Absolutely! 🍋🧄 Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine is a perfect combo — golden, juicy chicken bites drenched in a zesty garlic butter sauce, paired with a rich, cheesy pasta base. It’s comforting and elegant, yet easy enough for a weeknight dinner.
🍗 Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine
🕒 Prep: 15 min | Cook: 25 min
🍽️ Serves: 4
🧂 Ingredients
For the Chicken Bites:
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1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
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Salt & pepper, to taste
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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1 tsp paprika (optional for color)
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2 tbsp olive oil
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4 tbsp butter, divided
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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Juice + zest of 1 lemon
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Optional: chopped parsley or basil for garnish
For the Parmesan Linguine:
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8 oz linguine
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2 tbsp butter
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½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
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½ cup pasta water, reserved from boiling
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Salt & pepper, to taste
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Optional: dash of garlic powder or red pepper flakes
👨🍳 Instructions
🔹 Step 1: Cook the pasta
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
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Cook linguine until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
🔹 Step 2: Make chicken bites
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Season chicken with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
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In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil and 2 tbsp butter.
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Add chicken in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Sear for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.
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In the same pan, lower heat to medium and add remaining 2 tbsp butter. Add garlic and sauté 30 seconds.
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Stir in lemon juice and zest, scraping any browned bits from the pan. Return chicken to coat in sauce.
🔹 Step 3: Make savory Parmesan linguine
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While chicken rests, return drained pasta to the pot or a large pan.
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Add butter, Parmesan, and just enough pasta water to create a creamy coating.
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Season with salt, pepper, and a touch of garlic powder or red pepper flakes if desired.
🔹 Step 4: Serve
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Plate the creamy Parmesan linguine and top with lemon garlic chicken bites.
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Spoon extra lemon butter sauce over the top.
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Garnish with chopped parsley and more Parmesan, if you like.
✅ Tips & Variations
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Add spinach to the pasta for a veggie boost.
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Swap chicken for shrimp for a seafood twist.
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Want it creamier? Add a splash of heavy cream to the pasta sauce.
Would you like a one-pan version, a low-carb swap with zucchini noodles, or a spicy kick upgrade with chili flakes or Cajun seasoning?