Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine is a mouthwatering dish that combines tender chicken bites cooked in a rich, buttery garlic and lemon sauce with a comforting bed of creamy Parmesan linguine. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Bites:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
For the Parmesan Linguine:
- 12 oz (340g) linguine pasta
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken Bites:
- In a bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss the chicken pieces in the mixture until well coated.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chicken bites and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the lemon juice and scrape the bottom of the pan to deglaze. Simmer for 1 minute.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and toss in the lemon butter sauce until well coated. Sprinkle with parsley, if desired.
Prepare the Parmesan Linguine:
- Cook the linguine according to package instructions. Drain, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add lemon zest and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss the cooked linguine in the sauce, adding reserved pasta water if needed to achieve the desired consistency.
Combine and Serve:
- Serve the chicken bites over the creamy Parmesan linguine.
- Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: This dish is best served fresh and hot. Pair it with a crisp side salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or cream to refresh the sauce.
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs are a great alternative. They are juicier and equally delicious in this recipe.
2. What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or a mix of milk and cream cheese for a lighter version of the sauce.
3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free flour for the chicken bites and substitute gluten-free pasta for the linguine.
4. How can I add a spicy kick to this dish?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the lemon butter sauce or the Parmesan linguine for a bit of heat.
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Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Sauté and Boil
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Juicy, golden chicken bites tossed in a tangy lemon garlic butter sauce, paired with creamy Parmesan linguine. This quick and satisfying dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. A balance of zesty, savory, and creamy flavors that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Chicken Bites:
- 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced (about 3 tbsp)
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
For the Parmesan Linguine:
- 8 oz (225g) linguine
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Linguine:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- Prepare the Chicken Bites:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil.
- Season the chicken pieces with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken to the skillet in a single layer and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce:
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to low and add butter. Once melted, stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add lemon juice and chili flakes (if using), stirring well. Return the chicken to the skillet, toss to coat, and let simmer for 1-2 minutes.
- Prepare the Parmesan Sauce for the Linguine:
- In another large skillet or saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
- Stir in heavy cream and Italian seasoning, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Slowly whisk in Parmesan cheese until smooth.
- Toss the cooked linguine into the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach the desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve:
- Plate the Parmesan linguine and top with the lemon garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk.
- Add vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus to the pasta for added flavor and nutrition.