Description
This irresistible dish combines quick-cooking chicken bites with a lemony garlic butter glaze, served over creamy parmesan linguine. It’s a perfect option for a quick dinner, easy recipe nights, or when you need food ideas that feel fancy without the stress. The bright lemon zest, garlicky butter, and rich cheese flavor make it ideal for both weeknights and entertaining. Whether you’re looking for easy dinner ideas or a comforting homemade meal, this one’s got you covered.
Ingredients
1.5 pounds chicken breast or thighs, cut into bites
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
4 cloves garlic, minced
4 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon olive oil
8 ounces linguine pasta
1/2 cup grated parmesan
2 tablespoons chopped parsley or basil (optional)
Instructions
1. Chop chicken into even bite-sized pieces and prepare other ingredients.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and cook chicken with salt and pepper until browned.
3. Remove chicken. Add butter and garlic to the skillet, cooking until fragrant.
4. Stir in lemon juice and zest, then let the sauce simmer.
5. Meanwhile, cook the linguine. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water.
6. Return chicken to skillet, add linguine, pasta water, and parmesan. Toss well.
7. Garnish with herbs and serve hot.
Notes
Thighs offer more flavor, but breasts work just as well if you prefer lean meat.
Add a splash of extra pasta water if the dish seems dry when reheating.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: easy recipe, dinner ideas, quick dinner, chicken pasta, healthy snack, comfort food, parmesan linguine