Description
This dish combines juicy chicken bites seared in a rich lemon garlic butter sauce with creamy, cheesy Parmesan linguine. It’s a perfect blend of bright, zesty flavors and comforting, savory pasta. Ready in under 30 minutes, this is a weeknight dinner winner that feels fancy enough for special occasions.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 12 oz linguine
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Tools:
- Large skillet
- Medium saucepan
- Tongs or wooden spoon
- Zester
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter and the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the chicken broth, heavy cream, lemon zest, and juice. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then add the Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens.
- Combine everything: Add the cooked linguine to the skillet, tossing to coat it in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it. Return the chicken to the skillet and toss to combine.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for even juicier bites.
- Add spinach or cherry tomatoes to the pasta for extra color and nutrients.
- Make ahead: Prepare the chicken and pasta separately and combine when reheating
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (chicken + pasta)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 110mg