Zesty Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Linguine Recipe

When culinary magic happens, lemon garlic butter chicken with parmesan linguine emerges as a spectacular dinner sensation.

Fragrant herbs dance across tender chicken breasts bathed in luxurious sauce.

Crisp edges hint at golden perfection waiting to delight your palate.

Melted butter carries zesty garlic notes that whisper gourmet comfort.

parmesan-coated linguine provides a dreamy foundation for each succulent bite.

Subtle lemon brightness cuts through rich flavors, creating balanced harmony on your plate.

Craft this restaurant-quality meal in your kitchen and watch everyone swoon with anticipation.

Pairing Suggestions To Enhance Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken With Parmesan Linguine

• Choose a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that complements the lemon and garlic notes, cutting through the richness of the butter sauce with its bright acidity.
• Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and shaved Parmesan to echo the dish's flavors, providing a refreshing counterpoint to the creamy pasta and savory chicken.
• Serve warm, crusty ciabatta or focaccia to soak up the delicious lemon garlic butter sauce, adding a textural contrast and enhancing the overall dining experience.

Best Storage Tips To Preserve Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken With Parmesan Linguine

• Store leftover chicken and linguine separately in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap individual portions of chicken and pasta in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Place in the freezer for maximum 2 months. Label containers with date and contents for easy tracking.
• Place chicken and pasta on a microwave-safe plate. Sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of water or extra cream to prevent drying. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warm.

FAQs

• Why should I use smoked paprika for the chicken?

Smoked paprika adds a deep, smoky flavor that enhances the chicken’s taste and provides a subtle complexity to the dish that regular paprika cannot match.

• Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh?

Fresh parsley is recommended for brighter flavor and better visual appeal, but dried parsley can work if fresh is unavailable. Just use about 1/3 the amount of dried compared to fresh.

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

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165F/74C. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part of the chicken – it should be white throughout with no pink areas.

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken With Parmesan Linguine Pleases Palates

• Savor Gourmet Flavor Explosion: A mouthwatering combination of zesty lemon, rich butter, and tender chicken creates an incredible taste experience that transforms a simple meal into a restaurant-quality dinner.
• Master Quick Weeknight Cooking: This recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, allowing you to prepare a delicious meal in just a few simple steps without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable ingredients let you personalize the dish by adjusting spices, swapping proteins, or adding extra vegetables to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Impress Without Stress: Professional-looking results that taste amazing make this recipe perfect for casual family dinners or when you want to wow dinner guests without complicated cooking techniques.

Ingredients For Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken With Parmesan Linguine

• Chicken Breasts: Tender meat that serves as the primary protein for this delicious dish.

• Garlic Powder, Smoked Paprika, Salt, Black Pepper: Spices that enhance the chicken's flavor and provide a complex taste profile.

• Linguine: Classic Italian pasta that creates a perfect base for the creamy Parmesan sauce.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Ingredients that add richness and help develop deep, golden flavors in the chicken and sauce.

• Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Bright, tangy elements that bring freshness and balance to the rich, creamy dish.

• Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy ingredients that create a luxurious, smooth sauce with a rich, nutty flavor.

• Garlic: Pungent ingredient that provides depth and aroma to both the chicken and pasta sauce.

• Fresh Parsley: Herb that adds a pop of color and fresh, light flavor to the finished dish.

How To Cook Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken With Parmesan Linguine

Step 1: Boil the Linguine

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil.

Drop in the linguine and cook until it reaches that perfect al dente texture. Scoop out a half cup of pasta water before draining the noodles.

Set the linguine aside while you work your magic on the chicken.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

• Garlic powder
• Smoked paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Heat olive oil in a large skillet until it’s sizzling hot.

Carefully place the seasoned chicken into the pan. Cook each side for 5-7 minutes, creating a gorgeous golden-brown crust.

Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Transfer the cooked chicken to a waiting plate.

Step 3: Craft the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, lower the heat and melt butter until it’s smooth and bubbling. Toss in minced garlic and let it dance around for about a minute, releasing its aromatic magic.

Pour in fresh lemon juice and zest, scraping up those delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the sauce simmer and meld together for a short moment.

Return the chicken to the skillet and coat it generously with the vibrant sauce.

Step 4: Create Creamy Parmesan Linguine

Grab another pan and melt butter over medium heat.

Add minced garlic and let it sizzle briefly. Pour in heavy cream and allow it to simmer gently.

Sprinkle in Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and zest. Stir until the cheese melts into a silky smooth sauce.

Toss the cooked linguine into the creamy mixture, using reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency if needed. Season with salt and pepper to your taste.

Step 5: Plate and Serve with Flair

Spread the creamy Parmesan linguine across beautiful plates. Crown each plate with a perfectly cooked chicken breast.

Drizzle the lemon garlic butter sauce over the top with a flourish. Scatter fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if you’re feeling fancy.

Serve immediately and prepare for culinary applause!

Tips To Make Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken With Parmesan Linguine Better

• Marinate chicken for 30 minutes before cooking to enhance taste and tenderness.
• Always cook linguine al dente and reserve pasta water to create a silky, creamy sauce.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F without overcooking, keeping it juicy and tender.
• Gradually add reserved pasta water to control sauce thickness and achieve a smooth, glossy finish.
• Chop fresh parsley just before serving to maximize flavor and add a vibrant green color to the dish.

Flavor Variations To Spice Up Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken With Parmesan Linguine

• Gluten-Free Zucchini Noodle Variation: Replace linguine with spiralized zucchini noodles for a low-carb, gluten-free alternative that keeps the vibrant lemon garlic flavors intact.
• Dairy-Free Herbal Chicken Option: Swap Parmesan and heavy cream with nutritional yeast and coconut cream, using fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary to enhance the sauce's complexity.
• Mediterranean Chicken Remix: Transform the dish by adding kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese, introducing a Greek-inspired flavor profile that complements the lemon and garlic notes.

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken With Parmesan Linguine Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent lemon garlic butter chicken dances with parmesan-coated linguine in this Mediterranean-inspired comfort classic. Herbal notes and zesty citrus elevate simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal that promises pure culinary satisfaction for home cooks.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Seasonings and Spices:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Cooking Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Pasta Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) linguine
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
• 3/4 cup (75 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare a large pot with salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Cook linguine until perfectly tender, about 8-10 minutes. Drain pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of starchy water, and set aside.
2. Season chicken breasts with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat (375°F).
3. Sear chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer cooked chicken to a plate.
4. Reduce skillet heat to medium. Melt butter and add minced garlic, sautéing for 1 minute until aromatic. Pour in lemon juice and zest, scraping browned bits from pan.
5. Create creamy sauce by melting butter in a separate saucepan. Add minced garlic and cook briefly. Pour heavy cream and simmer for 2 minutes.
6. Incorporate Parmesan cheese, additional lemon juice, and zest into cream sauce. Stir until smooth and cheese melts completely.
7. Toss cooked linguine in Parmesan sauce, adjusting consistency with reserved pasta water if needed. Season with salt and pepper.
8. Plate linguine and top with seared chicken. Drizzle with lemon garlic butter sauce.
9. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in juicy flavors.
• Use fresh lemon zest and juice for brighter, more vibrant citrus notes that elevate the entire dish.
• Save pasta water as a secret weapon to adjust sauce consistency, helping create a silky smooth coating for linguine.
• Grate Parmesan cheese fresh for maximum melting potential and richer, more authentic flavor compared to pre-packaged options.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 590 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 290 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg