Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine

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Craving a dish that brings together zesty brightness, buttery richness, and creamy indulgence all in one bite? Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine may just become your new weeknight hero. Whether you’re cooking for two or hosting a cozy dinner, this recipe delivers comfort and flair without demanding hours in the kitchen.

Each bite of chicken is golden-crisped with lemon and garlic butter, while the linguine wraps itself in a blanket of silky Parmesan sauce. It’s the kind of plate that gets scraped clean, not because it’s polite—but because it’s irresistible.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into this flavor-packed dinner, get your tools ready. Having the right kitchen essentials on hand streamlines your cooking process and ensures consistent results:

• Cast Iron Skillet or Heavy Pan: Vital for searing the chicken bites to golden perfection, locking in flavor while giving a beautiful char.
• Large Pot: Needed for boiling the linguine without crowding, allowing it to cook evenly.
• Tongs or Slotted Spoon: Great for turning chicken pieces without losing any crispness.
• Microplane Grater: For freshly grated Parmesan that melts like a dream.
• Zester and Citrus Juicer: To extract every bit of zing from your lemons.

A well-prepped kitchen sets you up for a dish that’s as rewarding to make as it is to eat.

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Ingredients for the Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine

Understanding the role each ingredient plays is key to mastering this dish:

• Chicken Breast (boneless, skinless): The star of the dish, cut into bite-sized pieces to maximize sear and flavor absorption.
• Garlic Cloves (minced): Delivers aromatic depth and pairs beautifully with lemon.
• Lemon Juice and Zest: Adds brightness and balances the richness of the butter and cheese.
• Butter: Coats the chicken with luscious flavor and helps brown it evenly.
• Olive Oil: Used for initial searing, adds body and aids in heat distribution.
• Salt and Cracked Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken and pasta.
• Paprika (optional): Gives the chicken a warm hue and a gentle smoky kick.
• Linguine Pasta: Its long, flat shape holds onto the creamy sauce perfectly.
• Heavy Cream: Builds the luscious base of the Parmesan sauce.
• Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese: Brings the savory, nutty essence that defines the pasta.
• Parsley (chopped): A fresh herb finish that adds color and brightness.

How To Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Cube the chicken, mince the garlic, zest and juice your lemon, and chop the parsley. Boil water for the linguine.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

In a hot skillet with olive oil, sear the chicken until golden. Add butter, garlic, lemon zest, and juice. Sauté until coated and fragrant. Set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Linguine

Boil linguine until al dente. Drain and reserve some pasta water.

Step 4: Make the Parmesan Sauce

In the same skillet, add cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add pasta water if needed for consistency.

Step 5: Combine and Garnish

Add the linguine to the sauce. Toss well. Top with the chicken bites and a sprinkle of parsley and extra cheese. Serve hot.

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

For serving, pile the linguine generously onto plates and crown each portion with a heap of sizzling chicken bites. A wedge of lemon on the side gives a bright lift just before digging in. This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.

To store leftovers, allow everything to cool before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or water to the pasta to bring back its original creamy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?

Yes, chicken thighs work wonderfully. They’re juicier and more forgiving if slightly overcooked.

Is it okay to use milk instead of cream for the sauce?

You can substitute milk, but the sauce won’t be as rich or thick. Adding a bit of cream cheese or flour can help thicken it.

What can I substitute for linguine?

Fettuccine or spaghetti are good alternatives. Even penne can work if you want a more scoopable pasta.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes, use plant-based butter and cream substitutes, and opt for nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.

Will this freeze well?

The chicken freezes better than the pasta. For best results, freeze the chicken separately and make fresh pasta and sauce when reheating.

How can I make it spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the butter while sautéing the garlic.

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Want More Chicken Pasta Ideas?

If this Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine hit the spot, you might enjoy these other cozy combinations too:

The Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe brings heat and creaminess together in a layered bake.

For another creamy take, the Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta offers bite-sized comfort in every forkful.

You could also try Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta if you’re in the mood for bold spices with a silky finish.

For something baked and indulgent, the Best Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti gives you layers of cheese and flavor.

And don’t miss the Easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta if you want a one-skillet wonder that’s all heart and flavor.

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You can save this to your chicken dinner boards for next time. Just click the Pin button.

If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you go heavy on the lemon? Did you toss in spinach or mushrooms? Leave a comment below—I’m always curious how your kitchen spins it.

For more of my daily recipes, follow along on Pinterest @LadyPlate.

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