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Zesty Lemon Garlic Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Linguine – Chicken Alfredo Pasta Easy Recipe

Ever had one of those weeknights when you're staring into the fridge like it might hand you dinner? That's exactly where this recipe comes in clutch. These zesty lemon garlic chicken bites bring bold, punchy flavor, while the creamy parmesan linguine calms it all down like a warm hug in noodle form. It’s one of those meals that feels a bit like cheating—easy enough for a Tuesday night but fancy enough to pretend you're at a little bistro. I remember tossing this dish together the first time with a leftover chicken breast and a dream, and now it's the recipe I reach for when I need dinner to impress *me*. You know what I mean? That balance between tangy citrus, rich garlic, and parmesan that clings to pasta like it means it—that’s what makes it a regular in my kitchen. It also checks all the comfort food boxes without sending you into a food coma. Plus, you can dress it up with broccoli, mushrooms, or sundried tomatoes if you’re feeling adventurous. Or don't. It's delicious either way.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Dinners
Cuisine: American
Keywords: chicken alfredo pasta easy recipe, chicken mushroom alfredo pasta easy recipes, chicken sausage alfredo pasta easy recipes, creamy chicken broccoli pasta easy recipes, easy creamy chicken pasta recipes, rotisserie chicken recipes leftover pasta easy, sun dried tomato chicken pasta easy recipes
Servings: 4 servings
Author: Elena

Ingredients

  • 2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • Zest and juice of 1 lemon
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
  • 8 oz linguine
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, toss the chicken pieces with lemon zest, garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, and chili flakes in a bowl.
  3. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in the heavy cream, parmesan, and Italian seasoning. Simmer gently until the sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Add the cooked linguine to the sauce and toss to coat.
  6. Return the chicken to the skillet and toss everything together. Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice and garnish with parsley.
  7. Serve hot and enjoy!