Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that combines tender chicken bites in a lemon garlic butter sauce, paired with savory, cheesy linguine. Here’s how you can make it:
Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 3 tbsp butter, divided
For the Linguine:
- 8 oz linguine pasta
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Cook the Linguine:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine pasta and cook according to package instructions (usually about 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
- In a bowl, combine the chicken breast pieces with lemon zest, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat the chicken evenly in the seasonings.
3. Cook the Chicken:
- In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
4. Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
- Add the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Combine the Pasta and Chicken:
- Add the cooked linguine pasta to the skillet with the creamy Parmesan sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce.
- Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and toss again until everything is well combined and heated through.
6. Serve:
- Plate the chicken and linguine, and garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips:
- For Extra Flavor: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little heat or extra lemon zest for more citrus flavor.
- Veggies: You can sauté spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms in the skillet before adding the chicken for some added texture and nutrition.
- Make it Lighter: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream to reduce the richness.
This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine is a delicious, satisfying meal with a perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors. Enjoy! 🍋🍗🍝
