Description
This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine recipe is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines tender chicken morsels infused with lemon, garlic, and herbs alongside creamy, cheesy linguine. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this meal balances zesty, savory, and buttery notes for a truly satisfying experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Bites
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Parmesan Linguine
- 8 oz linguine pasta
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the linguine: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to package instructions, about 9-10 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Cook the chicken bites: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, paprika, oregano, and thyme. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and butter. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the butter to melt and coat the chicken.
- Prepare the Parmesan linguine: In a separate skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and black pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken. Add the cooked linguine to the skillet, tossing it in the sauce. If needed, add reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency. Season with salt to taste.
- Assemble the dish: Serve the lemon garlic butter chicken bites over the savory Parmesan linguine. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water to help thin the sauce if it becomes too thick.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, though the sauce may be less rich.
- For extra zest, add more lemon zest or a squeeze of fresh lemon before serving.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and melting quality.
- Adjust seasoning and herbs according to your taste preference.
