Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Linguine Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a dish that’s as comforting as it is indulgent, look no further than this Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Linguine. Imagine juicy, tender chicken cooked in a luscious, buttery garlic sauce with a zesty lemon kick, all served over a bed of creamy Parmesan linguine. It’s the perfect balance of tangy, savory, and creamy flavors that’ll make you feel like you’re dining at a fancy restaurant—but without the fuss. Whether you’re making it for a cozy weeknight dinner or serving it up for friends, this dish is bound to be a hit. Trust me, it’s one of those recipes that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Linguine

Let’s talk about why this dish is going to be your new favorite:

Flavor Explosion

The combination of garlic, butter, lemon, and Parmesan creates a flavor-packed sauce that’s rich, savory, and just the right amount of tangy. Every bite is like a burst of pure joy.

Quick and Easy

This dish comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without spending all evening in the kitchen. Simple steps, big flavor—it doesn’t get much better than that!

Restaurant-Worthy

You know that feeling when you order a dish at a restaurant, and it’s just perfect? That’s exactly what this feels like, but made right in your own kitchen. It’s fancy enough to impress, but easy enough for a weeknight meal.

Comforting Yet Light

The lemon keeps the dish light and refreshing, while the garlic butter sauce keeps it comforting and indulgent. It’s the perfect balance, and the Parmesan linguine ties it all together.

Customizable

You can easily tweak this recipe to your liking. Add some red pepper flakes for a little heat, toss in extra veggies like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes, or even swap out the linguine for another pasta shape.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this lemony, buttery chicken with Parmesan linguine:

Chicken Breasts

The star of the show! Tender, juicy chicken breasts that soak up all the garlic butter sauce. They’re quick to cook and pair perfectly with the creamy pasta.

Olive Oil & Butter

A bit of olive oil for searing the chicken and plenty of butter for that rich, velvety sauce.

Garlic

Fresh garlic, minced to release that amazing aroma that’ll fill your kitchen and make everyone hungry before they even sit down to eat.

Lemon

Zest and juice from fresh lemons add the perfect amount of brightness and tang that balances the richness of the butter.

Chicken Broth

This helps create the base of the sauce, keeping it flavorful and light at the same time.

Parmesan Cheese

The Parmesan gives the linguine that creamy, salty finish. Make sure to use freshly grated cheese for the best flavor and texture.

Linguine Pasta

Linguine works wonderfully here, but any long pasta would be delicious.

Fresh Parsley

Chopped parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous note to this otherwise rich dish.

(Note: The full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get started on making this mouthwatering dish:

Cook the Linguine

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving about a cup of pasta water for later, and set the pasta aside.

Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant (be careful not to burn it!). Add the chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan to add extra flavor. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.

Combine with Pasta

Once the sauce has thickened a bit, add the cooked linguine to the skillet. Toss the pasta in the sauce, adding a bit of reserved pasta water to help coat the noodles and create a smooth, creamy sauce.

Slice the Chicken

While the pasta is getting coated in all that flavorful sauce, slice the cooked chicken breasts into strips.

Finish the Dish

Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and the pasta is evenly coated. Add the lemon zest for a fresh pop of flavor and sprinkle with chopped parsley.

Serve and Enjoy

Plate the linguine, top with sliced chicken, and garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley. Serve immediately, and enjoy the explosion of buttery, garlicky goodness!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 550-600 calories
Total Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 95mg
Sodium: 600mg
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 3g
Protein: 40g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

How to Serve Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Linguine

This dish is delicious all on its own, but here are a few sides to round out the meal:

Garlic Bread

You can’t go wrong with warm, buttery garlic bread to scoop up any extra sauce from your plate. It’s the ultimate sidekick.

Green Salad

Pair it with a simple green salad dressed in a lemon vinaigrette for a light and fresh contrast to the rich pasta.

Roasted Vegetables

Roasted asparagus, zucchini, or broccoli would make a fantastic side. The slight crispiness of roasted veggies balances the creamy pasta beautifully.

Steamed Veggies

If you want something even lighter, steamed green beans or spinach would work perfectly with this dish.

Additional Tips

Here are a few tricks to make this dish even better:

Use Fresh Lemons

Fresh lemon juice and zest are essential to getting that vibrant, tangy flavor. Bottled lemon juice just won’t do it justice.

Don’t Overcook the Chicken

To keep your chicken juicy and tender, make sure not to overcook it. If you have a meat thermometer, the ideal temperature is 165°F.

Add More Veggies

Feel free to add sautéed spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or even a handful of peas for extra flavor and nutrition.

Leftover Chicken?

If you have leftover chicken, use it in salads, wraps, or even in a chicken pasta bake the next day!

Make It Spicy

If you like a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes while making the garlic butter sauce. It adds a nice kick without overpowering the dish.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

A1: Yes, chicken thighs will work wonderfully in this recipe! They’ll be a bit juicier, but they’ll soak up the flavors just as well.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?

A2: This dish is best served fresh, but you can cook the chicken and prepare the pasta ahead of time. Just combine them when you’re ready to serve, adding the sauce and cheese at the last minute.

Q3: Can I use a different type of pasta?

A3: Absolutely! Spaghetti, fettuccine, or even penne would work well in this dish. Just use whatever pasta you prefer.

Q4: Can I make the sauce without chicken broth?

A4: Yes, you can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth or even water in a pinch, though the flavor might be slightly less rich.

Q5: How can I make this dish gluten-free?

A5: Use gluten-free linguine, and check that your chicken broth is gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients should already be gluten-free.

Q6: Can I add more veggies to the dish?

A6: Yes, feel free to add sautéed spinach, cherry tomatoes, or roasted vegetables to the dish for extra flavor and nutrition.

Q7: How do I store leftovers?

A7: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Q8: Can I freeze this dish?

A8: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the chicken and sauce separately (without the pasta) for up to 2 months. Reheat and serve with fresh pasta when ready.

Q9: Can I use pre-grated Parmesan?

A9: While you can use pre-grated Parmesan, freshly grated cheese has a creamier texture and better flavor. If possible, go for the fresh stuff.

Q10: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

A10: Yes, you can substitute the butter with dairy-free butter and the Parmesan with a dairy-free alternative, like nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan.

Conclusion

This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Linguine is the perfect combination of flavors—tangy lemon, rich garlic butter, tender chicken, and creamy Parmesan pasta. It’s simple, satisfying, and sure to impress. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish is bound to make everyone’s taste buds sing. So go ahead, treat yourself to this deliciously cozy meal—you won’t regret it!

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