Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Lemon Parmesan Linguine

Introduction

This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Lemon Parmesan Linguine is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that quickly became a family favorite. The juicy chicken bites, rich in garlic butter and paired with a lemony, cheesy linguine, bring a perfect blend of flavors that keeps everyone asking for seconds. The best part? This meal is ready in just about 25 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you crave something tasty but need it fast. Here’s how you can make this mouthwatering dish at home and enjoy it as much as we did!

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Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
• 3 tablespoons butter, divided
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of spice)
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 8 oz linguine pasta

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Instructions

1. Cook the linguine: Begin by cooking the linguine pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
2. Prepare the chicken: While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of butter along with the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Season and cook the chicken: Season the diced chicken with salt and pepper, then add it to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden and cooked through.
4. Make the garlic butter sauce: Reduce the heat to medium, and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant.
5. Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked linguine to the skillet, along with the Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and chopped parsley. Toss everything together to coat the pasta and chicken evenly, allowing the cheese to melt slightly.
6. Serve: Plate and serve the pasta warm. For extra flavor, garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired.

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Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 4
• Calories per serving: Approximately 450 kcal

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Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

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How to Serve

• Serve in shallow bowls or pasta plates.
• Garnish with extra fresh parsley for a pop of color.
• Sprinkle more grated Parmesan cheese on top.
• Pair with a side salad for a balanced meal.
• Add a slice of garlic bread for a fuller Italian experience.

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Additional Tips

1. Don’t overcook the chicken: For tender bites, make sure to cook the chicken just until it’s golden and cooked through.
2. Use freshly grated Parmesan: Fresh Parmesan melts better and adds a stronger flavor compared to pre-packaged varieties.
3. Customize the heat level: Adjust the red pepper flakes to taste, or skip them entirely for a milder dish.
4. Adjust lemon to taste: If you love a brighter flavor, add an extra squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
5. Toss quickly: Once you add the pasta to the skillet, toss everything quickly to prevent the cheese from clumping.

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Recipe Variations

• Add vegetables: Stir in some sautéed spinach, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers to add color and nutrients.
• Swap the pasta: Use spaghetti, fettuccine, or even penne as a substitute for linguine.
• Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
• Try with shrimp: Substitute diced chicken with shrimp for a seafood twist.
• Go low-carb: Use zucchini noodles (zoodles) instead of pasta for a lighter, low-carb option.

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Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a side of roasted vegetables, like asparagus or broccoli.
• Serve alongside a mixed green salad for added freshness.
• Add a simple tomato-basil bruschetta as an appetizer.
• Enjoy with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
• Serve with garlic knots or garlic breadsticks to soak up any extra sauce.

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Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the chicken and pasta mixture in an airtight container for up to 1 month. However, note that pasta may slightly alter in texture after freezing.
• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a bit of water or broth to help loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it may dry out the chicken.

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FAQ

Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?
A1: Absolutely! Chicken thighs add extra juiciness and flavor, so they’re a great alternative.

Q2: How can I prevent the garlic from burning?
A2: Reduce the heat to medium when adding garlic, and cook it just until fragrant to avoid bitterness.

Q3: Is it okay to use bottled lemon juice?
A3: Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch.

Q4: Can I make this dish dairy-free?
A4: Yes, swap the butter with olive oil or a vegan butter alternative, and use a dairy-free cheese substitute.

Q5: What can I use if I don’t have Parmesan cheese?
A5: Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese are good substitutes with a similar sharp, savory flavor.

Q6: How can I add more flavor to the chicken?
A6: Marinate the chicken in a little lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil for 15 minutes before cooking.

Q7: Will this recipe work with other pasta shapes?
A7: Yes! Spaghetti, fettuccine, or short pasta like penne or fusilli would work well too.

Q8: Can I make this dish in advance?
A8: This dish is best served fresh. If making in advance, keep the pasta and chicken separate, then toss together when ready to serve.

Q9: How do I keep the pasta from sticking together?
A9: Toss the pasta with a little olive oil after cooking to prevent it from clumping while you prepare the chicken.

Q10: Can I double this recipe?
A10: Certainly! Just be sure to use a large enough skillet or pan to fit the pasta and chicken.

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Conclusion

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Lemon Parmesan Linguine is a delicious, crowd-pleasing meal that’s both easy to make and bursting with flavor. This dish combines tender chicken, aromatic garlic, fresh lemon, and savory Parmesan in a way that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. Perfect for weeknights, this recipe allows you to whip up something truly special without spending hours in the kitchen. Try this recipe for your next family meal, and watch it become a household favorite!

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