Zesty Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken & Parmesan Linguine Recipe

Succulent lemon garlic butter chicken dances across culinary landscapes, promising an unforgettable dinner experience.

Mediterranean flavors weave magic through each carefully crafted bite.

Crispy golden edges hint at delectable textures waiting to emerge.

Rich parmesan linguine provides a creamy counterpoint to tender chicken medallions.

Salt and herbs collaborate, creating depth that makes taste buds sing.

Weeknight meals deserve extraordinary treatment, and this recipe delivers precisely that.

Come savor a dish that turns simple ingredients into something spectacular.

Why Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken With Linguine Excites

• Savor One-Pan Wonder: Whip up a delicious meal using just one skillet, minimizing cleanup and making cooking a breeze.
• Craft Flavor-Packed Elegance: Combine zesty lemon, rich garlic butter, and creamy Parmesan for a restaurant-quality dish that impresses without complicated techniques.
• Boost Weeknight Dinner Game: Transform ordinary chicken and pasta into a mouthwatering meal that feels special yet comes together quickly with simple ingredients.
• Personalize with Ease: Adjust spice levels with red pepper flakes, swap proteins, or add vegetables to make this recipe uniquely yours.

Ingredients for Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Linguine

• Chicken Breasts: Tender and juicy centerpiece of the main dish.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Paprika, Italian Seasoning: Provide depth and enhance the overall flavor profile of the chicken.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Add a subtle heat and complexity to the pasta sauce.

• Olive Oil: Creates a perfect searing environment for the chicken.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, luxurious sauce.
• Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Bring bright, citrusy notes to balance the richness of the dish.
• Heavy Cream: Provides a creamy, velvety texture to the pasta sauce.

• Linguine: Classic pasta that perfectly absorbs the creamy sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Delivers a salty, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.

• Garlic: Adds a pungent, aromatic flavor to both chicken and pasta.

• Parsley: Fresh herb that adds color and a light, herbal finish to the dish.

How to Cook Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika, ensuring an even coating across all sides of the meat.

Step 2: Sizzle and Brown

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Carefully place the seasoned chicken into the hot pan and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side until a beautiful golden-brown crust develops.

Step 3: Create Flavor Explosion

• Butter
• Minced garlic
• Fresh lemon juice
• Lemon zest
• Italian seasoning

Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, ensuring the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 4: Rest the Chicken

Remove chicken from the pan and let it rest while preparing the pasta.

Step 5: Boil the Linguine

Cook linguine in salted boiling water according to package instructions.

Drain and set aside.

Step 6: Craft Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet used for chicken, melt butter and quickly saute garlic for one minute.

Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 7: Finish the Sauce

• Parmesan cheese
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Red pepper flakes

Toss the cooked linguine into the sauce, coating every strand thoroughly.

Step 8: Plate and Garnish

Slice the chicken and place over the creamy linguine.

Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.

Serve immediately while warm and enjoy your delicious meal!

Tips to Perfect Chicken and Linguine Dish

• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in delicious flavors and creates a perfect caramelized crust.
• Use medium-high heat for searing and lower heat when adding butter and herbs to prevent burning and maintain a rich, smooth sauce.
• Reserve a little pasta water before draining to help create a silky sauce and prevent linguine from clumping together when mixing with Parmesan cream.
• Let chicken rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking to redistribute juices, ensuring each bite remains moist and tender without drying out.
• Adjust sauce thickness by adding more pasta water or simmering longer, creating a perfectly creamy coating for your linguine.

Flavor Twists for Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta

• Gluten-Free Zucchini Noodle Option: Replace linguine with spiralized zucchini noodles for a low-carb, gluten-free alternative that maintains the creamy sauce's rich flavor.
• Dairy-Free Coconut Cream Variation: Swap heavy cream and Parmesan with coconut cream and nutritional yeast for a lactose-free version that keeps the dish's creamy texture.
• Vegetarian Cauliflower Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with roasted cauliflower steaks seasoned with same spices, creating a plant-based meal that's equally satisfying and flavorful.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken Version: Use oregano and thyme instead of Italian seasoning, add kalamata olives to the pasta, and sprinkle feta cheese for a Greek-inspired transformation of the original recipe.

Serving Ideas for Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Linguine

• Fresh Herb Boost: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or oregano over the dish for an extra burst of aromatic flavor that complements the lemon and garlic perfectly.
• Wine Pairing Paradise: Serve alongside a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to enhance the lemony chicken and creamy pasta's delicate flavors.
• Side Dish Companions: Add a light mixed green salad with a zesty vinaigrette or roasted asparagus to balance the richness of the creamy linguine and create a complete meal.
• Texture Crunch: Top with toasted pine nuts or breadcrumbs for an unexpected crispy element that adds delightful contrast to the smooth pasta and tender chicken.

How to Store Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Linguine

• Store 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.
• Transfer cooled chicken and linguine into freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Seal tightly, label with date, and freeze for maximum 2-3 months. Pasta might slightly change texture when thawed.
• Place chicken and linguine on microwave-safe plate. Sprinkle few drops of water or chicken broth to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.

FAQs

• What makes the chicken so flavorful?

The combination of lemon, garlic, butter, and Italian seasoning creates a bright, zesty coating that infuses the chicken with rich, tangy flavors while keeping it incredibly juicy.

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While linguine works perfectly, you can easily substitute with fettuccine, spaghetti, or even penne to match your preference or what you have on hand.

• Is this dish spicy?

The red pepper flakes add a very subtle hint of heat, but you can easily adjust the spice level by adding more or less, or omitting them completely for a milder version.

• How can I ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F, which guarantees the chicken is fully cooked while remaining tender and juicy.

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken With Parmesan Linguine Recipe

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4.7 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Succulent lemon garlic butter chicken dances atop silky parmesan linguine, creating a Mediterranean-inspired symphony of flavors. Herb-infused sauce and tender chicken promise a delightful meal you’ll savor with every delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Seasonings and Spices:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Cooking and Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon (approximately 2 tablespoons or 30 milliliters)
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

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Instructions

1. Blend salt, pepper, and paprika to create a robust seasoning for the chicken breasts.
2. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
3. Carefully place seasoned chicken into the hot pan, searing each side for 4-5 minutes to develop a golden-brown crust.
4. Reduce heat and introduce butter, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, fragrant lemon zest, and Italian seasoning to the skillet.
5. Simmer the chicken for an additional 2-3 minutes, ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F for complete doneness.
6. Transfer chicken to a holding plate, keeping warm.
7. Boil linguine in salted water according to package guidelines until al dente, then drain thoroughly.
8. Utilize the same skillet to melt butter and quickly toast garlic for 60 seconds, releasing its aromatic essence.
9. Stream heavy cream into the pan, allowing it to reach a gentle, bubbling simmer.
10. Incorporate Parmesan cheese, seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes for depth of flavor.
11. Gently fold cooked linguine into the creamy sauce, ensuring each strand is luxuriously coated.
12. Artfully slice the chicken and arrange atop the creamy pasta.
13. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese for a vibrant finish.
14. Serve immediately while piping hot, savoring the harmonious blend of flavors.

Notes

• Swap chicken breasts for thighs to enhance moisture and flavor intensity.
• Use gluten-free linguine to make the dish celiac-friendly and accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure perfect golden-brown searing with crispy exterior.
• Adjust red pepper flakes quantity based on personal spice tolerance for customized heat level.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 430 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg