Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine

That sounds absolutely delicious — here’s a full recipe for Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine, a satisfying and flavorful meal perfect for weeknight dinners or even a casual date night.

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🍋 Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine

🐔 Chicken Bites Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 1/2 tsp paprika (optional for color)

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Juice and zest of 1 lemon

• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)

• Red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)

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🍝 Parmesan Linguine Ingredients:

• 8 oz linguine pasta

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• 1/4 cup reserved pasta water (more as needed)

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• Optional: splash of cream or a drizzle of olive oil for richness

• Extra grated Parmesan and parsley for garnish

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🔪 Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:

• Bring salted water to a boil and cook linguine according to package instructions until al dente.

• Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining. Set aside.

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2. Make the Chicken Bites:

1. Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and paprika.

2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter over medium-high heat.

3. Add chicken in a single layer and sear for 3–4 minutes without moving, then stir and cook until golden brown and cooked through (about 6–8 minutes total).

4. Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining 2 tbsp butter and the minced garlic. Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly.

5. Add lemon juice and zest. Toss to coat and cook for another minute.

6. Sprinkle with parsley and red pepper flakes if using. Remove from heat.

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3. Make the Parmesan Linguine:

1. In a separate skillet or the same pot, melt butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds over medium heat.

2. Add drained linguine, Parmesan cheese, and 1/4 cup of reserved pasta water.

3. Toss until cheese melts and creates a light sauce. Add a splash more pasta water or a drizzle of olive oil if too dry.

4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in a splash of cream if you want it extra creamy.

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4. Serve:

• Plate the Parmesan linguine and top with warm lemon garlic butter chicken bites.

• Garnish with extra Parmesan, fresh parsley, and lemon zest.

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Would you like a version of this recipe that’s gluten-free or dairy-free?