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
Units
Scale
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