Description
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Lemon Parmesan Linguine is a quick and delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken bites are sautéed in a fragrant garlic butter sauce, then tossed with al dente linguine, fresh lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, and parsley for a zesty and comforting dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Sauce
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Juice of 1 lemon
Pasta
- 8 oz linguine pasta
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. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Heat butter and oil: While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of butter together with the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season and cook chicken: Season the diced chicken breast with salt and black pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes until it is golden brown and cooked through, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Prepare garlic butter sauce: Reduce heat to medium, then add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet. Sauté the mixture for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked linguine to the skillet along with the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and chopped parsley. Toss everything together to coat the pasta and chicken thoroughly, allowing the cheese to melt slightly into the sauce.
- Serve warm: Plate the pasta and chicken bites, garnishing with extra Parmesan cheese and parsley if desired. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor; pre-minced garlic can be substituted in a pinch.
- Red pepper flakes are optional but add a nice hint of heat.
- For a creamier sauce, you can add a splash of heavy cream or pasta cooking water when tossing the pasta.
- Make sure not to overcook the linguine to keep it al dente.
- Chicken breast can be substituted with chicken thighs for juicier bites.
