Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine

I’m excited to share my Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine—a quick, flavorful dish with juicy chicken pieces seared in lemony garlic butter, served alongside silky pasta coated in a creamy Parmesan sauce.

Why I’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s fast, comforting, and feels like a special-occasion meal without the fuss. The chicken bites cook quickly and soak up the bright, buttery sauce, while the Parmesan linguine adds richness and depth. It’s perfect for weeknights yet impressive enough for guests.

Ingredients

Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

For the chicken bites:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

• Salt and black pepper

• Garlic powder

• All-purpose flour (for light coating)

• Olive oil

• Unsalted butter

• Fresh garlic, minced

• Lemon juice

• Lemon zest

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Parmesan linguine:

• Linguine pasta

• Unsalted butter

• Fresh garlic, minced

• Heavy cream

• Chicken broth

• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• Salt and black pepper

• Extra parsley or basil for garnish

Directions

1. I season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then toss lightly in flour.

2. I heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat, searing the chicken bites for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. I remove them from the skillet and set aside.

3. In the same skillet, I melt more butter, sauté minced garlic until fragrant, then stir in lemon juice and zest, scraping up any browned bits. I return the chicken to the pan, tossing to coat in the sauce.

4. For the pasta, I cook the linguine according to package directions until al dente, then drain.

5. In a separate saucepan, I melt butter, sauté garlic for 1 minute, then pour in cream and chicken broth. I bring it to a gentle simmer, whisk in Parmesan, and season with salt and pepper.

6. I toss the cooked linguine in the sauce until well coated.

7. I serve the chicken bites over or beside the pasta, garnishing with fresh parsley.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: About 4 servings

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Cook time: 20 minutes

• Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

• I sometimes add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to the pasta for extra flavor.

• I swap linguine for fettuccine or spaghetti depending on what I have.

• I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.

• I sprinkle red pepper flakes over the chicken for a mild kick.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm gently in a skillet with a splash of cream or broth to keep the pasta creamy and the chicken tender.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

I can cook the chicken and make the sauce ahead, but I prefer to boil the pasta fresh before serving.

Can I use pre-grated Parmesan?

Freshly grated melts more smoothly, but pre-grated works in a pinch.

Can I make this without cream?

Yes—I use more chicken broth and a little cream cheese for creaminess.

How do I keep the chicken juicy?

I avoid overcooking and let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving.

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely—broccoli, asparagus, or peas work well in the pasta.

Conclusion

I love making Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine because it’s bright, creamy, and satisfying. It’s the kind of dish that feels indulgent but comes together in under 40 minutes, making it a perfect go-to for any night of the week.