How to Make Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

This dish brings together tender chicken bites seared in a zesty lemon garlic butter sauce with a side of savory parmesan linguine for the ultimate comfort food combination. It’s flavorful, balanced, and quick enough for a weeknight dinner—yet elegant enough to serve to guests. With every bite, you’ll enjoy juicy chicken, bold garlic, a splash of citrus, and creamy, cheesy pasta perfection.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Burst of Freshness – Lemon and garlic add vibrant flavor without overwhelming the dish.
Crispy Chicken Bites – Lightly pan-seared for a golden crust and juicy center.
Rich Garlic Butter Sauce – Coats every bite with comfort and flavor.
Creamy Parmesan Pasta – Linguine tossed with just the right amount of cheese and herbs.
Weeknight-Friendly – Quick to make and satisfying to eat.

Ingredients

For the chicken:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp light butter
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Zest of ½ lemon
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

For the linguine:

• 6 oz dry whole wheat or regular linguine
• 1 tbsp light butter
• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1–2 tbsp reserved pasta water (as needed)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta
Boil linguine in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve a couple tablespoons of pasta water, then drain.

2. Sear the Chicken
Season chicken pieces with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Push to one side of the skillet.

3. Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
Add light butter and minced garlic to the empty side of the skillet. Sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute), then mix with the chicken. Add lemon juice and zest. Stir everything together to coat chicken in the sauce. Remove from heat and keep warm.

4. Prepare the Parmesan Linguine
In a separate pan, melt 1 tbsp light butter over low heat. Add cooked linguine, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and a splash of pasta water. Toss until creamy and coated.

5. Plate and Serve
Serve garlic butter chicken bites over or beside the parmesan linguine. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra lemon zest if desired.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 360
Protein: 33g
Fat: 11g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 1g

Tips for Success

Don’t Overcook the Chicken – Keep it tender by searing quickly on medium heat.
Use Fresh Garlic – It delivers bold, authentic flavor to the sauce.
Add Pasta Water Gradually – Just enough to loosen the cheese and create a silky sauce.

Why This Recipe Works

The chicken is lean but juicy, enhanced by a tangy butter sauce that brings depth without heaviness. The pasta is creamy and satisfying with just enough Parmesan to deliver flavor while staying light. Together, they form a well-rounded dish that hits every note—comfort, freshness, and a bit of indulgence.

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Parmesan Linguine is a dish that feels indulgent without being over-the-top. It’s quick to make, filled with fresh, zesty flavor, and provides the perfect balance of protein, carbs, and comfort. Whether it’s for a cozy dinner or a casual get-together, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again.