Zesty Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken & Parmesan Linguine Recipe

Weeknight dinners find their perfect match in this lemon garlic butter chicken with parmesan linguine.

Culinary magic happens when simple ingredients combine with unexpected flavor depth.

Zesty citrus notes dance alongside rich, creamy butter and tender chicken pieces.

Parmesan adds a salty complexity that makes each bite irresistible.

Crisp herb undertones complement the robust garlic’s warmth and intensity.

Dinner preparation becomes a delightful adventure with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.

Savor every forkful of this restaurant-quality meal that promises to delight and comfort.

Keep Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta Moist When Reheated

• Store leftover chicken and linguine separately in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap chicken and pasta individually in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing cream-based sauces as they might separate.
• Warm chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Cover and heat for 3-4 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Sprinkle linguine with a little water, cover, and microwave in 30-second intervals. Stir between intervals to distribute heat evenly and restore creamy texture.

What to Dish Up with Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken With Parmesan Linguine

• Flavor-Boosting Wine Pairing: Select a crisp, citrusy white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the lemon's brightness and cut through the rich butter sauce.
• Herb-Infused Side Companion: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to echo the dish's zesty profile and provide a fresh, peppery contrast to the creamy pasta.
• Texture-Enhancing Bread Option: Serve garlic-rubbed toasted ciabatta to soak up the delicious pan sauce and add a crunchy element that balances the tender chicken and silky linguine.
• Palate-Cleansing Beverage Choice: Opt for sparkling water with a fresh lemon slice to refresh the palate between bites and highlight the recipe's citrusy undertones.

Lemon Garlic Chicken with Parmesan Linguine Ideas

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace regular linguine with gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or chickpea flour. Use cornstarch instead of flour for thickening sauce.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap butter with olive oil or coconut oil. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. Select plant-based cream alternatives like coconut cream.
• Low-Carb Version: Substitute linguine with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. Reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining similar flavor profile and texture.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Replace chicken with firm tofu or grilled portobello mushrooms. Marinate protein substitute in same seasonings for comparable taste experience.

FAQs

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

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The chicken should be white throughout with no pink areas and the juices should run clear.

• Can I substitute chicken breasts with another type of meat?

Yes, you can use chicken thighs or turkey breast. They’ll work well with the same seasoning and cooking method. Just adjust cooking time based on the meat’s thickness.

• Is there a way to make this dish healthier?

Reduce butter quantity, use low-fat cream, and choose whole wheat linguine. You can also use less Parmesan cheese or opt for a reduced-fat version to lower calories.

• What herbs work best with this recipe?

Fresh parsley is excellent, but you can also use basil, thyme, or oregano. These herbs complement the lemon and garlic flavors and add a fresh touch to the dish.

What Sets Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Apart

• Savor Quick Weeknight Comfort: This recipe delivers delicious gourmet flavors without complicated techniques, perfect for busy home cooks craving restaurant-quality meals in under 30 minutes.
• Minimal Ingredient Magic: With just a handful of pantry staples like chicken, linguine, butter, and lemon, you can create an impressive dinner that tastes sophisticated yet requires minimal shopping and prep.
• Family-Friendly Flavor Explosion: Kids and adults alike will love the creamy parmesan sauce and tender, perfectly seasoned chicken, making it a crowd-pleasing meal that satisfies everyone's taste buds without complicated ingredients.
• One-Pan Convenience Champion: By using the same skillet for chicken and creating a luscious sauce, this recipe minimizes dirty dishes and cooking time, offering maximum taste with minimal kitchen cleanup.

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Ingredients

• Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless, perfect for quick cooking and easy preparation, choose fresh and uniform in size for even cooking.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Paprika: Classic spice combination to enhance chicken's natural flavor, provides depth and warmth to the dish.

• Olive Oil, Unsalted Butter: Olive oil helps prevent butter from burning, butter adds richness and creates a smooth sauce, use fresh butter for best flavor.
• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and enhances overall sauce depth, helps create a silky cooking liquid.

• Garlic Cloves: Fresh minced garlic brings intense, sharp flavor to the dish, key component for creating a robust sauce.
• Lemon: Provides bright, citrusy notes that cut through richness, fresh lemon gives the best zesty flavor.

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken With Parmesan Linguine Steps

Step 1: Season Chicken Breasts

Sprinkle chicken with salt, garlic powder, pepper, and paprika, ensuring each side gets an even coating of delicious seasoning.

Step 2: Brown Chicken Perfectly

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

Cook chicken breasts until they develop a gorgeous golden-brown exterior, about 4-5 minutes per side.

Transfer chicken to a separate plate.

Step 3: Create Flavor-Packed Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic.

• Lemon juice
• Chicken broth

Scrape up all the delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

Let the sauce simmer for 2 minutes to develop rich flavors.

Step 4: Finish Cooking Chicken

Return chicken to the skillet, cover, and let it gently simmer for 10 minutes until fully cooked through.

Step 5: Prepare Creamy Pasta

Boil linguine according to package instructions.

Drain and set aside.

Step 6: Craft Luxurious Parmesan Sauce

• Butter
• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese

Stir until the sauce becomes silky smooth.

Sprinkle in lemon zest, salt, and pepper.

Step 7: Coat Pasta

Toss cooked linguine in the creamy Parmesan sauce, ensuring every strand gets covered in deliciousness.

Step 8: Plate and Garnish

Place saucy chicken atop the creamy linguine and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Chicken in Lemon Garlic Butter With Parmesan Pasta Know-How

• Experiment with additional herbs like thyme or rosemary to enhance the chicken's flavor profile and add depth to the dish.
• Pat chicken breasts dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in juiciness.
• Slightly undercook the linguine to achieve an al dente texture that perfectly absorbs the creamy Parmesan sauce.
• Modify the lemon juice quantity to suit personal taste preferences, balancing between bright citrus notes and subtle tanginess.
• Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and nutritional yeast for a lighter, lactose-free version of the creamy sauce.

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken With Parmesan Linguine Recipe

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4.8 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 35 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. Savory, zesty notes blend seamlessly, promising a restaurant-quality meal that delights palates and satisfies hunger with elegant simplicity.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Seasoning:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

Cooking Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1/2 cup chicken broth

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Instructions

1. Infuse chicken breasts with a harmonious blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika, creating a flavorful foundation for the dish.
2. Ignite a skillet with olive oil over medium heat, transforming the seasoned chicken into a golden-hued masterpiece by searing each side for 4-5 minutes. Carefully transfer the chicken to a waiting plate.
3. Utilize the same skillet to unleash a cascade of butter, introducing minced garlic until its aromatic essence permeates the air. Splash in lemon juice and chicken broth, delicately lifting the caramelized remnants from the pan’s surface. Allow the liquid to simmer and meld for two minutes.
4. Gently reunite the chicken with the tantalizing sauce, covering the skillet and allowing it to gently poach for 10 minutes until perfectly cooked through.
5. Simultaneously, immerse linguine in a pot of boiling water, following the package’s guidance for an al dente texture. Drain and set aside, ready to embrace its creamy companion.
6. Craft a luxurious sauce by melting butter in a separate pan, introducing heavy cream, and gracefully incorporating Parmesan cheese. Stir until a silky, smooth consistency emerges. Elevate the flavor profile with bright lemon zest, a whisper of salt, and a touch of pepper.
7. Enrobe the cooked linguine in the velvety Parmesan sauce, ensuring each strand is lavishly coated.
8. Present the succulent chicken atop the creamy linguine, crowning the dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a vibrant finishing touch.

Notes

• Use a blend of dried herbs like thyme or rosemary with the garlic powder for an extra flavor boost.
• Swap regular linguine with gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or chickpea flour to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Replace linguine with spiralized zucchini noodles for a lighter, vegetable-based alternative that cuts down on carbohydrates.
• Cook extra chicken and sauce to store in the refrigerator for quick, delicious meals throughout the week, keeping portions in separate containers.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 40g
• Cholesterol: 120mg