π Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine ππ§
Introduction
This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine is a simple, elegant, and flavor-packed meal! Juicy, lemony chicken bites cooked in buttery garlic sauce pair perfectly with creamy, cheesy parmesan linguine. It’s an easy weeknight dinner that feels like a restaurant-quality dish!
Why Youβll Love This Recipe:
β Quick & Easy β Ready in just 30 minutes!
β Bright, Garlicky, & Creamy β A balanced blend of flavors.
β One-Pan Chicken, One-Pot Pasta β Minimal cleanup!
β Crowd-Pleasing β Perfect for the whole family.
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π Ingredients for Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Parmesan Linguine
For the Chicken:
β 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
β Zest & juice of 1 lemon π
β Β½ tsp Italian seasoning πΏ
β Β½ tsp salt & pepper
β 2 tbsp butter π§
β 2 cloves garlic, minced π§
For the Parmesan Linguine:
β 8 oz linguine pasta π
β 2 tbsp butter π§
β ΒΎ cup grated Parmesan cheese π§
β Β½ cup heavy cream π₯ (optional, for extra creaminess)
β Β½ tsp garlic powder π§
β ΒΌ tsp black pepper
β ΒΌ cup pasta water (reserved from boiling pasta)
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π¨βπ³ Step-by-Step Instructions
1οΈβ£ Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add linguine pasta and cook until al dente (about 8-10 minutes).
Reserve ΒΌ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
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2οΈβ£ Prepare the Chicken
In a bowl, toss chicken pieces with lemon zest, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Heat 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add chicken bites and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
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3οΈβ£ Make the Parmesan Linguine Sauce
In the same pan, melt 2 tbsp butter over low heat.
Stir in Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, black pepper, and heavy cream (if using).
Add reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
Toss in cooked linguine, stirring to coat evenly.
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4οΈβ£ Combine & Serve
Return chicken bites to the pan and toss everything together.
Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, or red pepper flakes for heat!
Serve warm and enjoy every creamy, lemony, garlicky bite!
π₯ Pair with garlic bread or a fresh side salad for a complete meal!
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π₯ Pro Tips for the Best Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken & Pasta
β Use Fresh Lemon Juice & Zest β This gives the dish a bright, fresh flavor.
β Donβt Overcook the Chicken β Cook just until golden and juicy.
β Reserve Pasta Water β Helps create a silky, restaurant-quality sauce.
β For Extra Creaminess β Add more Parmesan or a splash of milk.
β Want It Spicy? β Sprinkle red pepper flakes for a kick!
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π½οΈ Variations & Customizations
π€ Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta β Swap chicken for shrimp.
π₯¦ Veggie-Packed Version β Add spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus.
π§ Extra Garlic Loverβs Pasta β Add roasted garlic for a deeper flavor.
π· White Wine Sauce β Deglaze the pan with ΒΌ cup white wine before adding cream.
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π½οΈ What to Serve with Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
π₯ Crisp Green Salad β Light and fresh!
π₯ Garlic Bread β Perfect for soaking up the sauce.
π Lemon Roasted Asparagus β A fresh, tangy side.
π· Chilled White Wine β Pairs beautifully with the lemony flavors.
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β Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes! Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of broth or cream.
2. Can I Use a Different Pasta?
Absolutely! Try fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti.
3. Can I Make This Dish Dairy-Free?
Yes! Replace butter with olive oil and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
4. Can I Use Pre-Cooked Chicken?
Yes! Just sautΓ© it briefly with garlic and lemon to warm it up.
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β¨ Final Thoughts: A Restaurant-Quality Meal at Home!
This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Parmesan Linguine is a flavor explosion of creamy, cheesy, and zesty goodness. Whether youβre making it for family dinner, date night, or meal prep, itβs a foolproof recipe everyone will love!
π¬ Tried this recipe? Let us know how it turned out in the comments! ππβ¨
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