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
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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