Zingy Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Linguine Recipe

My culinary adventures always lead me to unexpected treasures like this lemon garlic butter chicken with parmesan linguine.

Zingy citrus notes dance perfectly with rich, creamy sauce and tender chicken pieces.

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this recipe delivers incredible flavor without complicated techniques.

Fragrant herbs and melted butter create a magical combination that feels both elegant and comforting.

Professional chefs might spend hours crafting complex dishes, but you can whip this up in under thirty minutes.

Crisp parmesan edges and golden chicken skin promise a meal that looks as incredible as it tastes.

One bite and you’ll understand why this dish becomes an instant classic in any kitchen.

Distinct Features of Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken

• Savor Quick Comfort: A delightful one-pan meal that combines tender chicken with creamy pasta, perfect for satisfying hunger without complicated cooking steps.
• Master Restaurant-Quality Cooking: Impressive dish that looks and tastes gourmet but can be prepared by home cooks with basic kitchen skills, delivering professional-level results.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows simple ingredient swaps like using different proteins or adjusting spice levels to match personal taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dinner Solution: Packed with rich flavors of lemon, garlic, and Parmesan that appeal to both adults and kids, making it an ideal family meal that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients in Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Tender cuts that absorb the savory lemon garlic flavor and provide the main protein for the dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds rich, salty depth and creamy texture to both the sauce and pasta.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Paprika, Garlic Powder: Essential spices that enhance the chicken's flavor profile and add warmth to the dish.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Provides a subtle heat and spicy kick to the sauce.
• Fresh Parsley: Brings a fresh, bright herb note and adds visual appeal as a garnish.

• Linguine Pasta: The classic pasta base that serves as a perfect vehicle for the creamy sauce.
• Olive Oil, Butter: Creates a rich, flavorful cooking medium for searing chicken and building sauce.
• Chicken Broth, Lemon Juice: Provides liquid base with tangy and savory undertones for the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious creaminess and smooth texture to the sauce.
• Lemon Zest: Brightens the overall flavor with a citrusy, aromatic touch.

How to Prepare Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Cook linguine in a large pot of salted water until it reaches al dente perfection. Drain the pasta and set it aside, ready for its delicious transformation.

Step 2: Season Chicken

Generously coat chicken breasts with a blend of salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder, ensuring each piece is wonderfully seasoned.

Step 3: Sizzle Chicken

Heat a skillet with olive oil and butter over medium heat.

Carefully place the seasoned chicken into the pan, cooking for 5-6 minutes on each side until it develops a gorgeous golden-brown crust. Remove the chicken and keep it warm.

Step 4: Create Flavorful Base

• Chicken broth
• Lemon juice
• Red pepper flakes

Let the mixture simmer for 2 minutes, creating a vibrant flavor foundation.

Step 5: Enrich the Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley

Return the chicken to the pan and let everything simmer together for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 6: Dress the Linguine

• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Toss the cooked linguine in this creamy mixture, adding a sprinkle of lemon zest for brightness.

Step 7: Plate and Serve

Arrange the creamy linguine on plates, crown with the succulent chicken, and drizzle the luscious sauce over top. Garnish with additional parsley and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for the perfect finishing touch.

Useful Tips for Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken

• Use freshly grated Parmesan for maximum flavor and smoother melting in the sauce.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior when searing.
• Lower heat when adding cream to prevent curdling and maintain a silky sauce consistency.
• For a lighter version, swap heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt and reduce butter quantity.
• Slice chicken against the grain to keep it tender and ensure even cooking throughout the meat.

Flavor Twists on Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken

• Gluten-Free Zucchini Noodle Version: Replace linguine with spiralized zucchini noodles for a low-carb alternative. Use gluten-free chicken broth and skip the pasta entirely.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken Variation: Swap paprika with dried oregano and thyme. Add crumbled feta cheese instead of Parmesan and include chopped kalamata olives for extra Mediterranean flavor.
• Dairy-Free Coconut Cream Option: Substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese to maintain a creamy texture and cheesy flavor profile.

Serving Ideas for Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken

• Cozy Family Dinner Night: Gather everyone around the table and serve this creamy chicken over steaming linguine, creating a warm, comforting meal that sparks conversation and smiles.
• Elegant Date Night Presentation: Plate the chicken and pasta on white dishes with a delicate herb garnish, transforming the recipe into a restaurant-quality experience perfect for romantic evenings.
• Meal Prep Champion: Divide chicken and pasta into sealed containers for easy lunch portions throughout the week, ensuring delicious, quick meals that save time and satisfy hunger.
• Potluck Party Showstopper: Transport the dish in a large serving dish, letting guests serve themselves family-style, creating a crowd-pleasing centerpiece that impresses at group gatherings.

FAQs

• What makes the chicken tender and flavorful?

The chicken is seasoned with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder, then seared in a mix of olive oil and butter to lock in moisture and create a golden-brown exterior.

• Can I substitute any ingredients in this recipe?

You can use other pasta like fettuccine instead of linguine, swap chicken breasts with thighs, and replace heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce.

• How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Cook chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), which typically takes 5-6 minutes per side. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s safely cooked through.

Crispy Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken With Parmesan Linguine Recipe

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4.5 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Succulent lemon garlic butter chicken with parmesan linguine offers Mediterranean-inspired comfort on home dinner plates. Creamy pasta and zesty chicken combine effortlessly, promising delightful flavors you will savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Cooking Fats and Liquids:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/4 cup heavy cream

Cheese and Herbs:

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook linguine until perfectly al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain and reserve.
2. Thoroughly season chicken breasts with a blend of salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder, ensuring even coverage.
3. Warm a skillet with olive oil and butter over medium-high heat until butter is melted and shimmering. Carefully place seasoned chicken and sear for 5-6 minutes per side, developing a rich golden-brown exterior.
4. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside. In the same pan, sauté minced garlic until aromatic, approximately 30-45 seconds.
5. Deglaze the skillet by pouring in chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Allow mixture to simmer and reduce for 2-3 minutes, concentrating flavors.
6. Introduce heavy cream, grated Parmesan, and chopped parsley to the sauce. Gently return chicken to the pan and simmer for an additional 4-5 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
7. Prepare linguine sauce by melting butter in a separate pan, then blending in heavy cream, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
8. Toss cooked linguine with the creamy sauce and delicate lemon zest, ensuring even coating.
9. Plate linguine and carefully position chicken on top. Drizzle remaining sauce over the dish and garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese.

Notes

• Perfectly sear chicken by patting it dry before seasoning to achieve a golden-brown crust that locks in moisture and flavor.
• Prevent pasta from becoming mushy by cooking al dente and reserving some pasta water to help sauce adhere and create a silky texture.
• Adjust spice levels by reducing or increasing red pepper flakes, making the dish adaptable for those who prefer mild or extra-hot flavors.
• Create a lighter version by substituting heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half, reducing overall calorie content while maintaining creamy consistency.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 520 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 7 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg