This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Linguine combines juicy chicken breasts with a rich, buttery, lemony pasta tossed with Parmesan cheese. It’s a delicious and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion, offering restaurant-quality flavors right at home. Whether you’re serving it for a casual dinner or a special gathering, this meal is sure to impress.
Ingredients
(Serves 4)
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 3 tablespoons)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Parmesan Linguine:
- 12 oz (340g) linguine
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
- ¾ cup (75g) grated Parmesan cheese
- Juice of ½ lemon (about 1 ½ tablespoons)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for extra flavor)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Linguine
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
- While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5–7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 3: Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and melt unsalted butter.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Let the sauce simmer for 1–2 minutes.
- Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the top to coat. Keep warm.
Step 4: Make the Parmesan Linguine
- In a large saucepan, melt unsalted butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the heavy cream and let it simmer for 2 minutes.
- Add the Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and lemon zest (if using).
- Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Toss the cooked linguine in the sauce, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce becomes too thick.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
- Divide the Parmesan linguine among serving plates.
- Top each plate with a chicken breast and drizzle with the lemon garlic butter sauce.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.
- Serve immediately.
Pro Tips
- Flatten the Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for faster, even cooking.
- Add Veggies: Toss in spinach, asparagus, or broccoli for added nutrition.
- Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter sauce for a bit of heat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with Flavor: The perfect balance of garlic, butter, lemon, and Parmesan creates an irresistible sauce that perfectly complements the chicken and pasta.
- Quick and Elegant: This dish is perfect for both weeknight dinners and entertaining guests—it looks fancy but comes together quickly.
- Versatile: While served with linguine, this recipe can be paired with your favorite pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables for a customizable meal.
Enjoy this Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Linguine—a flavorful, comforting dish that’s bound to become a new favorite!