Creamy Parmesan Linguine with Lemon Garlic Chicken Bites is a refined yet comforting dish that brings together tender pasta, a velvety cheese sauce, and zesty chicken bites. The brightness of lemon complements the richness of the Parmesan cream, creating a balanced and satisfying meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is quick to prepare yet full of flavor. The lemon garlic chicken bites are pan-seared for golden perfection and infused with citrusy freshness. When combined with creamy Parmesan-coated linguine, the result is a harmonious plate that’s both hearty and refreshing. Ideal for anyone who loves Italian-inspired flavors with a modern, lighter twist.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
8 oz linguine pasta
1 lb chicken breast, diced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 lemon, zested and juiced
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp vegetable oil or butter
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
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Cook the pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. -
Cook the chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil or butter over medium heat.
Add the diced chicken and season with salt and pepper.
Cook until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally. -
Add garlic and lemon:
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the lemon juice and zest, stirring to coat the chicken evenly. -
Prepare the sauce:
Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and cook until the sauce becomes thick and creamy. -
Combine with pasta:
Add the cooked linguine to the skillet and toss well to coat in the creamy sauce.
Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed. -
Serve:
Divide among plates and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately while hot.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Calories per serving: Approximately 650 kcal
Variations
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Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a mild heat.
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Vegetable Addition: Mix in spinach, peas, or roasted cherry tomatoes for added nutrition.
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Herb Twist: Use fresh basil or thyme in place of or alongside parsley.
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Lighter Option: Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to reduce richness.
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Cheese Blend: Add a touch of Pecorino Romano for extra depth in the sauce.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s consistency.
Microwave reheating is also effective—cover loosely and heat in short intervals, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I use another pasta type?
Yes, fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne are good alternatives if linguine isn’t available.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Absolutely. Just warm it briefly in the skillet before continuing with the sauce.
Is fresh lemon juice necessary?
Yes, fresh lemon juice provides a brighter and more authentic flavor than bottled versions.
Can I substitute the Parmesan cheese?
You can use Grana Padano or Pecorino Romano, but avoid pre-shredded Parmesan for best texture.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
Allow it to simmer a bit longer, or add a small amount of cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water).
Can I use milk instead of cream?
Whole milk can be used, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich. Consider thickening it slightly.
How do I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free linguine and check that your Parmesan and cream are gluten-free certified.
What wine pairs well with this dish?
A crisp white like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the lemon and creamy elements well.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
It’s best fresh, but you can prepare the sauce a few hours ahead and gently reheat it before adding pasta.
Should I zest the lemon before juicing?
Yes, zest first to make it easier and avoid damaging the lemon’s skin.
Conclusion
Creamy Parmesan Linguine with Lemon Garlic Chicken Bites is a restaurant-quality meal you can create effortlessly at home. With its vibrant lemon flavor, golden chicken, and creamy pasta, this dish offers comfort and elegance in every bite. Whether for a special dinner or a comforting meal after a long day, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
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Creamy Parmesan Linguine with Lemon Garlic Chicken Bites
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4-servings
Description
This Creamy Parmesan Linguine with Lemon Garlic Chicken Bites delivers the perfect balance of richness and brightness. Juicy, seared chicken bites infused with garlic and lemon sit atop a bed of silky linguine tossed in a Parmesan cream sauce. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner, yet elegant enough to impress guests. Lemon garlic chicken pasta, creamy linguine recipe, parmesan chicken pasta, quick chicken pasta dinner, garlic cream sauce pasta
Ingredients
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8 oz linguine pasta
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1 lb chicken breast, diced
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1 cup heavy cream
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1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 lemon, zested and juiced
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Salt and pepper to taste
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2 tbsp vegetable oil or butter
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
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Cook the linguine according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
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In a large skillet, heat oil or butter over medium heat.
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Add diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden and fully cooked.
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Stir in garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
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Pour in heavy cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Bring to a gentle simmer.
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Add grated Parmesan and stir until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
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Toss the cooked linguine into the sauce and mix until well-coated.
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Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.
Notes
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For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in lemon juice and garlic for 30 minutes before cooking.
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You can substitute half-and-half for a lighter version.
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Add spinach or peas for extra color and nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing, Boiling
- Cuisine: American