Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine is a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that brings together golden seared chicken, zesty lemon, rich garlic butter, and creamy, cheesy pasta. It’s a satisfying, restaurant-style meal I can easily make at home in under 40 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this dish balances fresh citrus with buttery richness and savory Parmesan. The chicken bites are juicy, seasoned, and perfectly crisped in garlic lemon butter, while the linguine adds a comforting, creamy base that soaks up all the flavor. It’s a great dinner for busy weeknights when I want something quick, yet totally satisfying and elegant.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

for the chicken bites:
boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
salt and pepper
paprika
olive oil
unsalted butter
garlic, minced
lemon juice
lemon zest
fresh parsley (for garnish)

for the savory parmesan linguine:
linguine pasta
unsalted butter
garlic, minced
heavy cream or half-and-half
freshly grated Parmesan cheese
salt and black pepper
reserved pasta water (as needed)
optional: crushed red pepper flakes or lemon zest for garnish

directions

Make the pasta:

1. I cook the linguine in salted water until al dente, then drain, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water.

2. In a separate skillet, I melt butter over medium heat and sauté garlic until fragrant.

3. I stir in the cream and bring it to a gentle simmer, then mix in the Parmesan, stirring until smooth.

4. I toss in the drained pasta and add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce coats the noodles.

5. I season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if I want a little kick.

Cook the chicken bites:
6. I season the chicken bites with salt, pepper, and paprika.
7. In a large skillet, I heat olive oil and sear the chicken on all sides until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes total. I remove the chicken and set it aside.
8. In the same skillet, I melt the butter and sauté the garlic until golden. I add lemon juice and zest, stirring to deglaze the pan.
9. I return the chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the lemon garlic butter sauce.

Assemble:
10. I serve the chicken bites over a bed of the creamy Parmesan linguine and garnish with fresh parsley and extra lemon zest.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings. Prep time is 10–15 minutes, and cook time is 20–25 minutes, so it’s ready in about 35–40 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I add spinach or peas to the linguine for more color and veggies. I’ve also swapped the cream with a splash of milk and cream cheese when I want a slightly lighter version. When I’m in the mood for extra crunch, I top the dish with toasted breadcrumbs or crispy fried onions.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm the pasta and chicken together in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce. The chicken stays tender and the pasta soaks up even more flavor the next day.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, I often use boneless, skinless thighs—they stay extra juicy and flavorful in the garlic butter sauce.

What kind of pasta works best?

Linguine is great, but I’ve also used fettuccine or spaghetti. Any long noodle that can hold onto the creamy sauce works well.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, I use dairy-free butter and unsweetened plant-based cream. The flavor changes slightly, but the dish is still rich and satisfying.

Is this dish spicy?

Not unless I add red pepper flakes. I adjust the heat to my taste or leave it out for a milder version.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, I prep the chicken and sauce earlier in the day, then cook the pasta fresh and bring everything together when I’m ready to eat.

Conclusion

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine is a comforting and vibrant meal that’s packed with flavor, texture, and creamy goodness. The juicy chicken, zesty sauce, and rich pasta create a perfect combination that I keep coming back to whenever I want a cozy but elegant dinner.

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine

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• Author: Mary
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Dish, Pasta
• Method: Stovetop, One-Skillet
• Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired

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Description

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine is a zesty, creamy, and crave-worthy dinner that feels fancy but comes together fast. Juicy, golden chicken bites are tossed in a rich lemon garlic butter sauce and served over tender linguine coated in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce. It’s a one-pan wonder perfect for weeknights or date nights!

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Ingredients

• For the chicken bites:
• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• For the savory parmesan linguine:
• 8 oz linguine pasta
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¾ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Reserved pasta water (as needed)
• Optional: crushed red pepper flakes or extra lemon zest for garnish

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Instructions

Make the pasta:

1. Cook linguine in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.

2. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sauté garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute).

3. Stir in cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add Parmesan and stir until smooth.

4. Toss in drained linguine. Add pasta water a little at a time until sauce evenly coats the noodles.

5. Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.

Cook the chicken bites:
6. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika.
7. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear chicken until golden and cooked through (6–8 minutes). Remove and set aside.
8. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until golden. Add lemon juice and zest, stirring to deglaze the pan.
9. Return chicken to the pan and toss to coat in the lemon garlic butter sauce.

Assemble:
10. Serve chicken bites over a bed of Parmesan linguine. Garnish with parsley and extra lemon zest.

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Notes

• Add sautéed spinach or peas to the pasta for extra veggies.
• Swap cream for milk + cream cheese for a lighter twist.
• Top with toasted breadcrumbs or fried onions for crunch.
• Make it dairy-free with plant-based cream and butter.