Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 3 tbsp butter, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
For the Parmesan Linguine:
- 8 oz linguine
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Directions
Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining, then set the linguine aside.
Step 2: Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Toss to coat evenly.
Step 3: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 4: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the lemon zest and juice, mixing well. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the lemon garlic butter sauce. Keep warm.
Step 5: In a separate saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir in the heavy cream, allowing it to warm through. Gradually add the Parmesan cheese, whisking continuously until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Add garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Combine the cooked linguine with the Parmesan sauce, tossing until the pasta is fully coated. Use the reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency, if needed.
Step 7: Serve the creamy Parmesan linguine on a plate and top it with the lemon garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.