Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine

If you’re looking for a recipe that’s full of flavor, easy to make, and just downright comforting, you’ve come to the right place. Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine is a dish that has everything: tender, juicy chicken coated in a rich, tangy garlic butter sauce, paired with a creamy, savory linguine that will have you coming back for more. Trust me, this dish is a total game-changer and will have everyone at the table asking for seconds. Get ready to indulge in this perfect balance of flavors!

Why You’ll Love Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine

This meal is the perfect blend of indulgence and ease. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Quick & Easy

With just a few simple ingredients and a fast prep time, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something delicious but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. It’s a dinner win!

Flavor Explosion

The garlic butter sauce is an absolute flavor bomb. The chicken bites soak up that zesty lemon and rich butter, while the savory Parmesan linguine adds a creamy, cheesy balance that’s oh-so-satisfying.

Versatile

This recipe is just as great for a cozy night in as it is for a dinner party. It’s comforting enough to enjoy on a chilly evening but fancy enough to serve for guests. Plus, it pairs wonderfully with a crisp salad and some crusty bread.

Perfectly Balanced

The acidity from the lemon, the richness of the butter, and the savory depth from the Parmesan create a perfectly balanced dish that’s never too heavy or too light. You’ll feel satisfied but not overly stuffed—just the right amount of comfort!

Ingredients

For the Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

• Chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• Olive oil (for cooking As an Amazon Associate, we earn a small commission from qualifying purchases made through our affiliate links, at no extra cost to you. Our recommendations are always honest and unbiased. Thank you for your support!)
• Garlic (freshly minced for that bold, aromatic flavor)
• Butter (a generous amount for that rich, creamy sauce)
• Lemon (freshly squeezed juice and zest for that tangy punch)
• Fresh parsley (chopped for a pop of freshness)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

For the Savory Parmesan Linguine

• Linguine pasta (fresh or dried, whatever you prefer)
• Parmesan cheese (grated, for that creamy and savory richness)
• Heavy cream (to add that luscious, creamy texture)
• Garlic (to infuse the pasta with savory goodness)
• Olive oil (to sauté the garlic and create that flavorful base)
• Fresh parsley (chopped, for a fresh and vibrant garnish)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

Instructions

Let’s break down how to make this irresistible dish step-by-step:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the chicken breast pieces. Season with salt and pepper, and cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 2: Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute). Be careful not to burn the garlic! Add the lemon juice and zest, stirring everything together. Let the sauce simmer for about 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Add the chicken back into the skillet and toss to coat in the lemon garlic butter sauce. Stir in some fresh parsley for color and an extra burst of flavor. Keep the chicken warm on low heat while you cook the linguine.

Step 3: Cook the Linguine

In a separate pot, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to the package instructions (usually 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water for later in case you need to thin out the sauce.

Step 4: Prepare the Parmesan Sauce

In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer. Once it’s simmering, reduce the heat to low and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Continue to stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Toss the Pasta

Add the cooked linguine to the Parmesan sauce and toss to coat. If the sauce feels too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

Once the linguine is perfectly coated with the Parmesan sauce, plate it up. Top with the lemon garlic butter chicken bites and garnish with more fresh parsley for color. Serve immediately and enjoy every last bite!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4

Calories per serving: 590 kcal
Total Fat: 31g

• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
  Cholesterol: 115mg
  Sodium: 550mg
  Total Carbohydrates: 39g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 3g
  Protein: 41g
  Vitamin A: 25%
  Vitamin C: 15%
  Calcium: 30%
  Iron: 15%

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

How to Serve Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine

This dish is the perfect meal to serve on its own, but you can easily elevate it with these tasty sides:

Crispy Garlic Bread

Serve alongside some crispy garlic bread to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce. It’s the perfect complement to the dish and makes for an indulgent side.

Fresh Salad

A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette will provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy linguine and rich chicken bites.

Roasted Vegetables

Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or green beans would be fantastic additions to this meal, adding both color and nutrients.

Additional Tips

Add Spice

If you like a little heat, toss in some red pepper flakes when cooking As an Amazon Associate, we earn a small commission from qualifying purchases made through our affiliate links, at no extra cost to you. Our recommendations are always honest and unbiased. Thank you for your support! the chicken or add a pinch to the Parmesan sauce. It’ll give the dish a spicy kick that pairs beautifully with the creamy flavors.

Make It Lighter

You can swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or a lighter cream alternative to cut down on calories without sacrificing the creamy texture.

Make It Gluten-Free

Swap out the linguine for gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free, and you’ll still get the same fantastic flavor!

Add More Veggies

Sneak in some extra veggies like spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms into the Parmesan sauce to boost the dish’s nutritional value and flavor.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

A1: Yes! Chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe and will add a slightly richer flavor and juicier texture.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?

A2: While it’s best served fresh, you can make the chicken and the pasta ahead of time and store them separately. Reheat them together on the stove or in the microwave.

Q3: Can I use frozen chicken?

A3: Yes! If you’re using frozen chicken, make sure to thaw it first before cooking As an Amazon Associate, we earn a small commission from qualifying purchases made through our affiliate links, at no extra cost to you. Our recommendations are always honest and unbiased. Thank you for your support! for the best results.

Q4: Can I make this dish dairy-free?

A4: To make it dairy-free, swap out the butter for a plant-based alternative, and use dairy-free cheese for the Parmesan. You can also try a coconut milk-based cream for the sauce.

Q5: How do I store leftovers?

A5: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk to keep the sauce creamy.

Q6: Can I use a different type of pasta?

A6: Absolutely! Feel free to swap the linguine for spaghetti, fettuccine, or even penne. Any pasta will work, so go with your favorite!

Q7: How can I make the sauce spicier?

A7: Add some red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the garlic butter sauce to give it a spicy kick.

Q8: Can I add more vegetables to this dish?

A8: Definitely! You can add spinach, peas, or mushrooms to the pasta for added flavor and nutrition.

Q9: Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

A9: Yes, this dish works well for meal prep! Just store the chicken and pasta separately in airtight containers and reheat when ready to enjoy.

Q10: Can I freeze this meal?

A10: While the dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the chicken and pasta separately. Reheat and toss with fresh Parmesan before serving.

Conclusion

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine is everything you need in a meal—delicious, comforting, and full of flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or treating yourself to something special, this dish will surely hit the spot. Plus, it’s quick and easy to make, so you’ll have more time to enjoy the fantastic flavors without the fuss. Give it a try, and I promise you won’t regret it!

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