Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine

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If there were ever a dish that checks every box for a cozy, crave-worthy dinner, it’s Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine. The golden, buttery chicken is kissed with fresh lemon zest and seared until slightly crispy outside and juicy inside. Paired with a lusciously creamy Parmesan linguine, this recipe brings rich Italian comfort food right to your kitchen table.

Perfect for weeknights, dinner parties, or when you want to treat yourself to something indulgent yet refreshingly zesty, this dish offers a balance of sharp, citrus brightness and deep, savory richness. It’s like your favorite pasta Alfredo got a sunny, lemony makeover—and it works beautifully.

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Why You’ll Love This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine

• Quick and easy: Ready in under 40 minutes, it’s a simple yet sophisticated meal.
• Bold flavors: The lemon and garlic combo cuts through the creamy linguine for perfect contrast.
• Restaurant-quality: Feels like dining out, without the price tag.
• Kid-approved: Even picky eaters love buttery chicken bites and cheesy pasta.

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What Kind of Pasta Works Best?

While this dish stars linguine, feel free to use other pasta shapes like fettuccine, spaghetti, or even tagliatelle. The key is to choose a noodle with enough surface area to hold onto that creamy Parmesan sauce. Avoid delicate angel hair or overly thick pastas, as they might throw off the texture harmony.

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Ingredients for the Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine

This recipe blends bold flavors with simple ingredients you likely already have on hand. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

• Chicken breast (boneless, skinless): The star protein, juicy and tender when seared.
• Garlic (minced): Adds rich aromatic depth that infuses both chicken and sauce.
• Butter (unsalted): Creates the golden, luxurious base for sautéing and sauce.
• Olive oil: Helps brown the chicken without burning the butter.
• Lemon juice + zest: Brightens up the dish and balances the richness.
• Paprika: Brings color and subtle smokiness to the chicken.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and depth.
• Heavy cream: Forms the creamy base of the linguine sauce.
• Parmesan cheese (freshly grated): Adds salty, nutty flavor that ties everything together.
• Linguine pasta: Wide enough to catch all that velvety sauce.
• Parsley (chopped): A fresh garnish to finish it off with color and flavor.

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How To Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and a dash of lemon zest.

Step 2: Sear to Perfection

Heat olive oil and half the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer. Sear until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Lower the heat. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and remaining butter. Sauté until fragrant, then pour in lemon juice and let it simmer for a minute.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

While the sauce simmers, boil linguine in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.

Step 5: Make It Creamy

Add heavy cream to the garlic lemon butter sauce, followed by grated Parmesan. Stir until smooth. Use a splash of pasta water to thin it out if needed.

Step 6: Combine and Toss

Add drained linguine to the sauce and toss well to coat. Top with the chicken bites. Garnish with chopped parsley and a little more Parmesan if you love extra cheese.

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How to Serve and Store Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine

This hearty dish is best served fresh and warm, with the creamy pasta still silky and the chicken bites sizzling. Serve it family-style on a large platter or plated individually for a cozy dinner-at-home experience.

This recipe feeds about 4 hungry adults comfortably. If you’re serving it with sides or a salad, it could stretch to 6 portions.

Storing Leftovers:

Transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of cream or milk to bring back the sauce’s silky texture. Freezing isn’t ideal because the cream sauce may separate.

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What to Serve With Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine?

This dish shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with these sides:

1. Garlic Bread

To soak up any leftover sauce—because you won’t want to waste a drop.

2. Steamed Broccoli

Its light crunch and earthy flavor balance the richness of the linguine.

3. Caesar Salad

The crisp romaine, parmesan, and creamy dressing play beautifully against the lemony chicken.

4. Roasted Asparagus

Drizzle with olive oil and lemon to echo the dish’s fresh notes.

5. Caprese Salad

Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil lighten things up and add brightness.

6. Buttered Green Beans

A classic pairing that doesn’t overwhelm the star dish.

7. Crispy Parmesan Zucchini Fries

Crisp, salty, and a fun twist on traditional veggie sides.

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Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas with a Twist?

If you’re loving the bold flavors of this Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine, you’ll want to check out these other flavorful recipes from NoraNosh:

• Try the comforting Chicken Mushroom Alfredo for another creamy favorite with earthy depth.
• Dive into Garlic Butter Meatballs with Velvety Parmesan Penne for another pasta-meets-protein winner.
• Craving something crispy? These Crispy Buttery Chicken Fried Chicken with Country Gravy bites bring Southern comfort to your table.
• Enjoy another saucy indulgence with the popular Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken.
• If you’re in the mood for spice, the Buffalo Chicken Lasagna delivers heat and cheese in layers.

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And don’t forget to comment below—Did you make extra lemony sauce? Toss in some spinach? Maybe you used fettuccine instead of linguine?

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