Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Penne and Cheese – A 25-Minute Creamy Pasta Dream

When comfort meets indulgence, the result is this unforgettable **Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Penne and Cheese**. Imagine juicy, golden chicken pieces seared in **buttery garlic**, folded into tender **penne pasta**, and coated in a silky **mozzarella-Parmesan cream sauce** that clings to every bite. This dish is the definition of **irresistible pasta perfection**—rich, cheesy, garlicky, and unbelievably easy to make.

Loved by families, foodies, and pasta lovers alike, this recipe delivers **restaurant-quality flavor** in under 30 minutes. The buttery chicken creates bold aroma, the cream sauce adds luxury, and the melted cheese brings everything together into a meal you’ll crave weekly. It’s creamy, cozy, and packed with **ultimate comfort food appeal**.

Ingredients & Their Role

• Chicken Breast (1 lb, bite-sized pieces) – Lean, tender protein that cooks quickly and develops a golden crust, delivering juicy bites that contrast beautifully with the creamy pasta.
• Penne Pasta (12 oz) – Tube-shaped pasta designed to trap sauce inside and out, ensuring every bite is loaded with creamy cheese and garlic flavor.
• Unsalted Butter (4 tbsp) – Forms the base of the **garlic butter sauce**, adds richness, helps brown the chicken, and creates silky texture in the cream sauce without overpowering saltiness.
• Fresh Garlic (4 cloves, minced) – The star flavor element. Garlic infuses the butter with deep fragrance and delivers bold, savory warmth that makes the dish addictive.
• Garlic Powder (½ tsp) – Boosts garlic intensity, ensures seasoning sticks to the chicken, and enhances the overall depth of flavor.
• Onion Powder (½ tsp) – Adds mild sweetness and aromatic balance, rounding out the seasoning so the garlic doesn’t feel one-dimensional.
• Salt & Pepper (to taste) – Essential for seasoning the chicken and sauce, enhancing every flavor layer and adding subtle heat from pepper.
• Heavy Cream (½ cup) – Creates the rich, thick foundation for the **cheese cream sauce**, giving the pasta a luxurious mouthfeel.
• Mozzarella Cheese (1½ cups shredded) – Melts into stretchy, creamy goodness that coats pasta evenly and provides mild, milky richness.
• Parmesan Cheese (½ cup grated) – Sharp, salty, nutty cheese that balances mozzarella and adds authentic Italian **umami flavor** to the sauce.
• Fresh Parsley (1 tbsp chopped, garnish) – Adds brightness, color, and a hint of freshness to balance the richness of the butter and cheese.

Step-By-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Penne Pasta Bring salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until **al dente** according to package instructions. Drain well and set aside. Avoid overcooking so pasta holds shape when mixed with sauce.
2. Sear the Chicken Bites Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a wide skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and season generously with **garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper**. Cook 6–8 minutes until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside to lock in moisture.
3. Build the Garlic Butter Base In the same skillet, melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Add fresh minced garlic and sauté 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Do not burn—golden garlic equals perfect flavor.
4. Make the Cream Sauce Pour in heavy cream and stir to combine. Simmer gently 3–4 minutes until it thickens slightly. This forms the foundation for the cheese to melt smoothly.
5. Add Mozzarella and Parmesan Lower heat and gradually stir in cheeses. Mix constantly until melted, smooth, and glossy. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon.
6. Combine Chicken and Pasta Return chicken to the pan, then add drained penne. Toss carefully until every bite is coated in **cheesy garlic cream sauce**.
7. Serve and Garnish Plate immediately while sauce is hot and creamy. Finish with a sprinkle of **fresh parsley** for color and aroma.

Why This Recipe Is a Favorite

✔ Ready in just **25 minutes** ✔ Packed with **garlic butter flavor** ✔ Creamy, cheesy, satisfying sauce ✔ Kid-approved, family-friendly meal ✔ Uses simple, pantry-accessible ingredients ✔ Perfect for weeknight dinners and meal rotation

Pro Tips for Perfect Results

• Cut chicken evenly so every bite browns at the same rate.
• Use a wide skillet to avoid steaming the chicken—browning creates the best flavor.
• Add cheese over low heat to prevent clumping or grainy texture.
• Reserve 2 tbsp pasta water and stir in if sauce gets too thick—it adds silkiness.
• Dry the pasta well before adding so sauce sticks instead of sliding off.
• Don’t replace heavy cream with milk if you want true restaurant texture.

Serving Suggestions

Complete your meal with sides that enhance the dish without competing:

• **Garlic bread** to soak extra cheese sauce
• **Caesar or green salad** for refreshing contrast
• **Roasted broccoli or asparagus** for added nutrition
• **Chili flakes** on top for heat lovers
• **Lemon wedges** for optional brightness

Recipe Overview

⏱ **Prep Time:** 10 minutes 🍳 **Cook Time:** 15 minutes 🍽 **Total Time:** 25 minutes 🔥 **Calories:** ~680 per serving 🥣 **Servings:** 4

Final Verdict

This **Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta** is the perfect blend of speed and indulgence. It delivers **golden chicken bites**, a creamy cheese sauce, and bold garlic aroma—all without complicated techniques. One pan, 25 minutes, endless compliments.

If you want a **quick cheesy pasta recipe** that tastes like fine dining but feels like home, this is your new go-to. Simple to make, rich in flavor, and endlessly satisfying, this dish proves that comfort food doesn’t need hours to taste incredible.

Make it once, and it becomes a staple. Make it twice, and it becomes a craving. Make it weekly, and your family will thank you. This is the **best Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Penne and Cheese** you’ll find—creamy, cheesy, garlicky, effortless, unforgettable.