Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Linguine

Okay, imagine this: tender, golden-seared chicken in a luscious lemon garlic butter sauce, served over twirls of creamy, dreamy Parmesan linguine. Sounds like something off a fancy restaurant menu, right? But here’s the secret—it’s totally doable at home, and it’s so much fun to make.

This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Linguine is the kind of dish that makes you feel like a kitchen rockstar. It’s bright and citrusy, buttery and rich, with just the right balance of garlic and cheese. The linguine soaks up every bit of that velvety sauce, and the chicken? Juicy, golden, and packed with flavor. This one’s a total weeknight winner and impressive enough for date night. Trust me—once you make it, you’ll come back to it again and again.

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

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile: It’s elegant enough for entertaining but simple enough for a cozy weeknight dinner.

Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples and everyday ingredients—no need for a trip to a specialty store.

Quick and Easy: Comes together in under 45 minutes, with a flow that makes multitasking feel like a breeze.

Customizable: Swap in your favorite pasta, add spinach or mushrooms, or dial up the spice—make it your own.

Crowd-Pleasing: From kids to picky eaters to date-night diners, everyone falls for this flavor combo.

Ingredients in Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Linguine

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Chicken Breasts or Thighs:

Boneless, juicy, and pan-seared until golden. Soaks up all the lemony, buttery goodness.

Olive Oil + Butter:

A power duo that brings depth and richness to both the chicken and the sauce.

Garlic:

The heart of this dish—fragrant, flavorful, and totally irresistible.

Fresh Lemon Juice + Zest:

Brightens the dish and cuts through the richness like a flavor spotlight.

Heavy Cream:

Creates a velvety, luxurious sauce for the pasta. Trust us, it’s worth it.

Parmesan Cheese:

Freshly grated is best—it melts beautifully and gives that classic salty, nutty edge.

Linguine or Fettuccine:

Long, flat noodles that grab onto the creamy sauce perfectly. But any pasta you love will work here!

Salt, Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes (optional):

For seasoning and a gentle kick if you like a little heat.

Fresh Parsley or Basil (optional):

For a pop of color and freshness to finish things off beautifully.

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Preheat Your Pan:

Start by heating olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You want the butter melted and bubbling, but not browned yet.

Cook the Chicken:

Season your chicken with salt, pepper, and a touch of garlic powder if you’d like. Sear each piece for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Set aside to rest and slice before serving.

Boil the Pasta:

While the chicken’s cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook linguine until al dente, then drain—but save a bit of that starchy pasta water!

Make the Sauce:

In the same pan you cooked the chicken, add a bit more butter and minced garlic. Let it sizzle until fragrant (about 30 seconds), then pour in the lemon juice and zest. Stir in the cream and bring to a gentle simmer.

Add Parmesan and Pasta:

Sprinkle in the Parmesan and stir until melted and smooth. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick. Then toss in the cooked linguine and coat every strand in that creamy, lemony sauce.

Assemble the Dish:

Top the creamy pasta with your sliced chicken, sprinkle with more Parmesan, herbs, and a crack of black pepper. Serve hot—and prepare for happy sighs around the table.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: ~600–700 (depending on cream and pasta used)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

How to Serve Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Linguine

With a Side Salad: Something light like a simple arugula or spinach salad with vinaigrette.

With Garlic Bread: For the ultimate indulgence, serve it up with warm, buttery garlic bread to mop up every last bit of sauce.

With Roasted Veggies: Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or green beans are all perfect partners.

As a Fancy Plated Dinner: This dish looks beautiful when plated individually—top with fresh lemon slices and herbs for extra wow factor.

Additional Tips

Pound Your Chicken: For even cooking and super tender results, give the chicken a gentle pound to even thickness before cooking.

Freshly Grated Parmesan Only: Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as well—freshly grated makes all the difference in texture and flavor.

Add Greens: Stir in baby spinach or kale to the sauce at the end for a little extra color and nutrition.

Make It Lighter: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or swap with a little cream cheese and pasta water for a creamy base.

Double the Sauce: If you love extra saucy pasta (who doesn’t?), just double the cream, cheese, and lemon for more to go around.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A1: Absolutely! Chicken thighs are super juicy and work beautifully in this recipe.

Q2: Can I make it ahead of time?
A2: Yes—cook the chicken and sauce ahead, then reheat and toss with freshly cooked pasta just before serving.

Q3: What’s the best pasta to use?
A3: Linguine or fettuccine is best, but spaghetti, tagliatelle, or even penne will work.

Q4: Can I use milk instead of cream?
A4: You can, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich. A bit of cream cheese or cornstarch can help thicken it.

Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.

Q6: Can I freeze this dish?
A6: Creamy sauces don’t always freeze well, but you can freeze the chicken separately and make the pasta fresh when you’re ready.

Q7: Can I add veggies to the dish?
A7: Totally! Try peas, spinach, broccoli, or sun-dried tomatoes for a fun twist.

Q8: What wine pairs best with this dish?
A8: A crisp white like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay complements the lemon and Parmesan beautifully.

Q9: Can I make this gluten-free?
A9: Yes! Just use your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check that your chicken broth and cheese are GF too.

Q10: How do I make this dish spicier?
A10: Add red pepper flakes to the garlic butter or a dash of cayenne for a subtle kick.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting, and seriously impressive dish that feels fancy but is actually super simple, Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Linguine is calling your name. It’s rich, zesty, and completely satisfying—the kind of meal you’ll want to make on repeat. So grab your fork and twirl up a big bite of happiness.

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