Name: Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; Salt and pepper, to taste; (Optional) 1/2 cup all-purpose flour for a light dusting; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 4 garlic cloves, minced; Juice and zest of 1 lemon; 1/4 cup chicken broth (or white wine for extra depth); 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat); 8 ounces linguine pasta; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving); 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley; Salt for pasta water

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If you love easy, flavor-packed meals, then this Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine is going to be your new favorite! Juicy, golden-brown chicken bites bathed in a buttery garlic sauce, paired with perfectly seasoned linguine, and topped with a sprinkle of parmesan—it’s a dish that’s both elegant and effortless. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, trust me, this recipe is a total game-changer!

Why You’ll Love Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine

Versatile: Perfect for a cozy dinner, meal prep, or even a fancy date night.

Budget-Friendly: Uses simple pantry staples while still tasting restaurant-worthy.

Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it great for busy nights.

Customizable: Swap linguine for fettuccine, add veggies, or make it extra spicy!

Crowd-Pleasing: Who can resist buttery, garlicky chicken with cheesy pasta?

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine

Ingredients

Ingredients in Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

This dish is packed with simple, fresh ingredients, but the flavors are next-level!

Chicken Breast: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking.

Butter & Olive Oil: A combo that gives richness and helps the chicken get that perfect sear.

Garlic: Lots of it! Because garlic makes everything better.

Lemon Juice & Zest: Adds brightness and enhances all the flavors.

Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that makes the chicken extra flavorful.

Salt & Black Pepper: Simple seasonings that bring everything together.

Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For a little kick of heat.

Ingredients in Savory Parmesan Linguine

Linguine Pasta: Perfect for soaking up all that buttery goodness.

Parmesan Cheese: Because cheesy pasta is always a good idea.

Butter: For that silky, rich texture in the pasta sauce.

Heavy Cream (optional): Adds a touch of creaminess to the linguine.

Garlic Powder: Enhances the garlic flavor in the pasta.

Fresh Parsley: A pop of color and freshness.

Instructions

Let’s make this mouthwatering dish step by step!

Cook the Linguine

Boil linguine pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.

Sauté the Chicken

Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken bites, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until golden brown and cooked through.

Add the Garlic and Lemon

Lower the heat and stir in minced garlic, cooking until fragrant. Squeeze in lemon juice and zest, then toss everything together. Remove from heat and set aside.

Make the Parmesan Linguine

In the same skillet, melt butter, then stir in the reserved pasta water, garlic powder, and heavy cream (if using). Add the cooked linguine and toss to coat. Stir in grated parmesan and mix until creamy.

Combine Everything

Add the chicken bites back into the skillet and toss with the pasta. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra parmesan.

Serve and Enjoy

Plate up this garlic-buttery goodness, grab a fork, and dive in!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: Approx. 550

(Note: Nutrition may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes.)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine

With a side of roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
Topped with extra parmesan and a squeeze of lemon for a flavor boost.
Alongside a crisp green salad for a refreshing contrast.
With a slice of garlic bread to soak up every last drop of that buttery sauce.

Additional Tips

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil for 30 minutes before cooking.
Make it lighter by using zucchini noodles instead of pasta.
Want it extra creamy? Stir in more parmesan or a splash of cream.
For a spicy kick, add more red pepper flakes.

FAQ’s

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs will be even juicier and more flavorful.

2. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Store in an airtight container and reheat with a splash of water.

3. How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?
Toss it with a little olive oil after draining.

4. Can I use another type of pasta?
Yes! Fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne all work great.

5. What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
Reheat in a pan over low heat with a splash of water or broth.

6. Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice tastes best, but bottled works in a pinch.

7. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free butter and nutritional yeast instead of parmesan.

8. Can I add veggies to this dish?
Definitely! Spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms would be great.

9. How do I make the chicken extra crispy?
Coat it lightly in flour or cornstarch before cooking.

10. Can I freeze leftovers?
The chicken freezes well, but the pasta is best enjoyed fresh.

Conclusion

This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine is the ultimate comfort food—quick, easy, and loaded with garlicky, buttery, cheesy goodness. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special treat, this recipe is sure to impress. So go ahead, grab your fork, and enjoy every delicious bite!

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine

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Author: Grace Sullivan
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing / One-Pot Pasta
Cuisine: Italian-American

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Description

This bright and flavorful dish features tender chicken bites sautéed in a zesty lemon garlic butter sauce tossed with perfectly cooked linguine. Finished with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh parsley, it’s a quick, satisfying meal that balances tangy, savory, and buttery notes—ideal for a busy weeknight dinner.

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:
Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. (For extra crispiness, lightly dredge the chicken in flour, shaking off any excess.)
Cook the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and sauté for about 5–7 minutes, until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth. Allow the sauce to simmer for 1–2 minutes so the flavors meld.
Combine Chicken and Pasta:
Return the chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce; let it warm for an additional 2 minutes. Meanwhile, cook the linguine according to the package directions in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain.
Finish the Dish:
Add the drained linguine to the skillet along with the reserved pasta water. Toss gently to combine with the chicken and sauce. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and lemon juice if needed.