How to Make Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

This dish brings together two comforting favorites in one easy-to-make meal. Tender, spiced butter chicken bites are pan-seared to perfection and served alongside a creamy, garlicky Parmesan pasta. The bold Indian-inspired flavors of the chicken pair beautifully with the rich yet balanced pasta, creating a fusion plate that’s both satisfying and surprisingly light. Whether you’re feeding the family or treating yourself, this recipe checks every box for flavor, comfort, and convenience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Big Flavor, Bite-Sized – Marinated chicken pieces seared for maximum flavor in every bite.
Creamy but Light – Parmesan pasta with a silky texture, no heavy cream needed.
Quick Weeknight Meal – Ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish.
Family-Friendly – A fun, fusion-style dish even picky eaters will enjoy.

Ingredients

For the Butter Chicken Bites:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tsp olive oil
• ¼ cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp ground turmeric
• ½ tsp garam masala
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:

• 8 oz whole wheat pasta (penne or rotini work well)
• 2 tsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1½ tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1½ cups unsweetened almond milk (or low-fat milk)
• ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Optional: fresh parsley or basil, for garnish

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, tomato paste, and all spices. Add chicken pieces and coat well. Let sit for at least 10 minutes (or refrigerate up to overnight for deeper flavor).

2. Cook the Pasta
Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.

3. Sear the Chicken Bites
Heat 1 tsp olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add marinated chicken and cook for 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Remove from pan and cover to keep warm.

4. Make the Creamy Pasta Sauce
In the same skillet, heat 2 tsp olive oil. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute, then gradually whisk in almond milk. Let simmer, stirring frequently, until thickened (about 3–5 minutes). Stir in Parmesan and season to taste. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce is too thick.

5. Combine and Serve
Toss cooked pasta in the Parmesan sauce until well coated. Plate the pasta with chicken bites on top or on the side. Garnish with herbs if desired.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 365
Protein: 34g
Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 34g
Sugar: 3g
Fiber: 5g

Tips for Success

Marinate in Advance – Even a short marinade adds depth, but longer is better.
Watch the Garlic – Don’t let it burn; it should be fragrant but golden.
Use Real Parmesan – Freshly grated cheese melts best and adds deep flavor.
Add Greens – Stir in spinach or peas for extra nutrition and color.

Why This Recipe Works

By using Greek yogurt and lean chicken breast, the dish captures the richness of butter chicken without added heaviness. The pasta’s creamy sauce delivers satisfying comfort without the need for heavy cream or butter. It’s a clever, flavorful meal that delivers variety, nutrition, and comfort in every bite.

Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is the perfect fusion of bold spices and smooth, cheesy goodness. It’s everything you want in a comfort meal—quick to make, full of flavor, and surprisingly light. Make it once, and it’s sure to become a repeat favorite in your weekly dinner lineup.