introduction
This Lemon & Garlic Chicken Bites with Creamy Fettuccine Parmesan Alfredo is a simple, tasty weeknight meal. The chicken is bright with lemon and garlic. The pasta is rich and creamy. If you like creamy chicken pastas, you may also enjoy this creamy Cajun chicken rotini with garlic Parmesan sauce, which uses a similar sauce idea.
why make this recipe
- It cooks fast.
- It mixes bright lemon with rich Alfredo for a good balance.
- It uses easy ingredients you likely have on hand.
- It makes a filling meal that feeds a small family.
how to make Lemon & Garlic Chicken Bites with Creamy Fettuccine Parmesan Alfredo
Follow clear steps and keep the heat steady. Cook the pasta first. Sear the chicken to get a light crust. Make the Alfredo in the same pan for more flavor. Toss pasta in the sauce and fold in the chicken. Serve right away.
Ingredients :
- 1.25 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1.5 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- Optional: pinch of nutmeg for classic Alfredo warmth
- Optional Garnish: Fresh parsley, chopped, Lemon wedges, Extra Parmesan
Directions :
Step 1: Cook the Fettuccine – Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook fettuccine until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, drain, and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Lemon Garlic Chicken Bites – Pat chicken pieces dry. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear until golden and cooked through, about 4–5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in lemon juice and zest, tossing to coat the chicken. Remove from skillet and keep warm.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Alfredo Sauce – In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté garlic for 30 seconds. Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan until melted and creamy. Season with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg (if using). If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
Step 4: Combine Pasta & Chicken – Toss cooked fettuccine into the Alfredo sauce until coated. Fold in the lemon garlic chicken bites.
Step 5: Serve & Garnish – Plate the creamy fettuccine and chicken. Sprinkle with chopped parsley, extra Parmesan, and a lemon wedge on the side for a fresh zing.
how to serve Lemon & Garlic Chicken Bites with Creamy Fettuccine Parmesan Alfredo
Serve hot on plates or in shallow bowls. Add chopped parsley and extra Parmesan on top. Put lemon wedges on the side so each person can squeeze more lemon if they want. A simple green salad or steamed vegetables make a light side.
how to store Lemon & Garlic Chicken Bites with Creamy Fettuccine Parmesan Alfredo
Cool the dish to room temperature within two hours. Put in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Do not freeze the cream sauce; it can separate when thawed.
tips to make Lemon & Garlic Chicken Bites with Creamy Fettuccine Parmesan Alfredo
- Pat the chicken dry so it browns better.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melt and flavor.
- Save some pasta water — it helps the sauce coat the noodles.
- Keep the heat medium when cooking the cream so it does not boil hard.
- Taste and add salt at the end, since Parmesan adds saltiness.
variation (if any)
- Add vegetables: spinach, peas, or asparagus work well.
- Swap the chicken for shrimp or cooked sausage.
- Make it lighter: use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but the sauce will be thinner.
- Add a little red pepper flakes for heat.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: Yes. Thaw completely and pat dry before cooking. Cook time may change slightly.
Q: Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce?
A: Yes. Heat it in the pan and add lemon and garlic for the same bright flavor.
Q: How do I keep the sauce from getting grainy?
A: Use low heat and stir the cheese in slowly. Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly than pre-grated.
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: You can cook the chicken and sauce ahead, but toss with pasta just before serving for best texture.
Q: Is there a dairy-free option?
A: Try a dairy-free cream and dairy-free Parmesan alternative, but the taste will change.
Conclusion
This dish pairs bright lemon chicken with a rich, silky Alfredo for a simple, satisfying meal. For another take on lemony chicken with creamy pasta, see this similar recipe for Creamy Fettuccine Alfredo with Lemon Pepper Chicken.
Lemon & Garlic Chicken Bites with Creamy Fettuccine Parmesan Alfredo
Ingredients
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook fettuccine until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, drain, and set aside.
- Stir in lemon juice and zest, tossing to coat the chicken. Remove from skillet and keep warm.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
- Fold in the lemon garlic chicken bites.
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley, extra Parmesan, and a lemon wedge on the side for a fresh zing.