Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine is a flavorful, satisfying dish that combines juicy chicken in a zesty lemon-garlic sauce with rich, creamy pasta. This elegant yet simple recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining, offering a balanced combination of bright citrus, buttery richness, and savory Parmesan.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe delivers on both flavor and convenience. The chicken bites cook quickly, developing a golden crust and soaking up the fragrant garlic butter and lemon. The Parmesan linguine comes together in minutes with a creamy, cheesy sauce that perfectly complements the chicken. The dish feels special but is easy enough for busy evenings, and it can be customized with your choice of herbs or vegetables.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the chicken bites
1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
salt and pepper, to taste
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
3 garlic cloves, minced
juice and zest of 1 lemon
fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Parmesan linguine
8 oz linguine
2 tablespoons butter
2 garlic cloves, minced
¾ cup heavy cream or milk
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
salt and pepper, to taste
reserved pasta water, as needed

Directions

1. Cook the linguine according to package directions. Reserve ¼ cup of the pasta water, drain the pasta, and set aside.

2. Season the chicken bites with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through.

3. Reduce heat to medium. Add the butter, garlic, lemon juice, and zest. Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring to coat the chicken in the sauce. Remove from heat and keep warm.

4. In a separate pan, melt the butter and sauté the garlic for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add the Parmesan and stir until smooth and creamy.

5. Add the cooked linguine to the sauce and toss to coat. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed to loosen the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Serve the chicken bites over the Parmesan linguine. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan, if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 4 servings.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Use boneless chicken thighs for a richer flavor.

• Add steamed broccoli, spinach, or peas to the linguine for extra color and nutrition.

• Substitute Asiago or Pecorino Romano cheese for the Parmesan.

• For a lighter sauce, use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream.

• Sprinkle with red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.

Storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce as needed. Avoid microwaving the chicken for too long, as it may dry out.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

The components can be prepared ahead, but for best texture, it’s recommended to cook the chicken fresh just before serving.

Can I use pre-grated Parmesan cheese?

Yes, but freshly grated Parmesan will melt more smoothly and provide better flavor.

What type of pasta can I use instead of linguine?

Fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne all work well in this dish.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can try using plant-based butter, cream alternatives, and a dairy-free Parmesan substitute.

How do I prevent the chicken from becoming dry?

Avoid overcooking and remove the chicken from the heat as soon as it is cooked through.

What sides go well with this dish?

A green salad or roasted vegetables make excellent accompaniments.

Can I add wine to the sauce?

Yes, a splash of white wine can be added with the garlic for extra depth of flavor.

Is it possible to freeze this dish?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, as the creamy sauce may separate when reheated after freezing.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is no longer pink inside.

Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled can be used in a pinch.

Conclusion

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine is a simple yet elegant meal that delivers bright, bold flavors with minimal effort. Perfect for both casual family dinners and special occasions, this dish combines juicy chicken and creamy pasta into one harmonious, satisfying plate. Enjoy it as-is or customize it with your favorite vegetables and herbs for a personal touch.

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine is a flavorful, satisfying dish that combines juicy chicken in a zesty lemon-garlic sauce with rich, creamy pasta. This elegant yet simple recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining, offering a balanced combination of bright citrus, buttery richness, and savory Parmesan.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe delivers on both flavor and convenience. The chicken bites cook quickly, developing a golden crust and soaking up the fragrant garlic butter and lemon. The Parmesan linguine comes together in minutes with a creamy, cheesy sauce that perfectly complements the chicken. The dish feels special but is easy enough for busy evenings, and it can be customized with your choice of herbs or vegetables.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the chicken bites
1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
salt and pepper, to taste
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
3 garlic cloves, minced
juice and zest of 1 lemon
fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Parmesan linguine
8 oz linguine
2 tablespoons butter
2 garlic cloves, minced
¾ cup heavy cream or milk
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
salt and pepper, to taste
reserved pasta water, as needed

Directions

1. Cook the linguine according to package directions. Reserve ¼ cup of the pasta water, drain the pasta, and set aside.

2. Season the chicken bites with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through.

3. Reduce heat to medium. Add the butter, garlic, lemon juice, and zest. Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring to coat the chicken in the sauce. Remove from heat and keep warm.

4. In a separate pan, melt the butter and sauté the garlic for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add the Parmesan and stir until smooth and creamy.

5. Add the cooked linguine to the sauce and toss to coat. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed to loosen the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Serve the chicken bites over the Parmesan linguine. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan, if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 4 servings.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Use boneless chicken thighs for a richer flavor.

• Add steamed broccoli, spinach, or peas to the linguine for extra color and nutrition.

• Substitute Asiago or Pecorino Romano cheese for the Parmesan.

• For a lighter sauce, use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream.

• Sprinkle with red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.

Storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce as needed. Avoid microwaving the chicken for too long, as it may dry out.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

The components can be prepared ahead, but for best texture, it’s recommended to cook the chicken fresh just before serving.

Can I use pre-grated Parmesan cheese?

Yes, but freshly grated Parmesan will melt more smoothly and provide better flavor.

What type of pasta can I use instead of linguine?

Fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne all work well in this dish.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can try using plant-based butter, cream alternatives, and a dairy-free Parmesan substitute.

How do I prevent the chicken from becoming dry?

Avoid overcooking and remove the chicken from the heat as soon as it is cooked through.

What sides go well with this dish?

A green salad or roasted vegetables make excellent accompaniments.

Can I add wine to the sauce?

Yes, a splash of white wine can be added with the garlic for extra depth of flavor.

Is it possible to freeze this dish?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, as the creamy sauce may separate when reheated after freezing.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is no longer pink inside.

Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled can be used in a pinch.

Conclusion

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine is a simple yet elegant meal that delivers bright, bold flavors with minimal effort. Perfect for both casual family dinners and special occasions, this dish combines juicy chicken and creamy pasta into one harmonious, satisfying plate. Enjoy it as-is or customize it with your favorite vegetables and herbs for a personal touch.

[tasty-recipe id=”15480″]