfredo Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine.

Let it simmer gently for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently.

Add:

  • Black pepper
  • Salt (taste first, Parmesan is salty)

Gradually add grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until melted and smooth.

If sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add cooked pasta to the sauce.

Toss gently until pasta is fully coated in the creamy Alfredo sauce.

Adjust consistency with pasta water if needed.

Step 7: Add Chicken Bites

Return the chicken to the skillet.

Gently fold into the pasta and sauce, allowing flavors to combine.

Cook for 1–2 minutes just to warm everything through.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat.

Garnish with:

  • Fresh parsley
  • Extra Parmesan

Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Texture & Flavor Tips

  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melt
  • Don’t overcook chicken — juicy bites are key
  • Pasta water helps create silky sauce
  • Medium heat prevents sauce from breaking

Storage Instructions

  • Store leftovers in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 3 days
  • Reheat gently on stove with splash of milk or cream
  • Not recommended for freezing due to cream sauce

Variations & Customizations

Lemon Garlic Chicken

Add 1 tablespoon lemon juice to the sauce for brightness.

Spicy Version

Increase chili flakes or add Cajun seasoning.

Mushroom Alfredo

Sauté mushrooms with garlic before adding cream.

Shrimp Version

Replace chicken with shrimp, cooking for 2 minutes per side.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with garlic bread
  • Pair with green salad
  • Add roasted vegetables on the side
  • Perfect for romantic dinners

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Overcrowding the pan
  • Using pre-grated cheese
  • High heat after adding cream
  • Skipping pasta water

Why This Recipe Works

The chicken is seared separately to stay juicy and golden, while the sauce is built gently to stay creamy and smooth. Combining everything at the end keeps textures perfect and flavors balanced.

This dish is rich but controlled, indulgent but not heavy — exactly what comfort food should be.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Alfredo Pasta recipe delivers everything you want in a comfort meal: flavor, texture, warmth, and satisfaction. It looks like a restaurant dish, tastes indulgent, and is surprisingly easy to make.

Leave a Comment