24-Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine

This dish is packed with flavor, combining juicy, lemon-marinated chicken bites with a creamy, garlicky Parmesan pasta. The bright citrus cuts through the richness of the butter and cheese, creating a perfectly balanced meal. It’s a simple yet elegant dish that comes together in about 35 minutes, making it great for both weeknights and special occasions.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

  • Zest of 1 lemon

  • Juice of ½ lemon (save the other half for garnish)

  • ½ tsp Italian seasoning

  • ½ tsp salt

  • ½ tsp black pepper

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Pasta:

  • 8 oz linguine

  • ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated for best results)

  • ½ cup reserved pasta water

  • ¼ cup heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

  • 2 tbsp butter

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

For Garnish:

  • Fresh parsley, chopped

  • Extra lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken:

In a medium bowl, combine the chicken bites with lemon zest, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Toss well to evenly coat the chicken. Let it marinate while you prepare the pasta.

2. Cook the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the linguine and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (firm to the bite). Before draining, scoop out ½ cup of pasta water and set it aside. Drain the pasta and set aside.

3. Cook the Chicken:

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken bites in a single layer and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

4. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:

  • In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium.

  • Add 2 tablespoons of butter and let it melt.

  • Stir in minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant (be careful not to burn it).

5. Toss the Pasta:

  • Add the drained linguine to the skillet and toss it in the garlic butter sauce.

  • Slowly mix in grated Parmesan cheese, stirring as it melts into the pasta.

  • Gradually pour in the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, stirring constantly until the sauce reaches a silky consistency.

  • If using, pour in ¼ cup of heavy cream for extra richness and stir well.

6. Add the Chicken & Serve:

  • Return the cooked chicken bites to the skillet and toss everything together.

  • Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.

  • Squeeze extra lemon juice over the top for a fresh burst of flavor.

Time & Servings:

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes

  • Cook Time: 20 minutes

  • Total Time: 35 minutes

  • Servings: 4

  • Calories: ~550 kcal per serving (approximate)

Tips for the Best Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Parmesan Linguine

✔ Use Fresh Lemon Juice & Zest – Fresh juice gives the best tangy flavor, while the zest adds extra citrusy depth.
✔ Marinate the Chicken – Letting the chicken sit in lemon juice and seasonings for at least 10 minutes enhances its flavor.
✔ Pat Chicken Dry Before Cooking – This helps it develop a nice golden-brown sear.
✔ Cook Chicken in a Single Layer – Avoid overcrowding the pan so the chicken browns properly instead of steaming.
✔ Use a Hot Pan – A preheated skillet ensures the chicken cooks quickly and evenly.
✔ Don’t Overcook the Chicken – Remove it from the pan as soon as it’s golden brown and cooked through.
✔ Use Fresh Garlic – Freshly minced garlic provides better flavor than jarred or powdered garlic.
✔ Don’t Burn the Garlic – Cook garlic over medium heat to avoid bitterness.
✔ Use Real Butter – Unsalted butter gives you better control over seasoning.
✔ Cook Pasta Al Dente – Slightly firm pasta holds up better in the sauce.
✔ Save Pasta Water – The starchy water helps bind the sauce and gives it a silky texture.
✔ Add Cheese Off Heat – This prevents clumping and ensures smooth melting.
✔ Stir Cheese Gradually – Adding Parmesan in small batches helps create a creamy sauce.
✔ Thin Out Sauce If Needed – If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of pasta water.
✔ Use Heavy Cream for Extra Creaminess – Optional but adds a luxurious texture.
✔ Season at Every Step – Season the chicken, pasta water, and sauce separately for the best depth of flavor.
✔ Use Fresh Herbs for Garnish – Fresh parsley or basil enhances the final dish.
✔ Let the Dish Rest for 2 Minutes – This allows the flavors to meld before serving.
✔ Taste Before Serving – Adjust lemon juice, salt, or Parmesan to your preference.
✔ Serve Immediately – The sauce thickens as it sits, so enjoy it fresh!

Variations to Try

✔ Sun-Dried Tomatoes – Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a sweet, tangy twist.
✔ Extra Garlic Butter – Double the butter and garlic for a richer, bolder sauce.
✔ Add Vegetables – Toss in spinach, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or roasted asparagus.
✔ Garlic Parmesan Shrimp – Swap the chicken for shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side.
✔ Crispy Bacon Bits – Stir in crispy bacon for a smoky crunch.
✔ Lemon Pepper Twist – Use lemon pepper seasoning for an extra citrusy, peppery kick.
✔ Steak Version – Use sirloin steak bites instead of chicken for a heartier dish.
✔ Three Cheese Blend – Combine Parmesan, Romano, and Asiago for a complex cheesy flavor.
✔ Spicy Kick – Add crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne for some heat.
✔ Salmon Option – Substitute grilled or pan-seared salmon for a seafood version.
✔ Cajun Style – Season the chicken with Cajun seasoning for a Southern twist.
✔ Creamy Mushroom Sauce – Sauté mushrooms before adding the garlic butter for extra depth.
✔ Avocado Cream Sauce – Blend avocado with garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil for a creamy, dairy-free alternative.
✔ Roasted Garlic Upgrade – Use slow-roasted garlic for a mellow, caramelized flavor.
✔ Fresh Basil Finish – Stir in fresh basil at the end for an herby kick.
✔ Pesto Version – Replace the garlic butter sauce with a basil or sun-dried tomato pesto.
✔ Mozzarella Melt – Add fresh mozzarella chunks for an extra cheesy bite.
✔ Zucchini Noodles Option – Swap linguine for spiralized zucchini for a low-carb version.
✔ Serve with Garlic Bread – Soak up the sauce with homemade garlic bread.
✔ Vegan Option – Use tofu instead of chicken, dairy-free butter, and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

✔ Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast? – Yes! Chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful. Just cook them a little longer until fully done.

✔ Can I use another type of pasta? – Absolutely! Fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne work great in this recipe.

✔ How do I keep the chicken from drying out? – Don’t overcook it! Remove it from the heat as soon as it reaches 165°F (75°C).

✔ Can I make this ahead of time? – Yes, but the sauce thickens as it sits. Add a little water or cream when reheating.

✔ Can I freeze this dish? – Freezing is not recommended since the sauce can separate, but the chicken can be frozen separately.

✔ Can I make it dairy-free? – Yes! Use plant-based butter, dairy-free Parmesan, and coconut cream instead of heavy cream.

✔ How do I store leftovers? – Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

✔ How do I reheat it? – Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce.

✔ What can I serve with this dish? – Garlic bread, a fresh side salad, or roasted vegetables pair perfectly.

✔ Can I make this in the Instant Pot? – Yes! Sauté the chicken, then cook the pasta in the Instant Pot with 2 cups of water on high pressure for 5 minutes.

✔ Can I make this gluten-free? – Yes! Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all ingredients are gluten-free.

✔ Can I add more lemon? – Of course! Add extra lemon zest or serve with lemon wedges.

✔ What can I use instead of Parmesan? – Try Pecorino Romano, Asiago, or Grana Padano for a similar flavor.

✔ Can I skip the heavy cream? – Yes, the pasta water and butter create a creamy sauce without it.

✔ How do I make this spicier? – Add red pepper flakes, cayenne, or a drizzle of hot sauce.

✔ Can I use pre-cooked chicken? – Yes, but fresh chicken will have better texture and flavor.

✔ What oil should I use? – Olive oil gives the best flavor, but avocado oil works too.

✔ Can I use bottled lemon juice? – Fresh is best, but bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch.

✔ How do I thicken the sauce? – Simmer the pasta in the sauce for an extra minute to absorb excess liquid.

✔ How do I thin out the sauce? – Add a little more reserved pasta water or a splash of milk.

SAVE IT FOR LATER IN PINTEREST