If you’re craving a quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful meal, these Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Parmesan Linguine are exactly what you need! Juicy, golden-brown chicken bites tossed in a buttery, garlicky, lemon-infused sauce and served over creamy, cheesy linguine—this is comfort food at its finest. Plus, it all comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pan Magic – The chicken and sauce come together in one pan for easy cleanup.
- Big on Flavor – The combination of lemon, garlic, butter, and Parmesan is simply irresistible.
- Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes!
- Restaurant-Quality – Tastes like something straight out of an Italian bistro.
Ingredients
You’ll find the full ingredient list in the recipe card below, but here’s what you’ll need:
- Chicken breast or thighs – Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking.
- Linguine – The perfect pasta to soak up the buttery sauce.
- Butter & Olive Oil – For the best sear and rich flavor.
- Garlic – Because you can’t have too much garlic!
- Lemon juice & zest – Adds brightness and freshness.
- Parmesan Cheese – For that creamy, cheesy finish.
- Chicken broth – Helps create a light, flavorful sauce.
- Red pepper flakes (optional) – For a little heat.
- Fresh parsley – To add a pop of color and freshness.
Directions
Step 1: Cook the Linguine
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Season the chicken bites with salt, pepper, and a pinch of Italian seasoning. In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, melt more butter, then add garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Pour in chicken broth, lemon juice, and zest, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Step 4: Toss the Pasta & Chicken
Lower the heat and stir in the cooked linguine and Parmesan cheese, adding a little reserved pasta water if needed for a silky sauce. Toss in the chicken bites and stir until everything is coated.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
Garnish with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan, and a squeeze of lemon. Serve immediately!
Expert Tips & Tricks
- Use fresh lemon juice! Bottled juice won’t give the same bright flavor.
- Don’t overcook the chicken. It should be juicy and tender, not dry.
- Reserve pasta water! It helps create a luscious, glossy sauce.
- Want it extra creamy? Stir in a splash of heavy cream before adding the pasta.
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
- Make it spicy – Add extra red pepper flakes for a little kick.
- Use another protein – Shrimp or salmon would be amazing in this dish!
- Go low-carb – Swap linguine for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
- Add veggies – Toss in spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus for extra nutrition.
Serving & Pairing Suggestions
- Garlic Bread – Because you can never have too much garlic!
- Crisp Side Salad – A fresh arugula or Caesar salad balances the richness.
- A Glass of White Wine – Try Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio for the perfect pairing.
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stove with a splash of chicken broth to revive the sauce.
- Freeze? Not recommended, as the pasta and sauce may separate.
FAQs
1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes! Just heat it up in the butter sauce before adding the pasta.
2. What’s the best pasta substitute?
Fettuccine, spaghetti, or even penne work great!
3. Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely—just swap the Parmesan for a dairy-free alternative.
4. How do I make the sauce thicker?
Let it simmer a little longer or add a sprinkle of cornstarch mixed with water.
In Conclusion
This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Parmesan Linguine is an easy, flavorful, and restaurant-worthy dish that you can whip up in no time. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this meal will have everyone asking for seconds!
Are you trying this tonight? Let me know how it turns out!
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Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Parmesan Linguine – A Dreamy Weeknight Dinner
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (normal) 1x
- Category: Dinner, Pastav
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Description
This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Parmesan Linguine is the perfect balance of zesty, buttery, and cheesy goodness in one dish. Tender, juicy chicken bites are seared in a rich lemon garlic butter sauce and served over a creamy, Parmesan-infused linguine. It’s an easy, restaurant-quality meal that comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Bites
- 1 1/2 lbs chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Parmesan Linguine
- 12 oz linguine (or spaghetti)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup pasta water (reserved)
- Zest of 1 lemon
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Linguine
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook linguine according to package instructions until al dente.
- Before draining, reserve ½ cup of pasta water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Bites
- In a mixing bowl, toss the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 4–5 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and add 3 tbsp butter and minced garlic. Stir for 30 seconds, then add lemon juice and red pepper flakes (if using). Let the flavors meld for another minute.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
Step 3: Make the Parmesan Linguine
- In the same pot used for boiling pasta, melt 2 tbsp butter over low heat. Add heavy cream, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper and whisk to combine.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and lemon zest, then add the cooked linguine, tossing to coat.
- If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency.
Step 4: Assemble & Serve
- Divide the Parmesan linguine onto plates and top with the lemon garlic butter chicken bites.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese, parsley, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice if desired. Serve warm!
Notes
- Protein Swap: Use shrimp or salmon instead of chicken for a seafood twist.
- Lighter Version: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or use Greek yogurt for a creamy but lower-fat alternative.
- Extra Veggies: Stir in sautéed spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms for added flavor.
- Spicier Kick: Add extra red pepper flakes or drizzle with hot honey for a sweet-spicy balance.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Plate
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg