Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Pasta

Easy, Flavorful Dinner for Two or the Whole Family

If you’re searching for a fast, flavorful, and satisfying meal that pleases even the pickiest eaters, this Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Pasta is your new go-to. Inspired by popular Factor meal recipes, this dish is a cozy, high-protein comfort food that’s easy enough for busy weeknights and fancy enough for date night.

Think juicy, seared chicken bites bathed in garlic butter paired with a light creamy pasta—all made in under 30 minutes. It’s budget-friendly, great for two people or a small family, and can be adapted to suit picky eaters or elevated with seasonal add-ins.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-pan chicken + pasta = fewer dishes

• Customizable for low-carb, high-protein, or family-friendly diets

• Quick to make: ready in 30 minutes or less

• Perfect for summer dinners, meal prep, or weeknight meals

• Restaurant-style flavor without the cost

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Ingredients Overview

For the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, diced into 1-inch chunks

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ tsp Italian seasoning

• ½ tsp paprika

• Salt & pepper, to taste

• Optional: red pepper flakes for a spicy kick

For the Creamy Pasta:

• 8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, fettuccine, or gluten-free)

• 2 tbsp butter or olive oil

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ cup low-fat milk or half & half

• ½ cup chicken broth

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan

• Optional: ½ tsp lemon zest, fresh parsley, spinach, or cherry tomatoes

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

• Bring a pot of salted water to a boil

• Cook pasta until al dente, reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

• Pat chicken dry, season with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high

• Add chicken bites in a single layer; sear 2–3 mins per side until golden and cooked through

• Add butter and garlic, stir to coat chicken well for 1–2 more minutes

• Transfer chicken to a plate and keep warm

Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

• In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds

• Add chicken broth and milk; bring to a gentle simmer

• Stir in Parmesan cheese and mix until melted and slightly thickened

• Add cooked pasta and toss until well coated

• Adjust thickness with reserved pasta water if needed

Step 4: Combine and Serve

• Return chicken bites to skillet, toss everything together

• Optional: add spinach, parsley, or lemon zest for freshness

• Serve hot, topped with extra Parmesan or red chili flakes if desired

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Variations & Substitutions

Make It Low Carb:

• Swap pasta for zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash, or shirataki noodles

Add Vegetables:

• Spinach, mushrooms, broccoli, or cherry tomatoes

• Add during the last few minutes of cooking the sauce

Spice It Up:

• Add cajun seasoning or chili flakes to the chicken

• Stir in a spoon of pesto or sun-dried tomato paste to the sauce

Make It Dairy-Free:

• Use coconut milk or cashew cream and skip the Parmesan

• Sub with a vegan cheese if desired

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Serving Ideas

This recipe is filling on its own but pairs well with:

• Side salad with lemon vinaigrette

• Steamed asparagus or green beans

• Garlic bread or keto breadsticks

• A glass of crisp white wine for a relaxed dinner

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Nutrition Notes (Per Serving – 2–3 servings):

Based on chicken breast, light milk, Parmesan, and regular pasta

• Calories: ~520–580

• Protein: 38–42g

• Carbs: 35–40g

• Fat: 24–28g

• Fiber: 2–4g

This dish is:

• High in protein

• Easily made gluten-free or low-carb

• Packed with flavor but lighter than heavy cream pasta dishes

• Perfect for meal prep or next-day leftovers

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FAQs About Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta

1. Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes! Just skip searing the chicken—warm the shredded rotisserie chicken in butter and garlic, then toss into the pasta.

2. What pasta works best?

Penne, fusilli, or fettuccine work great. You can also use chickpea pasta for extra protein or gluten-free pasta as needed.

3. Can I make this ahead?

Yes. It stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth.

4. Can I freeze this?

It’s best enjoyed fresh. If you freeze it, reheat with a bit of broth or milk to bring the sauce back to life.

5. How do I make it kid-friendly?

Skip the red pepper flakes and lemon zest, and keep the seasoning simple. Most kids love the buttery flavor and soft pasta.

6. What can I use instead of Parmesan?

Grated mozzarella or cream cheese works in a pinch. Nutritional yeast is a good dairy-free alternative.

7. What makes this like a Factor meal?

It’s high-protein, portion-controlled, nutrient-rich, and ready in under 30 minutes—similar to Factor’s prepared meals, but homemade and more customizable.

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