Description
This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Parmesan Linguine is a quick, flavorful, and creamy pasta dish that’s perfect for a comforting dinner. Juicy, golden-brown chicken bites cooked in a rich lemon garlic butter sauce are paired with a silky, cheesy linguine for a meal that feels restaurant-quality but is easy to make at home. Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is a must-try for pasta and chicken lovers alike!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken Bites:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tbsp butter, divided
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for a spicy kick)
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
For the Parmesan Linguine:
- 8 oz (225g) linguine pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Extra Parmesan cheese, for serving
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the linguine according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken Bites
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Reduce heat to medium, add garlic, and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in lemon juice and lemon zest, then add the remaining 1 tbsp butter to coat the chicken.
- Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Parmesan Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt 1 tbsp butter over medium heat.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
- Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, whisking until smooth.
- Add the cooked linguine and toss to coat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Step 4: Combine & Serve
- Return the chicken bites to the pan and gently toss everything together.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
- Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side and enjoy!
Notes
- Pasta Substitutes: Use fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne if you don’t have linguine.
- Make it Dairy-Free: Substitute coconut cream for heavy cream and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles.
- Storage & Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or broth to maintain creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American