Imagine a dish that combines the zesty brightness of lemon, the rich comfort of garlic butter, and the creamy indulgence of Parmesan pasta. This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Parmesan Linguine is a culinary masterpiece that transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.
Ingredients
US Measurements
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 8 oz linguine
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Metric Measurements
- 450 grams kipfilet, in blokjes gesneden
- Rasp en sap van 1 citroen
- 2 gram Italiaanse kruiden
- 225 grams linguine
- 30 gram boter
- 75 gram geraspte Parmezaanse kaas
- 2 knoflookteentjes, gehakt
- Zout en zwarte peper naar smaak
- 30 ml olijfolie
- Verse peterselie ter garnering (optioneel)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken
- Cut chicken breast into uniform bite-sized pieces
- Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper
- Zest and juice the lemon, set aside
- Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil
- Cook linguine according to package instructions
- Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining
- Cook the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat
- Add chicken pieces in a single layer
- Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown
- Remove chicken and set aside
- Create the Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter
- Add minced garlic, sauté for 30 seconds
- Return chicken to the pan
- Add lemon zest and juice
- Toss to coat chicken evenly
- Combine Pasta and Chicken
- Add cooked linguine to the skillet
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese
- Toss gently, adding reserved pasta water if needed
- Ensure chicken and pasta are well coated
- Serve
- Plate the pasta and chicken
- Garnish with fresh parsley
- Add extra Parmesan if desired
Nutritional Information
Per Serving:
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Calcium: 20% DV
- Iron: 10% DV
Preparation Details:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty: Easy
Cooking Tips and Tricks
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C)
- Pat chicken dry before seasoning for better browning
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking chicken
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor
- Reserve pasta water to help create a silky sauce
Variations and Substitutions
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free linguine
- Dairy-Free: Substitute Parmesan with nutritional yeast
- Vegetarian Twist: Replace chicken with tofu or chickpeas
- Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne
- Low-Carb: Serve over zucchini noodles
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use other pasta shapes? Yes, fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne work well.
Q2: How do I store leftovers? Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Q3: Can I make this ahead of time? Best enjoyed fresh, but can be reheated gently with a splash of pasta water.
Q4: What can I serve as a side dish? Garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a light salad complement this dish.
Q5: Can I use frozen chicken? Thaw completely and pat dry before cooking for best results.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking
- Store chicken and pasta separately to maintain texture
- Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of pasta water
- Not recommended for freezing due to pasta and sauce texture
- Best consumed within 2-3 days
Savor the delightful combination of tender chicken, zesty lemon, and creamy Parmesan in this irresistible one-pan meal!