Name: Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 2 tbsp olive oil; 4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided; 4 garlic cloves, minced; zest and juice of 1 lemon; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional); salt and pepper to taste; 12 oz linguine pasta; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup reserved pasta water; chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you’re craving a weeknight dinner that feels a little bit special yet couldn’t be easier to pull together, you’ll fall hard for Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine. With juicy golden chicken, a punchy lemon-garlic kick, and a silky Parmesan-kissed pasta, this dish strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and freshness. It delivers big flavor and comfort in every bite, and the best part? Everything comes together in just about half an hour — perfect for when you need something both satisfying and quick!

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These simple, staple ingredients work together to create layers of flavor in every twirl of pasta and every tender bite of chicken. Each one plays a key role, from adding richness and tang, to providing luscious texture and color.

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts offer lean, juicy protein and absorb all the zesty flavors beautifully.
Olive Oil: A dash of good olive oil helps the chicken brown nicely while adding subtle flavor.
Unsalted Butter: Melted in stages, this butter creates a rich, velvety base for the sauce while keeping things delightfully creamy.
Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic is essential here for that pungent, aromatic lift you taste in every bite.
Lemon (zest and juice): The lemon’s brightness intensifies the sauce and balances the richness from butter and cheese.
Italian Seasoning: This blend gives savory, herby notes that bring the whole dish together.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For those who like a gentle bit of heat, these add an irresistible kick.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning throughout, making every element taste its best.
Linguine Pasta: Linguine perfectly soaks up the buttery, garlicky sauce and provides a tender, chewy base.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Nutty, salty Parmesan melts into the sauce, delivering a creamy, umami finish.
Reserved Pasta Water: This starchy water is your secret weapon for getting the sauce to cling to every noodle.
Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley as garnish brightens the dish and adds a flash of color.

How to Make Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine

Step 1: Cook the Linguine

Bring a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil; it should taste like the sea. Add your linguine and cook until it’s just al dente (with a little bite). Remember to scoop out about a quarter cup of that starchy pasta water before you drain the rest — you’ll use it to make the sauce gloriously silky.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

While the pasta simmers, toss your chicken bites in a generous shower of salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. This not only flavors the chicken throughout, but also creates that irresistible golden crust once it hits the pan.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken Bites

Heat the olive oil and half of the butter in a large skillet over medium-high until it foams. Lay the chicken pieces in a single layer (they need room to brown!) and cook, turning occasionally, until golden brown on all sides and cooked through. This usually takes 5 to 7 minutes, and the results are juicy, savory chicken morsels.

Step 4: Infuse with Lemon and Garlic

Turn the heat down to medium and add the rest of the butter plus all that fragrant minced garlic. Stir until the kitchen smells wonderful and the garlic is starting to turn golden. Here’s where the lemon comes in: add the zest and juice, tossing everything together so the chicken is glistening and fragrant.

Step 5: Toss Pasta with Sauce

Add your drained linguine straight into the skillet with the chicken. Pour in the reserved pasta water and sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together until the cheese melts into the sauce, coating every noodle and making the whole dish creamy and luscious. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if you need — a little extra squeeze of lemon or a pinch more salt works wonders.

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

Garnishes

Shower the finished dish with lots of chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor. If you love a bit of extra cheese, grate a little more Parmesan over the top and, for color and zing, add a light dusting of lemon zest just before serving. It looks beautiful and tastes fresh!

Side Dishes

This meal stands beautifully on its own, but it also plays well with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette or a platter of roasted seasonal veggies. If you’re up for it, warm crusty bread or garlicky breadsticks are always welcome for soaking up every last drop of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions or dinner parties, twirl the linguine into neat nests and top each serving with a generous scoop of chicken bites. Individual bowls keep things cozy, but for family style, present it piled high on a big platter, finished with your prettiest lemon slices and a scatter of herbs.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine to an airtight container and refrigerate. Enjoy within 2 to 3 days for optimal freshness and taste — the flavors meld even more overnight!

Freezing

While the cooked chicken freezes well, the pasta can become soft after thawing. If you do decide to freeze, store the chicken and sauce separately from the cooked linguine. Let everything cool, then freeze in airtight containers for up to one month.

Reheating

For best results, reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or chicken broth to revive the sauce. If reheating in the microwave, cover loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring in between until everything is evenly warmed through and creamy again.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully here. They stay extra juicy and offer even more flavor, just be sure to trim any excess fat before cooking.

What can I use instead of linguine?

If you don’t have linguine, fettuccine or spaghetti make excellent substitutes. Honestly, any long-cut pasta you love will soak up all that buttery lemon sauce just as well.

How spicy is this dish with the red pepper flakes?

The crushed red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth, not too much heat. If you enjoy a bolder spice, feel free to double up; if not, simply leave them out for a mellow, family-friendly pasta.

Can I make Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use your favorite gluten-free linguine or pasta and you’re good to go. Just double-check that your Parmesan is certified gluten-free if that’s a concern for you.

Is this dish kid-friendly?

Very! The flavors are bright and comforting, and you can easily adjust the amount of garlic or omit the red pepper flakes to match your kids’ taste preferences. Most children love the buttery chicken and cheesy pasta combination!

Final Thoughts

There’s something so joyful about sharing Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine with the people you love. It’s quick enough for a Tuesday but impressive enough for guests, making it truly a staple in any kitchen. I hope you give this one a go and watch it become a much-requested favorite at your table!

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 18 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine are a delicious and satisfying main course that’s perfect for a quick dinner. Tender chicken bites are cooked in a flavorful lemon and garlic butter sauce, then tossed with al dente linguine and Parmesan cheese. Garnished with fresh parsley, this dish is bursting with Italian-American flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken Bites:

1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tbsp olive oil
4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
4 garlic cloves, minced
zest and juice of 1 lemon
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
salt and pepper to taste

For the Linguine:

12 oz linguine pasta
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup reserved pasta water
chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Cook the Linguine: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 5–7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Reduce the heat to medium, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and minced garlic, and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Finish the Dish: Stir in the lemon zest and juice, and toss the chicken to coat evenly. Add the cooked linguine to the skillet along with the reserved pasta water and grated Parmesan. Toss until the pasta is coated and the sauce slightly thickens. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.