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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Season chicken breasts with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat (375°F).
- Sear chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer cooked chicken to a plate.
- 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.
- Create creamy sauce by melting butter in a separate saucepan. Add minced garlic and cook briefly. Pour heavy cream and simmer for 2 minutes.
- Incorporate Parmesan cheese, additional lemon juice, and zest into cream sauce. Stir until smooth and cheese melts completely.
- Toss cooked linguine in Parmesan sauce, adjusting consistency with reserved pasta water if needed. Season with salt and pepper.
- Plate linguine and top with seared chicken. Drizzle with lemon garlic butter sauce.
- 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