🍋🧄 Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Tender, golden chicken bites coated in a flavorful lemon garlic butter sauce served over rich, creamy Parmesan pasta. This restaurant-style comfort meal is quick, satisfying, and perfect for a family dinner.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4–6

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🛒 Ingredients

🍗 Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

• 1½ lbs (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

🍝 Creamy Parmesan Pasta

• 12 oz (340 g) pasta (fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1½ cups heavy cream
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup reserved pasta water
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Salt, to taste
• 1 cup baby spinach (optional)

Garnish

• Extra Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley
• Lemon wedges
• Cracked black pepper

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente.
3. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.

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2. Cook the Chicken Bites

1. Pat chicken pieces dry and season with garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and cooked through.
4. Reduce heat and add butter and garlic.
5. Cook for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
6. Add lemon juice and zest.
7. Toss chicken in the sauce and sprinkle with parsley.

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3. Make the Creamy Parmesan Pasta

1. In the same pan (or a separate skillet), melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
3. Pour in heavy cream and simmer for 3–4 minutes.
4. Stir in Parmesan cheese until smooth.
5. Add Italian seasoning, pepper, and salt.
6. Toss in cooked pasta, adding pasta water as needed for a silky sauce.
7. Stir in spinach if using and cook until wilted.

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4. Combine & Serve

1. Serve creamy Parmesan pasta on plates or in a large serving dish.
2. Top with lemon garlic butter chicken bites.
3. Garnish with Parmesan, parsley, and lemon wedges.

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🍽️ Optional Add-Ins

• Crispy bacon pieces 🥓
• Sun-dried tomatoes
• Mushrooms
• Roasted broccoli
• Asparagus
• Shrimp for a surf-and-turf version
• Red pepper flakes for heat

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🥣 Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Calories: 720
• Protein: 48 g
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Fat: 38 g
• Fiber: 3 g

(Nutrition varies based on pasta type and portion size.)

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💡 Tips for the Best Flavor

✅ Cut chicken into even-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
✅ Don’t overcook the chicken—remove it as soon as it reaches 165°F (74°C).
✅ Fresh Parmesan melts smoother than pre-shredded cheese.
✅ Add lemon at the end to keep the citrus flavor bright.
✅ For a lighter version, use half-and-half or Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream.

🍋🧄 A creamy, buttery, lemony dinner that tastes like a restaurant meal in under an hour!