Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine
This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine recipe combines tender chicken bites sautéed in a zesty lemon garlic butter sauce with perfectly cooked linguine pasta, all tossed together with rich, nutty Parmesan cheese. It’s a flavorful, comforting dish that’s easy to make and perfect for dinner.
Ingredients:
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1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
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1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
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8 oz linguine
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3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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2 tbsp olive oil
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3 tbsp unsalted butter
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
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Zest of 1 lemon
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Linguine
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to the package instructions, about 8-10 minutes, until al dente.
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Drain the linguine, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water, and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Bites
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While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
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Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken bites and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
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Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
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In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and slightly golden.
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Add the lemon juice and zest to the skillet, stirring to combine. Cook for another minute, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Step 4: Combine the Chicken and Linguine
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Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet, stirring to coat the chicken in the lemon garlic butter sauce.
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Add the cooked linguine to the skillet, tossing to combine with the chicken and sauce. If the pasta seems dry, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Step 5: Add Parmesan and Serve
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Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and toss again to combine, allowing the cheese to melt into the pasta.
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Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Tips for Success:
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Chicken Variations: You can use thighs instead of chicken breast for more flavor and tenderness.
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Pasta Water: The reserved pasta water helps to create a silky sauce and helps the cheese melt more smoothly.
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Extra Flavor: For a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine is a wonderfully balanced dish with the perfect combination of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors. The buttery lemon sauce enhances the chicken while the Parmesan linguine adds richness. It’s a simple yet indulgent meal that’s sure to become a weeknight favorite!
