Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken With Parmesan Linguine Recipe

There's something truly special about the combination of lemon, garlic, and butter—especially when paired with tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta. This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Linguine is a dish that delivers big flavors with minimal effort, making it an ideal weeknight dinner option.

this Recipe

I first came across this recipe when looking for a quick but impressive meal for a dinner party. The first bite was an instant success—bright citrus, rich butter, and savory Parmesan all working together in harmony. Now, it's a household favorite that we turn to whenever we need something comforting yet elegant.

Why You'll Love This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken With Parmesan Linguine

Get ready to add a new favorite to your dinner rotation. This dish is not only delicious but also incredibly simple to make.

First, it's quick and easy. The entire meal comes together in about 30 minutes, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights.

Second, it features a beautifully balanced flavor profile. The tangy lemon, rich butter, and aromatic garlic create a sauce that coats the pasta and chicken perfectly, ensuring each bite is bursting with taste.

Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility. Whether you want to swap out the chicken for shrimp, use a different pasta shape, or add some vegetables, this dish easily adapts to whatever you have on hand.

Finally, it's an impressive meal that looks and tastes restaurant-quality. Serve it with a glass of white wine, and you have a gourmet experience right at home.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this recipe lies in its carefully chosen ingredients, each bringing its own unique contribution to the dish.

Linguine serves as the perfect base for this dish. Its long, delicate strands hold onto the buttery sauce beautifully, ensuring a luxurious texture in every bite. If you prefer, fettuccine or spaghetti work just as well.

Chicken breast is the protein of choice here, offering a lean and tender bite. For extra juiciness, consider using chicken thighs instead, which bring a richer flavor to the dish.

Garlic and butter form the foundation of the sauce. The garlic infuses the butter with deep, aromatic notes, creating a base that enhances every other ingredient.

Lemon juice and zest brighten the entire dish, adding a fresh tang that cuts through the richness of the butter and cheese. Using fresh lemons is key—bottled lemon juice won't give you the same depth of flavor.

Parmesan cheese ties everything together, lending a salty, umami richness that makes the pasta irresistibly creamy. Be sure to use freshly grated Parmesan for the best texture and taste.

A large skillet and a pot for boiling pasta are the only special tools you’ll need, making this an easy and accessible recipe for any home cook.

How To Make This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken With Parmesan Linguine

Creating this flavorful dish is easier than you might think. Let's break it down step by step.

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook until al dente. Reserve about a cup of pasta water before draining, as it will help create a silky sauce later on.

Meanwhile, season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a touch of paprika for color. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil, and sear the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest before slicing it into thin strips.

In the same pan, melt the butter and add the minced garlic. Cook for about a minute until fragrant, making sure not to burn the garlic. Then, stir in the lemon juice and zest, letting the flavors meld together for a minute.

Return the cooked linguine to the skillet, tossing it gently in the butter sauce. If the pasta seems dry, gradually add reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.

Finally, add the sliced chicken and freshly grated Parmesan, tossing everything together until well coated. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley for a bright finishing touch.

Storage Options

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors meld beautifully over time, making it just as delicious the next day.

For reheating, warm the pasta gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the chicken dry and the pasta rubbery.

Freezing is not recommended for this dish, as the butter sauce may separate and lose its creamy texture.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility. Here are some ways to customize it to your taste.

For a seafood twist, swap the chicken for shrimp or scallops. They cook quickly and pair beautifully with the lemon butter sauce.

If you prefer a vegetarian option, skip the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted cherry tomatoes. These additions provide a rich, earthy depth to the dish.

Want to make it dairy-free? Use a plant-based butter substitute and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. The result will still be creamy and flavorful.

If you love spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter sauce for a gentle heat that complements the lemony freshness.

Feel free to experiment with different pasta shapes. While linguine works beautifully, penne, rigatoni, or even angel hair can be used to change things up.

No matter how you tweak it, this Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Linguine is sure to remain a comforting, crowd-pleasing favorite.

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