Zesty Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine Recipe

Crispy lemon garlic butter chicken bites dance deliciously on my favorite weeknight dinner plate.

This quick skillet sensation combines bold flavors with minimal effort.

Tender chicken pieces sizzle beneath a golden parmesan coating that melts effortlessly.

Zesty garlic and bright citrus notes create an unexpectedly elegant meal in under thirty minutes.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients transform simple proteins into something spectacular.

Fresh herbs scattered across the linguine add delightful complexity to each forkful.

You’ll want to savor every single morsel of this irresistible culinary creation.

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine

• Pulls together a restaurant-quality meal in just 30 minutes with minimal cooking skills required.
• Delivers a perfect balance of zesty lemon, rich butter, and savory Parmesan that transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary dish.
• Easily adaptable for different spice levels, dietary preferences, and ingredient substitutions without compromising taste or texture.
• Minimizes kitchen cleanup by using the same skillet for chicken and sauce, making it ideal for busy home cooks seeking delicious yet practical meals.

Ingredients for a Lemon Garlic Chicken and Linguine Combo

• Chicken: Lean protein that forms the base of the dish, best when using boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for tender, juicy bites.

• Linguine: Classic Italian pasta that provides a smooth, delicate texture perfect for catching creamy sauces.

• Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Pepper: Essential spice mix that adds depth and warmth to the chicken, creating a robust flavor profile.

• Lemon Juice: Bright, tangy ingredient that adds freshness and cuts through the richness of the butter.
• Chili Flakes: Optional spicy element that brings a subtle heat to the dish.

• Butter, Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese: Rich, creamy ingredients that create luxurious, velvety sauces with complex flavor layers.

• Garlic: Pungent, flavorful ingredient that provides a deep, savory base for both chicken and pasta sauces.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright, herbaceous garnish that adds color and a fresh finish to the dish.

• Olive Oil: Neutral cooking fat that helps brown the chicken and prevent sticking.
• Pasta Water: Starchy liquid that helps create a smoother, more cohesive pasta sauce.

• Italian Seasoning: Dried herb blend that adds Mediterranean-inspired flavor to the pasta sauce.

Instructions to Sear Chicken Bites and Prepare Parmesan Linguine

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfection

Grab a big pot and fill it with water. Sprinkle in some salt. When the water’s bubbling wildly, drop in the linguine. Cook until it’s tender but still has a slight bite. Scoop out a splash of pasta water, then drain the noodles.

Step 2: Spice Up the Chicken

• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Toss the chicken into the hot skillet. Let each side turn golden and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per side. Once cooked, set aside on a plate.

Step 3: Create Magical Lemon Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, lower the heat. Melt butter until it’s silky smooth. Toss in minced garlic and let it dance around for 30 seconds. Splash in some lemon juice and sprinkle chili flakes if you’re feeling adventurous. Return the chicken to the skillet, coating it in the zesty sauce.

Step 4: Whip Up Dreamy Parmesan Sauce

In another pan, melt butter. Add minced garlic and let it sizzle. Pour in heavy cream and Italian seasoning. Slowly whisk in Parmesan cheese until it’s smooth and creamy. Slide the cooked linguine into the sauce, adding reserved pasta water to create the perfect consistency.

Step 5: Plate Like a Pro

Spread the creamy pasta on plates. Crown it with the lemon garlic chicken bites. Sprinkle fresh parsley and extra Parmesan for that final touch of deliciousness.

Tips for Bright Lemon Flavor and Creamy Pasta Sauce

• Perfect Pasta Water Trick: Save a portion of starchy pasta water to help sauce cling beautifully to linguine, creating a silky, smooth texture that enhances overall dish flavor.
• Maximize Chicken Browning: Pat chicken pieces dry before seasoning to ensure golden, crispy exteriors that seal in moisture and develop rich caramelized flavors.
• Balance Sauce Consistency: Adjust Parmesan sauce thickness by gradually adding reserved pasta water, preventing sauce from becoming too thick or too thin.
• Infuse Deeper Garlic Flavor: Lightly toast minced garlic in butter before adding other ingredients to release deeper, more complex aromatic notes without burning.
• Quick Temperature Control: Use medium-low heat when preparing sauces to prevent separation and maintain smooth, creamy consistency for both lemon butter and Parmesan sauces.

Best Way to Store and Reheat Chicken Bites with Linguine

• Store chicken and pasta separately in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Allow dishes to reach room temperature before sealing to prevent condensation and maintain texture.
• Warm chicken bites in a skillet over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes, adding a splash of water to prevent drying out.
• Microwave linguine in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, or briefly toss in a hot skillet with a little butter to restore moisture and prevent clumping.

What Goes Well with Lemon Garlic Chicken Bites

• Wine and Dish Companions
• Smooth white wine complements the zesty lemon and creamy Parmesan sauce, cutting through the rich butter and balancing the chicken's garlic notes.
• Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to add brightness and contrast the dish's richness, providing a refreshing palate cleanser.
• Serve warm, crusty bread to soak up the delicious lemon garlic butter sauce, enhancing the meal's overall texture and flavor profile.
• Bright, acidic white wine matches the dish's citrusy elements, offering a crisp counterpoint to the creamy pasta and buttery chicken.

Creative Twists for Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta

• Gluten-Free Pasta Swap: Replace linguine with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta for a celiac-friendly version.
• Low-Carb Chicken Alternative: Substitute linguine with cauliflower rice or roasted vegetable spirals for a keto-friendly meal.
• Vegetarian Protein Option: Replace chicken with crispy tofu or tempeh cubes marinated in the same lemon garlic seasoning.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a lactose-free preparation.

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites With Savory Parmesan Linguine Recipe

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4.7 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent lemon garlic butter chicken bites dance with parmesan linguine, creating a Mediterranean-inspired culinary symphony. Fragrant herbs and zesty citrus elevate this simple dish, promising a restaurant-quality meal that delights hungry diners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (450 grams) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Cooking Fats and Seasonings:

• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Fresh and Liquid Ingredients:

• 7 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 lemon, juiced (about 3 tablespoons)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
• 8 ounces (225 grams) linguine

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Instructions

1. Ignite a generously salted water bath in a substantial pot, allowing linguine to dance and twirl until perfectly tender. Extract a modest pool of starchy liquid before draining the pasta.
2. Craft delectable chicken morsels by lavishing them with a constellation of spices – paprika, garlic essence, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Sear these seasoned gems in a sizzling skillet, creating a golden exterior while ensuring complete internal transformation.
3. Transform the same culinary vessel into a flavor sanctuary by gently melting butter. Introduce minced garlic, allowing its aromatic whispers to permeate the pan. Splash vibrant lemon juice and optional chili flakes, creating a harmonious sauce. Reunite the chicken with this liquid velvet, allowing them to intermingle briefly.
4. Simultaneously orchestrate a decadent cream-based symphony in a separate pan. Melt butter, then welcome minced garlic’s fragrant embrace. Pour heavy cream and Italian herbs, coaxing them into a gentle simmer. Gradually incorporate Parmesan, whisking until a silky emulsion emerges. Cascade linguine into this luxurious coating, adjusting texture with reserved pasta water.
5. Artfully arrangement the herb-infused linguine as a canvas, crowning it with zesty chicken bites. Scatter fresh parsley and additional Parmesan as a final flourish, inviting culinary admiration.

Notes

• Optimize chicken texture by pat-drying with paper towels before seasoning, ensuring a crispy golden exterior without excess moisture.
• Adjust spice levels by increasing or decreasing chili flakes, making the dish adaptable for mild or heat-loving palates.
• Transform into gluten-free version by substituting linguine with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta alternatives for dietary needs.
• Enhance meal prep efficiency by preparing chicken and sauce components simultaneously to reduce overall cooking time.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 710
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 66 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 37 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg