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A plate of Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Parmesan linguine, garnished with parsley and Parmesan cheese.

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Parmesan Linguine – Quick, Creamy & Delicious!


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  • Author: Sam
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

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

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Cook the linguine according to the package instructions until al dente.
  3. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken Bites

  1. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. 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.
  3. Reduce heat to medium, add garlic, and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Stir in lemon juice and lemon zest, then add the remaining 1 tbsp butter to coat the chicken.
  5. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Parmesan Sauce

  1. In the same skillet, melt 1 tbsp butter over medium heat.
  2. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
  3. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, whisking until smooth.
  4. 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

 

  1. Return the chicken bites to the pan and gently toss everything together.
  2. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
  3. 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