Description
This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine is the ultimate easy dinner idea that brings creamy comfort and zesty freshness together. With juicy chicken bites seared in garlic butter and bright lemon, then tossed over rich parmesan-coated linguine, it’s a dish that satisfies both the soul and appetite. Whether you’re hunting for quick weeknight dinner recipes, creamy pasta food ideas, or healthy protein-packed comfort meals, this easy recipe checks all the boxes for delicious, satisfying cooking.
Ingredients
2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon lemon zest
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
8 oz linguine pasta
1 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
1. Dice the chicken breasts and season with salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Let it sit for 10 minutes.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Sear chicken in batches until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
3. Lower heat to medium. Add remaining butter and garlic, sauté for 30 seconds. Stir in lemon juice and zest to deglaze the pan.
4. Pour in the heavy cream and simmer. Add parmesan and stir until melted. Season as needed.
5. Cook the linguine in salted water. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
6. Toss the pasta in the sauce, adding reserved water as needed. Fold in the cooked chicken bites.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra parmesan. Serve warm.
Notes
Don’t skip the lemon zest—it adds bright, bold flavor that balances the creamy sauce.
Reserve pasta water to help the sauce cling to the noodles and stay silky smooth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 630
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 510mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
Keywords: lemon garlic chicken, creamy linguine, easy dinner, parmesan pasta, chicken pasta, quick weeknight meal