Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Parmesan Linguine

A zesty, protein-packed dinner that’s light on points but big on flavor! This W-W friendly dish combines tender lemon-garlic chicken bites with creamy Parmesan linguine for a satisfying, weeknight-ready meal.​

🕒 Prep Time: 10 minutes

🔥 Cook Time: 15 minutes

⏱️ Total Time: 25 minutes

🍽️ Servings: 4

🏷️ W-W Points: 8 per serving (calculated using W-W Recipe Builder)

🥗 Dietary Tags: High-Protein, W-W Friendly, Kid-Approved​

Ingredients :

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

• Zest and juice of 1 lemon

• ½ tsp Italian seasoning

• 8 oz whole wheat linguine

• 2 tbsp light butter (e.g., I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter Light)

• ¾ cup grated reduced-fat Parmesan cheese

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the whole wheat linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.​

2. Prepare the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, season the chicken pieces with Italian seasoning, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt and pepper.​

3. Sauté the Chicken: In a large non-stick skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of light butter. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned.​

4. Add Lemon Juice: Pour the lemon juice over the cooked chicken, stirring to coat. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes to infuse the flavor. Remove from heat and set aside.​

5. Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of light butter over low heat. Add the drained linguine and toss to coat. Sprinkle in the grated reduced-fat Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese melts and the pasta is evenly coated.​

6. Combine and Serve: Divide the Parmesan linguine among four plates. Top each serving with the lemon garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish with additional lemon zest or fresh parsley if desired.​

💡 Additional Notes

• Ingredient Substitutions:

  • Chicken: Chicken thighs can be used for a juicier texture, but adjust the W-W points accordingly.

  • Pasta: Whole wheat spaghetti or fettuccine can replace linguine.

  • Cheese: If reduced-fat Parmesan isn’t available, use regular Parmesan but be mindful of the increased points.

• Cooking Tips:

  • Ensure the chicken pieces are uniformly cut for even cooking.

  • Reserve a small amount of pasta water to adjust the sauce’s consistency if needed.​

📝 Brief Introduction

Craving a comforting pasta dish without derailing your wellness goals? This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Parmesan Linguine is your answer. Combining the tangy brightness of lemon with the savory depth of garlic and Parmesan, this dish delivers indulgent flavors while keeping points in check. It’s a family-friendly recipe that’s both satisfying and smart.​

🥄 Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

1. Boil the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the whole wheat linguine and cook until al dente, following the package instructions. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.​

2. Season and Cook the Chicken

While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken breast pieces with Italian seasoning, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt and pepper. In a large non-stick skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of light butter over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and sauté for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned.​

3. Add Lemon Juice

Pour the lemon juice over the cooked chicken in the skillet. Stir to coat the chicken evenly and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes to enhance the flavor. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.​

4. Prepare the Parmesan Linguine

In the same skillet, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of light butter over low heat. Add the drained linguine to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta in the melted butter. Gradually sprinkle in the grated reduced-fat Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese has melted and the pasta is evenly coated.​

5. Combine and Serve

Divide the creamy Parmesan linguine among four serving plates. Top each portion with the lemon garlic butter chicken bites. For an extra touch, garnish with additional lemon zest or freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy!​

🧂 Ingredient Details and Substitution Tips

• Chicken Breast: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breast to keep the dish lean. If preferred, chicken thighs can be used, but note the change in W-W points.​

• Lemon: Fresh lemon juice and zest provide a bright, tangy flavor. Bottled lemon juice can be a substitute in a pinch, but fresh is best for optimal taste.​

• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme adds depth. If unavailable, a mix of dried herbs can be used.​

• Whole Wheat Linguine: This adds fiber and keeps the dish W-W friendly. Regular pasta can be used, but adjust points accordingly.​

• Light Butter: Using a light butter alternative reduces fat content while maintaining flavor.​

• Reduced-Fat Parmesan Cheese: Provides the savory, cheesy element with fewer calories. Regular