Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine is the perfect combination of bold, zesty flavors and comforting pasta. Each bite-sized piece of chicken is seared to golden perfection, coated in a rich garlic butter sauce with a hint of lemon, and finished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Paired with a creamy parmesan linguine, this dish is both indulgent and satisfying, making it an excellent choice for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal.

The tanginess of the lemon, the warmth of the garlic, and the richness of the butter come together to create an irresistible sauce that coats the tender chicken. The linguine, tossed with parmesan and a touch of cream, adds a velvety texture that perfectly complements the savory chicken bites. If you’re a fan of quick yet elegant meals, this recipe will become a new favorite in your kitchen.

Ingredients for Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine

For the Chicken Bites:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
Juice of 1 large lemon
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
¼ cup grated parmesan cheese (for garnish)

For the Parmesan Linguine:

8 ounces linguine pasta
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
¾ cup grated parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Bites

Pat the chicken pieces dry with a paper towel and season them with salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side until they develop a golden-brown crust and are cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the lemon juice and add the lemon zest, stirring to combine. Return the cooked chicken to the pan and toss to coat in the flavorful garlic butter sauce. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and let it simmer for another minute before removing from heat.

Step 3: Cook the Linguine

While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta water for later use.

Step 4: Make the Parmesan Sauce

In a separate pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese and mix until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the cooked linguine to the parmesan sauce and toss to coat evenly. Plate the pasta and top with the lemon garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish with extra parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for a final touch. Serve warm and enjoy!

Storage Instructions

To store leftovers, place the chicken and pasta in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or cream to the pasta to restore its creamy texture. For the best results, reheat in a skillet over low heat rather than the microwave to prevent the chicken from drying out. Freezing is not recommended for this dish as the creamy sauce may separate when thawed.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)

Calories: ~550
Protein: ~38g
Carbohydrates: ~45g
Fat: ~24g
Saturated Fat: ~12g
Cholesterol: ~110mg
Fiber: ~2g
Sodium: ~450mg

(Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.)

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes! Chicken thighs will add extra juiciness and flavor to the dish. Simply adjust the cooking time to ensure they are fully cooked.

2. Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free linguine or a suitable pasta alternative. Make sure to check that all other ingredients, such as the parmesan cheese, are also gluten-free.

3. How can I make this dish lighter?

For a lighter version, swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or a combination of milk and a bit of cornstarch for thickening. You can also reduce the butter slightly.

4. What can I serve with this dish?

A fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread make excellent side dishes to complement the flavors.

5. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, but the flavor won’t be as deep. If using pre-cooked chicken, toss it in the garlic butter sauce for a couple of minutes to warm it up and absorb the flavors.

6. What other pasta shapes can I use?

Fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne are great alternatives if you don’t have linguine on hand.

7. Can I make this dish spicy?

Yes! Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce for some extra heat.

8. How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?

If the sauce thickens too much, add a little reserved pasta water or more cream to loosen it to your desired consistency.