Description
This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine recipe is a delicious, easy-to-make meal combining tender, juicy chicken pieces infused with bright lemon and garlic flavors, served atop creamy, cheesy linguine pasta. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful weekend treat, this dish balances zest, richness, and herbaceous notes for a delightful experience.
Ingredients
Scale
For the 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)
For the 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 some pasta water as it helps loosen the sauce and improve its texture.
- Use fresh lemon zest and juice for the brightest citrus flavor.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially the salt and pepper in the pasta sauce.
- Make sure chicken pieces are cut evenly for uniform cooking.
- For extra richness, you can add a splash of white wine to the chicken while cooking.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the best texture and flavor.
