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