If you’re on the hunt for a dish that will instantly become a go-to favorite, this Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Linguine Recipe is an absolute showstopper. Imagine tender, juicy chicken bathed in a luscious lemon-garlic butter sauce, served atop silky linguine swirled with a rich Parmesan cream sauce. It’s bright, comforting, and bursting with flavor in every bite—a perfect weeknight dinner that feels special without the fuss. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe hits all the right notes and will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and the quality of ingredients that come together to create such bold flavors. Each component is straightforward yet essential to achieving that perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and savory in the finished dish.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast: tender pieces that soak up the lemon-garlic marinade beautifully
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon: adds a bright, fresh tang that lifts the entire dish
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning: a flavorful blend that enhances the chicken without overpowering
- 1/2 tsp paprika: gives a subtle smoky note and gorgeous color to the chicken
- 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper: essential for seasoning and balancing flavors
- 2 tbsp butter: used for cooking and building that rich, buttery base
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: the aromatic star that infuses warmth throughout
- 8 oz linguine: long pasta that holds the creamy sauce perfectly
- 2 tbsp butter (for sauce): adds silkiness to the Parmesan cream sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: creates a luscious and velvety sauce
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: packed with umami, essential for that signature cheesy flavor
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water: helps loosen the sauce and brings everything together
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish): a fresh herbal note and vibrant color accent
- Salt and pepper, to taste: to finish seasoning and personalize your dish
How to Make Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Linguine Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Marinate the Chicken
Start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces to ensure quick, even cooking. Toss them in a bowl with the lemon zest and juice, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. This simple marinade infuses each piece with a lively citrus punch and a touch of warmth that sets the tone for the whole dish.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Cook Chicken
Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, cooking just until fragrant—about a minute—to release that amazing aroma. Then nestle in the marinated chicken pieces and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until they’re golden and cooked through. The butter and garlic meld together, creating a luxurious coating around the chicken that’s hard to resist. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside for later.
Step 3: Cook the Linguine
While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine following the package instructions until it’s al dente—tender but with a slight bite. Before draining, reserve a quarter cup of the pasta water, which will come in handy when making the creamy sauce.
Step 4: Make the Parmesan Cream Sauce
In the same skillet used for chicken, melt 2 more tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Pour in the heavy cream along with the reserved pasta water, allowing it to simmer gently for around two minutes. Next, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, whisking continuously until you get a silky, creamy sauce. Taste and season generously with salt and pepper to round out the flavor.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Chicken in the Sauce
Add the cooked linguine directly into the skillet with that glorious Parmesan cream sauce. Toss well to coat every strand of pasta evenly, then gently fold in the cooked chicken pieces. This step lets the flavors marry beautifully, resulting in a harmonious dish where every forkful bursts with buttery, cheesy, and citrus goodness.
Step 6: Final Touches and Serve
Finish by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of green freshness and optional extra Parmesan if you like things extra cheesy. Serve immediately while the dish is warm and inviting.
How to Serve Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Linguine Recipe
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the power of a simple garnish—freshly chopped parsley adds a vibrant burst of color and a mild herbal brightness that cuts through the richness. For an extra decadent touch, sprinkle on some extra grated Parmesan or a few lemon wedges on the side to zest up the experience.
Side Dishes
This dish is a complete meal on its own but pairs perfectly with crisp green salads tossed in light vinaigrettes or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli to bring crunch and balance. Garlic bread is also a crowd-pleaser for sopping up any remaining sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a lovely dinner party presentation, twirl portions of the linguine with a carving fork, nestling a few pieces of chicken on top in an elegant swirl. Serving in shallow pasta bowls allows everyone to enjoy the creamy sauce in every bite. Adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can provide a fun kick for those who love a bit of heat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The chicken and linguine keep well together, making it an easy-to-reheat lunch or dinner option.
Freezing
This dish can be frozen, but for best results, freeze the chicken, and pasta separately if possible. Use freezer-safe containers and consume within 1 to 2 months for optimal freshness. Reheat gently to maintain the creamy texture without separating the sauce.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the dish gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to help loosen the sauce. Avoid microwave reheating when possible as it can dry out the chicken and affect the creaminess of the linguine.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While linguine works beautifully here due to its flat shape that holds the sauce well, you can substitute with fettuccine, spaghetti, or even penne. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to maintain al dente texture.
Is there a dairy-free alternative for this recipe?
You can swap out butter and heavy cream for dairy-free alternatives like vegan butter and coconut cream. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan to keep that cheesy flavor, though the overall flavor profile will shift slightly.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic or stirring them into the sauce at the end adds a pleasant spicy kick that complements the lemon and garlic perfectly.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the chicken and cook the linguine in advance, storing both separately. When ready to serve, make the Parmesan sauce and combine everything last minute for the freshest flavors and texture.
What wine pairs well with Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Linguine Recipe?
A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Chardonnay pairs wonderfully with the lemony brightness and creamy Parmesan, enhancing the dish without overwhelming it.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to impress yourself or your loved ones with a dish that feels both indulgent and fresh, this Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Linguine Recipe is it. It’s easy to prepare, filled with bright and buttery flavors, and makes every dinner feel like a celebration. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it one of your cherished favorite meals!
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Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Linguine Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
A flavorful and creamy Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken served over tender Parmesan linguine. This quick and easy skillet dish combines zesty lemon, aromatic garlic, and rich butter to create a comforting meal perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For the Linguine and Sauce
- 8 oz linguine
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Garnish
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
- Extra Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with lemon zest, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss well to evenly coat the chicken with the marinade.
- Sauté Garlic and Cook Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Add the marinated chicken to the skillet and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Linguine: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Make the Parmesan Sauce: In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir in the heavy cream and the reserved pasta water. Let the mixture simmer gently for about 2 minutes to combine.
- Add Cheese and Season: Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss Pasta and Chicken: Add the cooked linguine to the skillet with the sauce and toss to coat the pasta evenly. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy your delicious Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Linguine.
Notes
- For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor impact.
- Make sure not to overcook the linguine; al dente texture ensures the best dish consistency.
- Reserve pasta water carefully as it helps to loosen the sauce and bind it to the pasta perfectly.
- Can add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick if desired.
