If you are searching for an irresistible weeknight meal that brings together bright, bold flavors and comforting creaminess, then you’ll absolutely love this Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Parmesan Linguine Recipe. Tender chicken bites coated in zesty lemon and garlic butter, paired perfectly with silky linguine tossed in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce—this dish feels like a warm embrace on a plate. It’s quick to prepare, delightful to the senses, and makes for a beautiful dinner that feels special whether for family or friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role, creating a harmony of taste, texture, and color. From the juicy chicken breast to the fresh lemon zest, every component is simple yet essential, ensuring you delight in every bite of this charming dish.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast: Tender and lean, perfect for soaking up the lemon garlic butter flavors.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps achieve that golden sear on your chicken.
- Butter: Unsalted butter brings creamy indulgence and rounds out the sauce beautifully.
- Fresh garlic cloves: Offers an aromatic punch that complements the lemon perfectly.
- Lemon juice: Provides a bright acidity that wakes up the entire dish.
- Lemon zest: Intensifies the citrus flavor with fragrant oils.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.
- Linguine pasta: Silky strands that hold the creamy Parmesan sauce so well.
- Heavy cream: Creates the luscious, velvety sauce that clings to each pasta strand.
- Freshly grated Parmesan: Adds sharp, salty depth and melty texture.
- Fresh parsley (optional): For a vibrant, herbaceous finish and pop of green color.
How to Make Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Parmesan Linguine Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken
Start by cutting your chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Season them generously with salt, pepper, and the zesty lemon zest. Letting the chicken rest for 10 minutes allows those flavors to penetrate and sets the stage for juicy, flavorful bites.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat your olive oil and butter together over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding and cook until each piece is golden brown, about 5 to 6 minutes. This searing step locks in moisture and builds a tasty crust that makes every bite so satisfying.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Once the chicken is done, remove it from the skillet and lower the heat. Add the remaining butter and freshly minced garlic, sautéing just for about 30 seconds—just enough to release the fragrance without burning the garlic.
Step 4: Deglaze and Build the Sauce
Pour in the lemon juice to deglaze the pan, scraping up all those golden bits stuck to the bottom. Those caramelized bits pack serious flavor. Now, add the heavy cream and let it simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 5: Incorporate Parmesan
Whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and continue stirring until it melts completely into the sauce, creating a creamy, cheesy base that clings to pasta beautifully.
Step 6: Cook the Linguine
While the sauce comes together, cook the linguine in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente. Don’t forget to save one cup of the pasta cooking water before draining—the starchy water is a secret weapon for adjusting sauce consistency perfectly.
Step 7: Combine Pasta and Chicken
Add the drained linguine directly to the skillet with your sauce, tossing it gently to coat. Use the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if necessary, ensuring every strand is luxuriously coated. Finally, fold the golden chicken bites back in for the perfect marriage of flavors.
How to Serve Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Parmesan Linguine Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness. If you want an extra touch of indulgence, add a little more grated Parmesan before serving to elevate the cheesy goodness.
Side Dishes
Simple is best here. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette or some roasted seasonal vegetables balances the richness of the pasta while adding a refreshing contrast. Garlic bread is always a crowd-pleaser and perfect for mopping up every bit of that luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special dinner, serve the pasta twirled neatly onto plates with chicken bites elegantly arranged on top. Use a lemon wedge on the side for an extra citrus burst. A sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or even a drizzle of chili oil can add some gentle heat and visual appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow your leftovers of Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Parmesan Linguine Recipe to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken overnight, making a quick stir with a splash of cream or milk helpful on reheating.
Freezing
This dish can be frozen but is best to freeze the chicken bites separate from the pasta to avoid mushiness. Freeze cooked chicken bites in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Linguine with sauce can also be frozen but may lose some texture after thawing.
Reheating
Reheat gently over low heat on the stove, stirring often to combine and loosen the sauce with reserved cream, milk, or pasta water. Microwaving works too, but watch to avoid drying out. Garnish freshly after reheating for that just-made appeal.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While linguine is ideal for holding the creamy sauce, you can use fettuccine, tagliatelle, or even spaghetti depending on what you have on hand or prefer.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute butter with dairy-free alternatives, use olive oil, and swap heavy cream for coconut cream or cashew cream. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan for that cheesy flavor.
How can I make the chicken extra tender?
Make sure not to overcook the chicken bites. Cooking them quickly over medium-high heat ensures they stay juicy. Marinating briefly with lemon juice before cooking can also tenderize them nicely.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time for a dinner party?
You can prep the chicken and even cook the pasta in advance, but it’s best to combine everything just before serving to keep the texture fresh and the sauce creamy.
What wine pairs well with Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Parmesan Linguine Recipe?
A crisp, citrusy white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the lemon and garlic perfectly, balancing the rich creaminess of the sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Parmesan Linguine Recipe has quickly become one of those comforting, go-to meals that make dinner feel like a celebration. It’s straightforward, flavorful, and endlessly satisfying—but most importantly, it’s a dish you’ll be excited to share with loved ones again and again. I encourage you to dive in and savor every delightful bite!
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Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Parmesan Linguine Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Tender lemon garlic butter chicken bites served over creamy Parmesan linguine, this dish combines zesty citrus flavors with rich, cheesy pasta for a quick and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 pound Boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil (Avocado oil works in a pinch)
- 1 tablespoon Butter (Unsalted)
- 3 cloves Garlic (Freshly minced)
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Lemon zest
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper
Pasta & Sauce
- 8 ounces Linguine pasta (Fettuccine or tagliatelle can be used)
- 1 cup Heavy cream (Half-and-half can be a lighter option)
- 1 cup Freshly grated Parmesan (Pecorino can be used for a sharper taste)
- to taste Fresh parsley (Optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare chicken: Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Season them generously with salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Sear chicken: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in batches, searing them until golden brown and cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Sauté garlic: Lower the heat on the skillet. Add the remaining butter along with the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Deglaze skillet: Pour in the lemon juice, scraping the bottom of the skillet to lift any flavorful browned bits left from the chicken. This adds depth to the sauce.
- Make sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and let it simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes. Whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan until fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Cook pasta: Meanwhile, cook the linguine in boiling salted water until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the drained linguine to the skillet with the sauce. Gradually mix in the reserved pasta water to achieve your preferred sauce consistency, creating a silky coating on the pasta.
- Fold in chicken: Return the cooked chicken bites to the skillet and gently fold them into the creamy sauce and pasta mixture.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately while hot for a delightful meal.
Notes
- You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to make the sauce lighter.
- Fettuccine or tagliatelle are good substitutes if linguine is unavailable.
- For a sharper flavor, use Pecorino Romano instead of Parmesan.
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency perfectly, adding a silky finish.
- Adding fresh parsley at the end brightens up the dish and adds color.
