🍋 Creamy Parmesan Linguine with Lemon Garlic Chicken Bites
Description:
This comforting, flavor-packed dish brings together juicy, pan-seared lemon garlic chicken bites with a silky Parmesan cream linguine. Bright lemon zest balances the richness, while Italian seasoning adds a savory herb kick. It’s the kind of meal that tastes restaurant-quality but is simple enough for a cozy weeknight dinner.
📝 Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp butter (for searing)
- 1 tbsp butter (added at the end)
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz linguine (or pasta of choice)
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water (adjust as needed)
- Optional: splash of cream or milk for extra richness
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish
👩🍳 Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining. - Prepare the Chicken
In a bowl, season the chicken bites with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, lemon zest, and half of the lemon juice. - Sear the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp of butter over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden brown and fully cooked through (about 6–8 minutes). Stir occasionally for even browning. - Add Final Butter & Lemon
Once cooked, turn off the heat and stir in the remaining 1 tbsp butter and the rest of the lemon juice. Set chicken aside. - Make the Sauce
In the same skillet (don’t wipe it — those browned bits = flavor!), add cooked pasta, 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water, and the grated Parmesan. Stir vigorously until the cheese melts into a creamy sauce. Add more pasta water if needed for a silkier texture. - Combine & Serve
Toss the chicken bites into the pasta. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan. Serve immediately.
🍽️ Servings:
- Serves: 2–3 generous portions
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
✨ Tips & Notes:
- Don’t skip zesting the lemon before juicing — it’s key to the bright, fresh flavor.
- Add garlic to the butter while searing chicken if you want an even stronger garlic profile.
- Want to stretch it? Add spinach or steamed broccoli to the pasta.
- You can use fettuccine or spaghetti if you don’t have linguine on hand.
🔍 Nutritional Info (Approximate per serving):
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Protein: 40g
- Fat: 28g
- Carbs: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 2g
- Calcium: High (thanks to Parmesan!)
Values may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
💪 Health Benefits:
- Chicken Breast: Lean protein that helps build and repair muscle.
- Lemon Juice/Zest: Rich in vitamin C and helps balance heavy flavors.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds calcium and depth with a little going a long way.
- Olive Oil/Butter (if swapped): Source of healthy fats in moderation.
- Whole Wheat Pasta Option: Boosts fiber content if you want a healthier spin.
❓ Q & A:
Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
A: Totally! Just warm it in a pan with butter, lemon juice, and seasoning to reintroduce flavor.
Q: How do I make it creamier?
A: Add 1/4 cup of heavy cream or a splash of milk when mixing the pasta and cheese.
Q: What’s a good side dish?
A: Garlic bread, a crisp Caesar salad, or roasted veggies pair perfectly.
Q: Can I make it ahead?
A: Yes — store pasta and chicken separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of water or cream to bring back the sauce texture.
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