If you’re craving something that’s both fresh and bursting with flavor, then Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine should be at the top of your list! The zesty lemon and savory garlic perfectly complement the tender, juicy chicken bites and creamy Parmesan linguine. It’s a dish that offers comfort food with a fresh burst of citrus goodness that will have your taste buds dancing. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner or a meal to impress your guests, this one will hit the spot every time.
With each bite, you’ll experience the vibrant tang of lemon paired with the richness of butter and Parmesan cheese. This recipe is everything you want in a comforting dish with a pop of freshness from the lemon, making it the perfect balance of savory and citrusy flavors.
Let’s take a closer look at why you’ll love this recipe and how you can make it in just a few simple steps.
Why You’ll Love Ths recipe
This dish is the perfect blend of freshness and richness. Here’s why it’s bound to become your next favorite:
- Burst of Freshness: The lemon zest and juice bring an invigorating citrus flavor that cuts through the richness of the butter and Parmesan, making this dish feel light yet satisfying.
- Savory Chicken Bites: Boneless, skinless chicken breast is cut into bite-sized pieces, ensuring that every piece is cooked to perfection and absorbs all the flavors of the garlic butter sauce.
- Creamy Parmesan Linguine: Linguine, a long pasta with a slightly flat shape, pairs wonderfully with the creamy Parmesan sauce. The richness of the heavy cream, combined with Parmesan and a touch of garlic, makes for a luxurious and flavorful pasta.
- Quick and Easy: Despite being so flavorful, this dish is quick to prepare. It’s perfect for a weeknight meal or when you’re looking to impress with minimal effort.
- Kid-Friendly: The mild flavors, tender chicken, and creamy pasta make this dish perfect for families. Even picky eaters will enjoy the combination of flavors.
- Elevated Comfort Food: It’s the kind of dish that offers the familiar comforts of pasta with an exciting twist thanks to the zesty lemon and garlic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here are all the ingredients you’ll need to create this mouthwatering meal:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 3 tbsp butter, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 8 oz linguine
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Directions:
Step 1: Cook the Linguine
Start by cooking the linguine in a large pot of salted water according to the package instructions. Once the pasta is al dente, drain it, reserving a bit of the pasta water to help adjust the sauce’s consistency later. Set the pasta aside.
Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken Bites
While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, paprika, and lemon zest. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted, add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Once fragrant, pour in the lemon juice and allow it to simmer for a minute, letting the flavors combine. The sauce will begin to thicken slightly.
Step 4: Make the Parmesan Sauce
To the skillet, add the heavy cream and garlic powder. Stir to combine and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken. Then, gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce, creating a smooth, creamy mixture. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a bit of reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Step 5: Combine the Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce
Once the sauce is ready, add the cooked linguine to the skillet, tossing it to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce. Then, return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet and toss everything together until the chicken and pasta are well-coated in the sauce.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Serve the pasta on plates, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color. You can also add an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if you desire.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
This dish is already incredibly satisfying on its own, but you can elevate the meal even further with these easy additions:
- Side Salad: A light, crisp side salad with a tangy vinaigrette will add balance to the richness of the chicken and pasta. Try mixed greens with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a lemon vinaigrette for extra citrusy goodness.
- Garlic Bread or Crusty Bread: You can’t go wrong with garlic bread to soak up the extra creamy sauce. The crunchy, buttery bread will add an additional texture to the meal, making it even more enjoyable.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or zucchini can be great sides that add a pop of color and flavor to your plate, balancing out the richness of the dish.
- Lemon Twist: For an extra punch of lemon flavor, you can serve the dish with additional lemon wedges on the side for guests to squeeze over the top.
- Grilled Shrimp or Salmon: If you want to add a seafood twist, grilled shrimp or salmon would pair wonderfully with the creamy lemon garlic sauce.
Why This Recipe Works: A Perfect Blend of Flavors
There’s something about the combination of lemon, garlic, and butter that makes every bite incredibly satisfying. The tangy, citrusy lemon brightens the rich, savory garlic butter, making the dish feel light yet comforting. The chicken remains juicy, while the Parmesan linguine provides a smooth, creamy texture that complements the chicken perfectly.
The addition of fresh parsley not only adds a touch of color but also brings a bit of freshness to cut through the richness, making this meal feel balanced and refreshing.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: It’s important to cook the chicken just until it’s golden and cooked through to avoid drying it out. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts can dry out quickly if overcooked, so be mindful of the cooking time.
- Adjust the Sauce Consistency: If the Parmesan sauce becomes too thick, simply add a bit of reserved pasta water to thin it out and keep the sauce smooth and creamy.
- Use Fresh Lemon Juice: For the best flavor, use freshly squeezed lemon juice rather than bottled lemon juice. The fresh juice adds a vibrant, zesty kick to the dish.
- Customize the Herbs: While fresh parsley is a classic garnish, you can also experiment with other herbs like basil, thyme, or rosemary for a unique twist on the flavor.
Cooking Note:
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: When cooking the chicken, make sure to avoid overcooking it. Overcooking can result in dry, tough chicken. Cook the chicken just until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for juicy, tender bites.
- Use Fresh Lemon: Fresh lemon juice and zest will give the dish a more vibrant, fresh flavor compared to bottled lemon juice. The zest especially adds an aromatic, zesty punch to the sauce.
- Pasta Cooking Tip: Cook the linguine to al dente texture, as it will continue cooking slightly when combined with the creamy sauce. Make sure to reserve some pasta water before draining; it can help adjust the sauce’s consistency if needed.
- Simmer the Sauce Gently: When making the creamy Parmesan sauce, make sure to simmer on low heat after adding the cream and cheese. A high heat may cause the cream to separate or the cheese to become grainy. Stir continuously to create a smooth sauce.
- Butter Usage: Divide the butter into two parts one for sautéing the chicken and one for the pasta. This ensures the right amount of butter flavor in both components. If you love extra richness, you can add a little more butter to the sauce at the end.
- Fresh Parsley Garnish: Fresh parsley not only adds color but also a burst of freshness that perfectly complements the rich, creamy pasta. Be generous with it!
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 480 per serving
- Protein: 36g
- Sodium: 620mg
Details:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
FAQ:
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can easily swap linguine for other pasta types like spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne depending on your preference.
2. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free butter and substitute the heavy cream with a plant-based option like coconut or oat cream. You can also try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
3. Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers can be added to the dish for extra flavor and nutrition. Sauté them with garlic to complement the flavors.
4. How should I store leftovers?
Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of cream to bring back the sauce’s creaminess.
5. Can I use frozen chicken breast?
Yes, but make sure the chicken is fully thawed before cooking to ensure it cooks evenly and absorbs the flavors well.
Conclusion
Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine is an irresistible dish that combines the best of both worlds: rich comfort food with a bright, citrusy twist. The creamy Parmesan sauce complements the savory garlic butter chicken perfectly, while the linguine provides the ideal base to soak up all that flavor. It’s a dish that’s quick, easy, and perfect for any night of the week.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this recipe is sure to impress. Serve it with a side of garlic bread, a light salad, or some roasted vegetables for the complete meal experience. Enjoy every bite, and remember, this is one recipe you’ll want to make again and again!
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Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here are all the ingredients you’ll need to create this mouthwatering meal:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 3 tbsp butter, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 8 oz linguine
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step-by-Step Directions:
Step 1: Cook the Linguine
Start by cooking the linguine in a large pot of salted water according to the package instructions. Once the pasta is al dente, drain it, reserving a bit of the pasta water to help adjust the sauce’s consistency later. Set the pasta aside.
Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken Bites
While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, paprika, and lemon zest. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted, add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Once fragrant, pour in the lemon juice and allow it to simmer for a minute, letting the flavors combine. The sauce will begin to thicken slightly.
To the skillet, add the heavy cream and garlic powder. Stir to combine and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken. Then, gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce, creating a smooth, creamy mixture. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a bit of reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Step 5: Combine the Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce
Once the sauce is ready, add the cooked linguine to the skillet, tossing it to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce. Then, return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet and toss everything together until the chicken and pasta are well-coated in the sauce.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Serve the pasta on plates, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color. You can also add an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if you desire.
Nutrition
- Calories: 480
- Sodium: 620
- Protein: 36