Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine

Ingredients : 

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb boneless chicken breast (bite-sized pieces)
• Salt, pepper, ½ tsp paprika, ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• 3 tbsp butter (divided)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• Zest + juice of 1 lemon
• Fresh parsley (garnish)

For the Linguine:

• 8 oz linguine pasta
• 2 tbsp butter
• ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt, pepper, parsley

Instructions : 

1. Cook Pasta: Boil linguine in salted water until al dente. Drain, reserving ½ cup pasta water.

2. Sear Chicken: Season chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. In your skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until golden (5-6 mins). Remove and set aside.

3. Make Sauce: In same skillet, melt 1 tbsp butter. Sauté garlic 30 seconds. Add lemon zest + juice, heavy cream, and Parmesan. Whisk until smooth.

4. Combine: Return chicken to skillet. Add cooked linguine, tossing to coat. Use reserved pasta water to adjust consistency.

5. Finish: Stir in 2 tbsp butter, garlic powder, and parsley. Season to taste.