Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine: A Flavorful, Quick, and Easy Recipe

When it comes to cooking meals that are both delicious and satisfying, Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine should be at the top of your list. This dish combines tender chicken coated in a rich lemon garlic butter sauce with creamy, savory Parmesan linguine pasta for a delightful culinary experience. Whether you’re cooking for your family, preparing a date night dinner, or hosting a gathering, this dish is guaranteed to please.

In this article, we will delve into the details of creating this dish from scratch, starting with the ingredients, preparation, and cooking techniques, all the way to serving and perfecting it. Plus, we’ll provide helpful tips, suggestions for modifications, and answers to common questions to ensure your Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine turns out perfect every time.

Ingredients for Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine

Before you start, make sure you have all the ingredients ready for this delicious recipe. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Chicken Bites:

1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp chili flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
Juice of 1 lemon
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Parmesan Linguine:

8 oz linguine pasta
2 tbsp butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Zest of 1 lemon
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/4 cup pasta water (reserved)

How to Prepare the Chicken Bites

The first step in making Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine is preparing the chicken. Here’s how you can do it:

Season the Chicken: Start by seasoning the chicken pieces with garlic powder, paprika, chili flakes (if you want a bit of heat), salt, and pepper. Be sure to mix the seasonings well, so each piece of chicken is coated evenly.
Heat the Pan: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken pieces. Cook the chicken until it’s golden brown on the outside and fully cooked on the inside. This should take about 5 to 6 minutes. After the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.

Making the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

Now that the chicken is cooked, it’s time to make the flavorful lemon garlic butter sauce.

Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add 3 cloves of minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, which should take about 1 minute.
Add Lemon Juice: Stir in the juice of 1 lemon and cook for another 1-2 minutes. This will allow the flavors to infuse together and the acidity of the lemon will balance the richness of the butter.
Return the Chicken to the Skillet: Once the sauce is ready, add the cooked chicken bites back into the skillet. Toss the chicken in the sauce until well-coated. This will help the chicken absorb all the delicious lemon-garlic flavor. Garnish with fresh parsley before setting the chicken aside.

Cooking the Linguine

While the chicken is cooking, you can prepare the Parmesan linguine. Here’s how:

Cook the Linguine: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook 8 ounces of linguine pasta according to the package instructions. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking together. Once the pasta is cooked al dente, reserve about 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining the rest of the water from the pot.
Set the Pasta Aside: Drain the pasta and set it aside for now. This reserved pasta water will be helpful later when we prepare the Parmesan sauce.

Making the Savory Parmesan Sauce

Now, let’s create the creamy Parmesan sauce to complement the linguine and chicken.

Sauté Garlic in Butter: In a large pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add 3 cloves of minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
Add the Cream and Cheese: Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream, 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and the zest of 1 lemon. Stir everything together until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
Combine the Pasta: Add the cooked linguine to the sauce, tossing everything together until the pasta is well-coated in the creamy Parmesan mixture. If the sauce is too thick, you can use the reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency, adding just a little bit at a time until it reaches your desired texture.

How to Combine and Serve the Dish

The final step is to combine everything and serve!

Plate the Parmesan Linguine: Start by plating the creamy Parmesan linguine on individual serving plates.
Top with Chicken Bites: Once the linguine is ready, place the lemon garlic butter chicken bites on top.
Garnish: Add extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped parsley for garnish to enhance both the flavor and presentation.
Serve: Your Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine is now ready to enjoy! The combination of tender chicken, creamy Parmesan sauce, and zesty lemon makes this dish irresistible.

Tips for Perfect Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine

Here are some expert tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly:

Choose the Right Pasta: Linguine is the traditional choice for this dish, but you can use other types of pasta such as fettuccine, spaghetti, or even penne if you prefer.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and Parmesan cheese will elevate the flavors in this dish. Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and creates a smoother, creamier sauce.
Adjust the Lemon Flavor: If you like a more pronounced lemon flavor, you can add a bit more lemon zest or juice to the sauce.
Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Overcooking the chicken can result in dry bites. Be sure to cook them just until golden and cooked through to maintain their tenderness.
Add Vegetables: If you want to make the dish a bit lighter, you can add some sautéed vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes for added color and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the chicken and the Parmesan sauce ahead of time. You can store both separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the chicken and sauce, then combine with freshly cooked pasta.

2. How can I make this dish dairy-free?

To make this dish dairy-free, use non-dairy butter and a plant-based heavy cream substitute. For the Parmesan, you can either omit it or use a dairy-free alternative.

3. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts. Thighs are juicier and will add a richer flavor to the dish.

4. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While linguine is the traditional choice, you can use spaghetti, fettuccine, or any other pasta shape you prefer.

5. How spicy is this dish?

The dish itself isn’t very spicy, but if you enjoy some heat, you can add chili flakes (as mentioned in the recipe). If you prefer it mild, simply skip the chili flakes.

6. Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze leftovers. Allow the dish to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Conclusion

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine is a perfect weeknight meal or special dinner for guests. With its combination of tender chicken, creamy Parmesan linguine, and bright, zesty lemon garlic butter sauce, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. By following the simple instructions in this guide, you’ll be able to create this flavorful and satisfying dish that’s quick, easy, and bursting with flavor.

So, why not give this recipe a try tonight? Your family and friends will thank you for it!