Zesty Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Parmesan Linguine Recipe

These tender, golden lemon garlic butter chicken bites sparkle with irresistible flavors that dance across your palate.

Crispy edges seal in juicy chicken seasoned with zesty herbs and parmesan.

The aroma of garlic and butter wafts through the kitchen, promising a meal that elevates weeknight dinners.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of tangy and rich notes.

Parmesan linguine provides a creamy, luxurious backdrop to the star of the dish.

Weeknight cooking never looked so delectable or felt so effortless.

Savor every mouthwatering forkful of this restaurant-quality meal you can craft in your own kitchen.

How to Serve Chicken Bites and Parmesan Linguine Together

• Flavor Explosion Plating: Arrange the golden chicken bites atop the creamy linguine, creating a tantalizing visual contrast that makes each bite irresistible.
• Herb Garden Freshness: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil over the dish to add a bright, aromatic touch that elevates the overall flavor profile and brings a pop of green color.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Generously grate extra Parmesan cheese over the hot dish, allowing it to slightly melt and create delicious cheesy strings that enhance the pasta's rich, creamy texture.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Serve alongside a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, which complements the lemony chicken and cuts through the richness of the creamy sauce.

Smart Storage for Leftover Chicken Bites and Pasta

• Cool chicken and pasta separately on shallow dishes within 2 hours of cooking to maintain food safety and prevent bacterial growth.
• Store chicken and pasta in airtight containers, keeping them separate to preserve individual flavors and textures. Consume within 3-4 days for optimal taste.
• Gently warm chicken in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture. Microwave pasta with a drizzle of water, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly.
• Pack chicken and pasta in freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Label with date and contents. Chicken stays delicious for up to 2 months, pasta for 1 month. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

• How do I ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Cut into the thickest piece to verify there’s no pink and the juices run clear.

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken pieces?

Yes, cut boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes. They work perfectly and cook quickly in the same method as the original recipe.

• What if I don't have heavy cream for the pasta sauce?

You can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce might be slightly less rich. For a dairy-free option, use coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative.

• Is it possible to make this dish spicier?

Absolutely! Increase the amount of chili flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the chicken seasoning. You can also include some hot sauce in the lemon garlic butter sauce for extra heat.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 710 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredients That Bring Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine to Life

• Paprika: Adds warm, smoky depth and beautiful golden color to chicken.
• Garlic Powder: Delivers concentrated garlic flavor without raw garlic intensity.
• Onion Powder: Provides subtle, sweet aromatic background to chicken seasoning.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential for enhancing and balancing overall dish flavors.

• Chicken: Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for tender, quick-cooking protein.
• Olive Oil: Creates perfect golden sear and prevents chicken from sticking to pan.

• Butter: Creates rich, silky texture and adds luxurious flavor to both chicken and pasta sauce.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic provides intense, authentic aromatic punch.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens dish with zesty, tangy undertones and cuts through richness.
• Chili Flakes: Optional ingredient for adding subtle heat and exciting spice dimension.

• Heavy Cream: Ensures velvety, smooth sauce with luxurious mouthfeel.
• Italian Seasoning: Blends herbs for complex, Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides nutty, salty complexity and helps thicken sauce naturally.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds fresh, herbaceous finish and vibrant green color.

Essential Tools for Prepping Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Linguine

• Large Pot: Perfect for boiling linguine with plenty of space.
• Large Skillet: Essential for cooking chicken and making lemon garlic butter sauce.
• Cutting Board: Used for preparing chicken and chopping garlic and parsley.
• Chef's Knife: Needed for mincing garlic and chopping fresh parsley.
• Measuring Spoons: Important for accurately measuring seasonings and spices.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring sauces and tossing chicken and pasta.
• Colander: Necessary for draining cooked linguine.
• Whisk: Helps create smooth Parmesan cream sauce.

Method for Making Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Pasta

• Fire Up the Pasta

Boil a pot of water with a pinch of salt. Cook linguine until tender, then save some pasta water and drain.

• Sizzle the Chicken

Heat oil in a skillet. Season chicken pieces with spices. Cook chicken in a single layer until golden and completely done. Set chicken aside.

• Craft the Zesty Sauce

Lower skillet heat. Melt butter and quickly cook garlic until aromatic. Add lemon juice and optional chili flakes. Return chicken to skillet, coat thoroughly, and let simmer briefly.

• Create Creamy Linguine

In another pan, melt butter and quickly saute garlic. Pour in cream and Italian herbs, bringing to a soft bubble. Gradually whisk Parmesan until silky smooth. Fold linguine into sauce, splashing reserved water to reach perfect consistency.

• Serve with Flair

Arrange creamy linguine on plates. Crown with tangy chicken bites. Sprinkle fresh parsley and extra Parmesan for a knockout finish.

Tasty Twists for Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta

• Pat chicken pieces dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden exterior and prevent steaming. Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
• Swap chili flakes with cayenne pepper or hot sauce for extra heat. Experiment with different herb blends like za'atar or herbs de Provence for a unique flavor profile.
• Replace regular linguine with gluten-free pasta alternatives made from rice, chickpea, or zucchini noodles. Use cornstarch instead of flour for coating chicken to maintain a gluten-free dish.
• Substitute chicken with firm tofu, cauliflower florets, or plant-based chicken alternatives. Marinate protein substitute in the same lemon garlic butter sauce for maximum flavor absorption.
• Prepare chicken and sauce separately and store in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.

Succulent Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites With Parmesan Linguine Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Succulent lemon garlic butter chicken bites nestle perfectly atop parmesan linguine, creating a Mediterranean-inspired comfort meal. Rich flavors and creamy textures invite home cooks to savor each delightful forkful with confident culinary pleasure.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• ¾ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 8 oz (225 g) linguine
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 5 tbsps unsalted butter
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 7 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 lemon, juiced (about 3 tbsps)
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
• 2 tbsps chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil. Cook linguine until al dente, reserving a cup of pasta water before draining. Set aside.
2. Chicken Seasoning and Searing: Thoroughly coat chicken pieces with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Heat a skillet to medium-high and sear chicken until golden brown and fully cooked, creating a crisp exterior and tender interior.
3. Lemon Garlic Sauce Creation: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Deglaze with fresh lemon juice and optional chili flakes. Return chicken to the pan, coating evenly in the vibrant sauce and allowing flavors to meld for 2-3 minutes.
4. Creamy Parmesan Sauce: In a separate pan, melt butter and add minced garlic. Pour in heavy cream and Italian herbs, bringing to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until smooth. Toss cooked linguine in the sauce, using reserved pasta water to adjust consistency as needed.
5. Plating and Garnishing: Arrange creamy linguine on plates, top with lemon garlic chicken bites. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese for a final elegant touch.

Notes

• Choose High-Quality Chicken: Select boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for tender, juicy bites that cook quickly and absorb flavors perfectly.
• Master Seasoning Technique: Pat chicken dry before adding spices to ensure maximum flavor adherence and achieve that coveted golden-brown crust.
• Control Skillet Heat: Use medium-high heat for searing chicken, preventing burning while creating a deliciously crisp exterior and maintaining inner moisture.
• Prevent Sauce Separation: Slowly incorporate Parmesan into cream sauce, stirring constantly to create a smooth, velvety texture without clumping or breaking.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 620
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 540 mg
• Fat: 42 g
• Saturated Fat: 25 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg