Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken With Parmesan Linguine Recipe

The Zesty Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Parmesan Linguine Recipe

Whipping up a delectable lemon garlic butter chicken with Parmesan linguine promises pure culinary magic.

Fragrant herbs and zesty citrus dance together in this irresistible dish.

Succulent chicken breasts get perfectly seasoned and seared to golden perfection.

Creamy Parmesan sauce coats tender linguine with rich, luxurious flavor.

Each bite delivers a symphony of tangy and savory notes that’ll make your taste buds sing.

Weeknight dinner just became extraordinary with this simple yet sophisticated recipe.

You’ll want to savor every single delicious forkful of this mouthwatering meal.

Inside the Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Linguine

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Breast: A tender and juicy protein that serves as the star of the dish.
Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the chicken.
  • Italian Seasoning, Red Pepper Flakes: Herbs and spices that add depth and a subtle kick to the dish.
Aromatics and Herbs:
  • Garlic: A pungent ingredient that provides a rich, savory flavor to both the chicken and sauce.
  • Fresh Parsley: A bright herb that adds a fresh, green garnish to the finished dish.
Sauce and Liquid Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil, Butter: Fats that help cook the chicken and create a rich, flavorful base.
  • Chicken Broth: A liquid that adds moisture and enhances the savory profile of the dish.
  • Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Citrus components that bring a tangy, bright flavor to the chicken and sauce.
Pasta and Cheese Ingredients:
  • Linguine: A long, flat pasta that serves as the base for the creamy Parmesan sauce.
  • Parmesan Cheese: A hard, salty cheese that creates a creamy and flavorful sauce.
  • Heavy Cream: A rich dairy ingredient that helps create a smooth, luxurious sauce.
  • Garlic Powder: A dried version of garlic that adds additional depth to the Parmesan sauce.

Putting Together Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Linguine

Step 1: Sear Chicken To Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium temperature.

Generously season chicken with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.

Cook chicken pieces for 4-5 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust.

Step 2: Create Aromatic Sauce Base

Add minced garlic to the same pan and saute until it becomes wonderfully fragrant.

Pour in:
  • Chicken broth
  • Fresh lemon juice
  • Lemon zest

Simmer the liquid for 2 minutes, then spoon the sauce generously over the cooked chicken.

Step 3: Boil Linguine

Cook linguine in a pot of salted water until it reaches al dente texture.

Drain pasta and set aside.

Step 4: Whip Up Creamy Parmesan Sauce

In a separate pan, melt butter and incorporate:
  • Heavy cream
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Garlic powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Lemon zest

Stir ingredients until the sauce becomes smooth and velvety.

Step 5: Combine And Coat

Toss the cooked linguine in the creamy Parmesan sauce, ensuring every strand is luxuriously coated.

Step 6: Plate And Garnish

Transfer pasta to serving plates, place seared chicken on top, and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley.

Serve immediately and savor the delightful flavors.

Best Practices for Lemon Garlic Chicken Linguine

  • Mix all dry spices beforehand to ensure even coating and maximum flavor absorption.
  • Use medium heat for perfectly golden chicken without burning, allowing crispy exterior and juicy interior.
  • Add fresh lemon zest to both chicken and pasta sauce for bright, citrusy undertones that elevate the entire dish.
  • Reserve a small amount of pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed, helping create silky, smooth sauce.
  • If Parmesan sauce breaks or becomes too thick, whisk in a tablespoon of warm chicken broth to restore smooth texture.

New Spins on Lemon Garlic Chicken Linguine

  • Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream and butter with coconut milk and olive oil. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a creamy, cheesy flavor without dairy.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap linguine with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta. Ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free to maintain the recipe's integrity.
  • Vegetarian Transformation: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or grilled portobello mushrooms. Marinate the protein in the same lemon-garlic mixture for maximum flavor absorption.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Replace pasta with cauliflower rice or spiralized vegetables. Keep the rich sauce and seasonings to maintain the dish's delicious profile.

Foods That Match Lemon Garlic Chicken Linguine

  • Zesty Plate Presentation: Arrange the golden chicken atop a bed of creamy linguine, creating a visually stunning centerpiece that highlights the dish's vibrant colors and textures.
  • Wine Pairing Paradise: Complement the lemony, garlicky flavors with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, enhancing the meal's overall taste experience.
  • Fresh Herb Finish: Sprinkle extra chopped parsley or basil over the dish to add a burst of freshness and elevate the aromatic profile of the lemon garlic butter chicken.
  • Side Salad Companion: Serve with a light arugula salad dressed in a simple lemon vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy pasta and provide a refreshing contrast.

How to Save Lemon Garlic Chicken Linguine Leftovers

  • Store chicken and pasta separately in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Wrap chicken and pasta individually in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing cream-based sauces as they may separate when thawed.
  • Place chicken and pasta on a microwave-safe plate. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.

FAQs

  • Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts work perfectly. Just ensure they’re pounded to an even thickness and cooked until the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe eating.

  • Is it possible to make this dish spicy?

Absolutely! Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for extra heat. You can also include chopped jalapeños for more spiciness.

  • How do I prevent the chicken from becoming dry?

Cook the chicken on medium heat and avoid overcooking. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness, and let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain moisture.

Why People Love Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Linguine

  • Quickly Whip Up a Gourmet Meal: This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish with minimal cooking skills required.
  • Flavor Explosion in Every Bite: Combining zesty lemon, rich butter, spicy red pepper flakes, and creamy Parmesan creates a mouthwatering taste experience that will delight your taste buds.
  • Perfect for Busy Weeknight Dinners: The straightforward cooking process allows you to prepare a delicious meal in just one pan, minimizing cleanup and saving precious time in the kitchen.
  • Customize to Your Taste: Easily adjust spice levels, swap protein, or modify ingredients to suit personal preferences or dietary needs, making this recipe incredibly versatile.
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Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken With Parmesan Linguine Recipe

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken With Parmesan Linguine Recipe


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4.7 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

Succulent lemon garlic butter chicken with parmesan linguine combines Mediterranean flavors in one comforting dish. Italian-inspired ingredients elevate this simple meal, delivering rich textures and zesty notes that satisfy completely.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Fats and Seasonings:

  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) butter
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Aromatics and Liquids:

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lemon (juice and zest)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Preheat a skillet to medium heat and create a sizzling base with olive oil and butter. Generously season chicken with a robust blend of salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes for a flavor-packed profile.
  2. Sear chicken pieces for 4-5 minutes per side until achieving a golden-brown exterior, ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F for perfect doneness.
  3. Introduce minced garlic to the hot pan, allowing its aromatic essence to bloom for 30 seconds. Rapidly deglaze with chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, and vibrant lemon zest, creating a dynamic pan sauce.
  4. Simultaneously, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook linguine until it reaches a tender al dente texture, typically 8-9 minutes.
  5. Craft a luxurious Parmesan sauce by melting butter in a separate pan. Incorporate heavy cream, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, and a whisper of salt and pepper. Whisk continuously until the sauce transforms into a silky, uniform consistency.
  6. Drain pasta thoroughly, then gently fold it into the creamy Parmesan sauce, ensuring each strand is lavishly coated.
  7. Artfully arrange linguine on serving plates, strategically position the golden-crusted chicken on top, and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a bright, herbaceous finish.

Notes

  • Adjust red pepper flakes for personalized spice levels, perfect for those who love mild or intense heat.
  • Swap chicken with tofu or plant-based protein for a vegetarian-friendly version that maintains the recipe’s delicious flavor profile.
  • Use gluten-free linguine to make this dish celiac-friendly without compromising taste or texture.
  • Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior that seals in maximum flavor.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 900 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg
Amanda Bennett

Amanda Bennett

Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing and Development, Culinary Instruction, Food Styling and Photography

Education

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Asheville, NC
​Diploma in Culinary Arts
Emphasized practical cooking skills, nutrition, and kitchen management.​

Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, Cambridge, MA
Certificate in Professional Pastry Arts
Specialized in baking techniques, dessert presentation, and flavor profiling


Amanda’s roots run deep in the Southern hills, where every meal started fresh from the garden and every dessert came with a story. She trained at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and sharpened her pastry skills at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, blending classic technique with everyday charm.
At The Liffey, Amanda’s passion is making baking and home cooking feel natural and joyful. She’s all about single recipes that are simple enough for a busy afternoon, but special enough to make someone’s day a little sweeter.

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