Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine

Contents show

1 Ingredients

1.1 For the Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites:

1.2 For the Savory Parmesan Linguine:

2 Step-by-Step Instructions

2.1 1. Cook the Linguine

2.2 2. Prepare the Chicken Bites

2.3 3. Make the Parmesan Linguine Sauce

2.4 4. Combine the Pasta and Sauce

2.5 5. Assemble and Serve

3 Tips for Perfecting the Dish

3.1 1. Sear the Chicken for Maximum Flavor

3.2 2. Use Fresh Ingredients for the Best Taste

3.3 3. Cook the Pasta Al Dente

3.4 4. Reserve Pasta Water for the Perfect Sauce

3.5 5. Balance the Lemon Flavor

3.6 6. Control the Heat in the Garlic Butter Sauce

3.7 7. Adjust the Cream Sauce Consistency

3.8 8. Let the Chicken Rest Before Serving

3.9 9. Garnish for Extra Flavor and Presentation

4 Variations

5 Storage and Reheating

5.1 Refrigeration:

5.2 Freezing:

5.3 Reheating Tips:

6 Serving Suggestions

7 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

7.1 1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

7.2 2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

7.3 3. What if my sauce is too thick or too thin?

7.4 4. How do I store leftovers?

7.5 5. Can I freeze this dish?

7.6 6. How do I reheat this dish?

7.7 7. Can I make this dish gluten-free?

7.8 8. Can I make this dish dairy-free?

7.9 9. Can I add vegetables to this dish?

7.10 10. What other pasta can I use instead of linguine?

8 Conclusion

9 Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine

9.1 Description

9.2 Ingredients

9.3 For the Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites:

9.4 For the Savory Parmesan Linguine:

9.5 Instructions

9.6 1. Cook the Linguine

9.7 2. Prepare the Chicken Bites

9.8 3. Make the Parmesan Linguine Sauce

9.9 4. Combine the Pasta and Sauce

9.10 5. Assemble and Serve

9.11 Equipment

9.12 Notes

9.13 Nutrition

9.14 Did you make this recipe?

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Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine is the perfect combination of juicy, buttery chicken and creamy, cheesy pasta. This dish is packed with rich flavors, making it an ideal choice for a cozy dinner or a special occasion.

In this article, we’ll walk through the step-by-step process of making this dish, along with helpful tips, variations, and storage recommendations. Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients

For the Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

this RECIPE

For the Savory Parmesan Linguine:

• 12 ounces linguine pasta
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 ½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• ½ cup reserved pasta water (adjust as needed)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Linguine

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
2. Before draining, reserve about ½ cup of pasta water to help with the sauce later.
3. Drain the pasta and set aside.

2. Prepare the Chicken Bites

1. In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken in a single layer (avoid overcrowding to ensure proper searing).
3. Sear for 4-5 minutes, flipping occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked.
4. Reduce the heat to medium and add 3 tablespoons of butter along with the minced garlic, red pepper flakes (if using), lemon juice, and lemon zest.
5. Stir everything together and cook for another 2 minutes, ensuring the chicken absorbs the flavors. Remove from heat and set aside.

3. Make the Parmesan Linguine Sauce

1. In the same skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
3. Pour in the heavy cream and stir well. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, then gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until melted.
4. Add the salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, lemon juice, and lemon zest, stirring constantly.
5. If the sauce is too thick, slowly add the reserved pasta water (a few tablespoons at a time) until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency.

4. Combine the Pasta and Sauce

1. Toss the cooked linguine into the creamy parmesan sauce, ensuring every strand is well-coated.
2. Allow it to simmer for 1-2 minutes, then remove from heat.

5. Assemble and Serve

1. Plate the Parmesan linguine first, then top with the lemon garlic butter chicken bites.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for Perfecting the Dish

Creating Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine is simple, but a few key techniques can take it from good to restaurant-quality. Here are some expert tips to ensure perfect flavor, texture, and presentation every time:

1. Sear the Chicken for Maximum Flavor

For juicy, golden-brown chicken, make sure your pan is hot before adding the pieces. Overcrowding the pan can cause the chicken to steam instead of sear, so cook in batches if necessary. Let the chicken sit undisturbed for 2-3 minutes per side before flipping to develop a beautiful crust.

2. Use Fresh Ingredients for the Best Taste

• Fresh garlic adds a bold, aromatic flavor that enhances the butter sauce. Avoid pre-minced garlic, which can taste dull.
• Freshly squeezed lemon juice has a brighter, more vibrant taste than bottled lemon juice.
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts more smoothly into the sauce, giving it a luxuriously creamy texture.

3. Cook the Pasta Al Dente

Al dente pasta (firm to the bite) is ideal because it absorbs the sauce better without becoming mushy. Follow the package instructions but check for doneness 1-2 minutes before the suggested cooking time.

4. Reserve Pasta Water for the Perfect Sauce

Before draining the linguine, set aside ½ cup of pasta water. The starchy water helps bind the sauce to the pasta, creating a silky, restaurant-style consistency. If the sauce is too thick, add a little at a time until you reach the desired texture.

5. Balance the Lemon Flavor

Lemon adds brightness and freshness, but too much can overpower the dish. Start with the suggested amount of lemon juice and zest, then taste and adjust as needed. If you prefer a more subtle citrus note, reduce the amount slightly.

6. Control the Heat in the Garlic Butter Sauce

Garlic burns quickly, which can create a bitter taste. To avoid this:

• Use medium heat when cooking the garlic in butter.
• Stir constantly and cook for just 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
• If you accidentally overcook the garlic, start fresh rather than risking a bitter sauce.

7. Adjust the Cream Sauce Consistency

• Too thick? Add a splash of reserved pasta water or a little more cream.
• Too thin? Let the sauce simmer for an extra minute to thicken, or add more Parmesan for a richer texture.

8. Let the Chicken Rest Before Serving

After cooking, allow the chicken bites to rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and flavorful.

9. Garnish for Extra Flavor and Presentation

A final sprinkle of fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese adds color and depth of flavor. For a touch of elegance, finish with a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil before serving.

Variations

• Make it Spicy : Add extra red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the chicken for a kick.
• Swap the Protein : Substitute chicken with shrimp or salmon for a seafood twist.
• Go Low-Carb : Serve the garlic butter chicken over sautéed zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of linguine.
• Extra Veggies : Stir in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for added texture and nutrients.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigeration:

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing:

• The chicken bites can be frozen separately for up to 2 months.
• The linguine in sauce doesn’t freeze well due to the cream, but you can refrigerate it and reheat within a few days.

Reheating Tips:

• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s texture.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, to prevent the sauce from separating.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is rich and flavorful, making it perfect on its own, but you can pair it with:

• Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up the extra sauce.
• Caesar Salad – A crisp, refreshing side to balance the creamy pasta.
• Steamed Asparagus or Broccoli – Adds color and nutrients to your plate.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great in this recipe. They tend to be juicier and more flavorful than chicken breasts. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take an extra minute or two to cook through.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, but for the best taste and texture, it’s recommended to cook the pasta and chicken fresh. If making ahead, store the chicken and pasta separately, then reheat and combine before serving.

3. What if my sauce is too thick or too thin?

• If too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water or a little more heavy cream to loosen it.
• If too thin, let the sauce simmer for a few extra minutes or stir in more grated Parmesan cheese to thicken it.

4. How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The chicken and pasta are best stored separately to maintain their texture.

5. Can I freeze this dish?

• Chicken: Yes! You can freeze the cooked chicken bites in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
• Pasta and Sauce: It’s not recommended to freeze the pasta with sauce, as the dairy-based sauce may separate when reheated.

6. How do I reheat this dish?

• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to refresh the sauce.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through.

7. Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use gluten-free linguine or swap it for zucchini noodles (zoodles) or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

8. Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, but you’ll need substitutes:

• Replace butter with a plant-based alternative like olive oil or vegan butter.
• Use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream.
• Swap Parmesan cheese for a dairy-free cheese alternative.

9. Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! Some great add-ins include:

• Spinach (stir in at the end)
• Mushrooms (sauté with the garlic)
• Cherry tomatoes (add during the last few minutes of cooking the chicken)

10. What other pasta can I use instead of linguine?

You can use fettuccine, spaghetti, penne, or even pappardelle. Any pasta that holds creamy sauce well will work.

Conclusion

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine is a versatile, indulgent, and incredibly satisfying meal. The golden, buttery chicken pairs beautifully with the rich, creamy pasta, creating a balance of flavors that will impress any crowd. Whether you’re making this for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion, it’s bound to be a new favorite.

So, grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a meal that’s as delicious as it is easy to make.

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