Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Linguine Recipe

If you’re craving a comforting pasta dish that feels both special and effortless, look no further than Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Linguine. This recipe is a celebration of bright lemon, luscious garlic-infused butter, and melt-in-your-mouth chicken, all twirled together with creamy Parmesan linguine. It sounds fancy, but it’s honestly so quick, simple, and utterly irresistible—you’ll find yourself making it on busy weeknights and for dinner parties alike!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Linguine, each ingredient is thoughtfully chosen to maximize flavor and create perfect harmony in every bite. A balance of creamy, zesty, and savory elements makes this dish absolutely unforgettable—let’s break down what you’ll need, and why each part truly counts.

• Chicken Breasts: Thinly sliced chicken breasts cook quickly and soak up all those buttery, garlicky notes.
• Salt and Pepper: These kitchen staples build the foundational flavor, seasoning each layer of the dish.
• Italian Seasoning: Adds a subtle herbal note that brings extra warmth and depth to the chicken.
• Olive Oil: Helps get that irresistible golden sear on the chicken, while adding a touch of richness.
• Unsalted Butter: A key flavor builder—divided for cooking the chicken and building the luscious sauce.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic brings a pungent, aromatic heart to the sauce, balancing the creaminess.
• Lemon Juice and Zest: Both the juice and the zest brighten the entire dish with a fresh, vibrant zing.
• Linguine: Linguine’s broad, silky noodles beautifully absorb the velvety sauce—don’t substitute with thin pasta!
• Heavy Cream: Makes the sauce ultra creamy—be sure to use real heavy cream for best results.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: It melts into the sauce, adding a deeply savory, nutty backbone.
• Chopped Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a burst of color and a hint of peppery brightness to finish things off.

How to Make Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Linguine

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Begin by generously seasoning your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. The thin slices mean they pick up flavor fast and cook evenly. Heat olive oil and one tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add your chicken. Let it sizzle undisturbed for 4 to 5 minutes per side, ensuring a golden, appetizing crust forms. Once cooked through, transfer the chicken to a plate and cover it to keep warm—this keeps every bite juicy and tender.

Step 2: Build the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet (no need to clean it—you want all those browned bits), reduce the heat to medium and melt the remaining two tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Next, stir in the lemon juice and zest, gently scraping up any delicious golden bits from the bottom of the pan. This is where the magic begins; your kitchen will smell irresistible!

Step 3: Cook the Linguine

Meanwhile, bring a pot of well-salted water to a boil and cook the linguine until it’s perfectly al dente. The timing should be just right so the pasta is ready to toss with the sauce while it’s still steaming hot. Before draining, make sure to reserve about half a cup of the pasta water—trust me, you’ll want this starchy liquid to create a silky sauce later.

Step 4: Finish the Creamy Parmesan Sauce and Toss

Back to your skillet: pour in the heavy cream and allow it to come up to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan, salt, and black pepper, letting the cheese melt into a sumptuously creamy sauce. Now, add your drained linguine right into the skillet and start tossing! If the sauce seems thick, gradually splash in your reserved pasta water until the pasta is coated in a luscious, glossy blanket.

Step 5: Plate and Serve Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Linguine

Slice your golden chicken and arrange it lovingly over the creamy linguine. Finish with a sprinkling of fresh parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor. With every twirl of pasta and bite of tender chicken, you get a vibrant burst of lemon, rich butter, and savory, cheesy goodness—all in one glorious dish.

How to Serve Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Linguine

Garnishes

A flourish of freshly chopped parsley brings brightness and contrast, while an extra dusting of Parmesan cheese never hurts. If you’re feeling a little bold, a pinch of red pepper flakes adds a gentle kick to complement the creamy sauce. Serve a wedge of lemon on the side so guests can squeeze a little more zest into their bowls if they like!

Side Dishes

This vibrant dish pairs beautifully with simple, clean sides. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides a fresh counterpoint, or go for steamed broccoli or green beans for something warm. The subtle flavors of the Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Linguine shine best when surrounded by unfussy, classic accompaniments.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to elevate your presentation, serve the pasta nest-style in large shallow bowls, with fanned slices of chicken laid on top and generous flecks of parsley and lemon zest. For a family-style approach, bring the skillet straight to the table for a help-yourself moment—because who doesn’t love a bit of drama? You can even portion the pasta into ramekins for a dinner party twist, with each guest getting their own mini masterpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Linguine can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure to keep the chicken and pasta together, as this helps the flavors mingle even more as they sit. Add a fresh sprinkle of parsley just before serving to revive its pop of color and flavor.

Freezing

While this dish can technically be frozen, the creamy sauce may separate upon thawing, and the texture of the pasta can soften. If you do choose to freeze, let it cool completely and store in individual portions, tightly sealed. For best results, consume within a month, and expect to do a little extra stirring when reheating to bring the sauce back together.

Reheating

For best results, reheat Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Linguine gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce and restore its silkiness. You can also microwave it in bursts, stirring between each increment, but be careful not to overcook the chicken or dry out the pasta. Always finish with a touch of fresh parsley and, if you have it, a little extra squeeze of lemon.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a juicier option and provide a slightly richer flavor. Just be sure to cook them thoroughly and slice thinly for easy serving atop the linguine.

How can I make this dish lighter?

You can swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or even whole milk, though the sauce will be a bit less rich. You can also use less butter or opt for a reduced-fat Parmesan if you prefer.

What pasta shapes work if I don’t have linguine?

While linguine is my top pick for this recipe, fettuccine or tagliatelle also work well. Avoid thin pastas like spaghetti, as they don’t hold the creamy sauce quite as nicely.

Is it possible to make Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Linguine gluten free?

Definitely! Use your favorite gluten-free linguine or other broad noodle, and double-check that your Parmesan and seasonings are certified gluten free. The method remains exactly the same.

Can I add vegetables to the recipe?

Of course! Sautéed spinach, peas, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus are all fantastic additions that blend perfectly with the zesty lemon and creamy Parmesan sauce. Add them after cooking the garlic so they nestle right into the sauce.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing dinner that feels both indulgent and refreshingly bright, you’ll fall in love with Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Linguine. Its creamy, zesty flavors win hearts every time, and the simple steps make it accessible even on your busiest nights. Give it a try and let it become a new favorite in your pasta rotation!

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