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!

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:

Cook linguine in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sauté garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute).
Stir in cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add Parmesan and stir until smooth.
Toss in drained linguine. Add pasta water a little at a time until sauce evenly coats the noodles.
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.

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.