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
Scale
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.
