Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken With Parmesan Linguine Recipe

Creamy Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Linguine Recipe

A sizzling lemon garlic butter chicken that dances with flavor, promising a culinary adventure on your plate.

Tender chicken breasts bathed in a rich, aromatic sauce that whispers of Mediterranean kitchens.

parmesan linguine provides the perfect canvas for this mouthwatering ensemble, creating a symphony of textures and tastes.

Robust garlic notes weave through each bite, complemented by bright citrus hints that awaken your senses.

Simple ingredients transform into something magical when combined with care and passion.

The kitchen will fill with an irresistible aroma that draws everyone closer to the table.

Comfort meets elegance in this delightful dish that invites you to savor every single, delectable forkful.

Why Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken With Parmesan Linguine Wins

  • Savor Quick Flavor Explosion: This recipe delivers an incredible taste adventure with bold lemon garlic butter sauce and perfectly seasoned chicken that combines zesty, creamy, and rich flavors in one delightful meal.
  • Master Restaurant-Quality Cooking at Home: Easily create a gourmet-style dish using simple techniques and accessible ingredients, transforming ordinary chicken and pasta into an elegant dinner that looks and tastes professionally prepared.
  • Customize for Every Palate: Flexible recipe allows personalization by adjusting spice levels with chili flakes, modifying herb preferences, or swapping proteins, making it perfect for different taste preferences and dietary needs.
  • Minimal Effort, Maximum Satisfaction: Achieves restaurant-worthy results in under 30 minutes with straightforward cooking steps, minimal dirty dishes, and a foolproof method that guarantees delicious outcomes for home cooks of all skill levels.

What You’ll Use For Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken With Parmesan Linguine

Pasta Base:
  • Linguine: Classic Italian pasta perfect for creamy sauces, best when cooked al dente.
  • Salt: Enhances pasta flavor during boiling.
Chicken Components:
  • Chicken Pieces: Tender protein that absorbs flavors well, preferably boneless and skinless.
  • Olive Oil: Helps cook chicken evenly and adds subtle flavor.
  • Paprika: Provides mild warmth and beautiful golden color.
  • Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Concentrated seasoning for deep flavor profile.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings for balanced taste.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Butter: Rich base for creating smooth, luxurious sauce texture.
  • Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that provides intense flavor.
  • Lemon Juice: Bright, tangy element that cuts through richness.
  • Chili Flakes: Optional spicy component for heat lovers.
  • Heavy Cream: Creates silky, smooth sauce texture.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Salty, nutty cheese that melts beautifully.
  • Italian Seasoning: Herb blend adding complex Mediterranean flavor.
  • Fresh Parsley: Optional fresh garnish with vibrant green color.

Steps To Cook Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken With Parmesan Linguine

Step 1: Boil Linguine Noodles

Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring water to a rolling boil. Carefully drop linguine into the bubbling water. Cook until pasta reaches that perfect tender-yet-firm texture. Scoop out a small cup of starchy cooking water before draining the noodles completely.

Step 2: Season and Sizzle Chicken

Grab a spacious skillet and warm it over medium heat. Sprinkle chicken pieces with a magical blend of:
  • Paprika
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Drizzle olive oil into the hot pan. Arrange chicken in a single layer, letting each piece dance and golden up for 4-5 minutes on each side. Once cooked through, transfer chicken to a waiting plate.

Step 3: Craft Zesty Butter Sauce

Using the same skillet, lower the heat. Melt butter until it turns silky and smooth. Toss in minced garlic, letting it sizzle and release its aromatic magic for about 30 seconds. Squeeze fresh lemon juice into the pan. Optional: Sprinkle chili flakes for a spicy kick. Return chicken to the skillet, coating each piece in the luscious sauce. Let it simmer briefly.

Step 4: Create Creamy Parmesan Coating

In a separate pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and let it become fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and Italian seasoning. Bring to a gentle bubble. Slowly whisk in Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and velvety. Toss cooked linguine into the creamy mixture, using reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency.

Step 5: Plate and Garnish

Arrange creamy linguine on plates. Crown the pasta with golden chicken bites. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top. Add an extra dusting of Parmesan cheese if you’re feeling indulgent. Serve immediately and watch everyone’s eyes light up with excitement!

Helpful Hints For Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken With Parmesan Linguine

  • Optimize Pasta Texture: Cook linguine exactly al dente to prevent mushiness, ensuring a perfect bite that complements the creamy Parmesan sauce.
  • Achieve Golden Chicken: Use high-quality chicken and pat dry before seasoning to create a crispy, caramelized exterior that locks in maximum flavor.
  • Balance Lemon Intensity: Adjust lemon juice quantity based on personal preference, starting with less and adding gradually to prevent overpowering the delicate garlic butter sauce.
  • Prevent Sauce Separation: Whisk Parmesan cheese slowly and at low heat to create a smooth, creamy sauce without clumping or breaking.
  • Customize for Dietary Needs: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free linguine and use lactose-free alternatives for cheese and cream to accommodate different dietary restrictions.

How To Store Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken With Parmesan Linguine

  • Refrigerate Leftovers: Transfer remaining chicken and pasta to separate airtight containers, cooling completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Refrigeration Duration: Store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, keeping chicken and pasta separate to maintain their individual textures and flavors.
  • Reheating Pasta: Warm linguine in a skillet with a splash of cream or reserved pasta water, stirring gently to prevent sticking and restore creamy consistency.
  • Reheating Chicken: Gently reheat chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat with a small amount of butter or olive oil, ensuring it stays moist and doesn't dry out.

Tasty Matches For Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken With Parmesan Linguine

  • Enhance Wine Pairing: Complement the zesty lemon and rich butter flavors with a crisp, citrusy white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio that cuts through the creamy sauce and highlights the chicken's bright notes.
  • Create Refreshing Side Salad: Prepare a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to mirror the dish's tangy profile, adding a peppery crunch that balances the creamy pasta and buttery chicken.
  • Match Herb-Infused Bread: Serve warm garlic bread with fresh rosemary and thyme to echo the herb notes in the dish, providing a perfect vehicle for soaking up the delicious lemon garlic butter sauce.
  • Add Crisp White Beverage Alternative: For non-wine drinkers, try a sparkling water with fresh lemon or a light, citrusy craft beer that complements the dish's bright and rich flavor profile.

Fun Changes To Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken With Parmesan Linguine

  • Spicy Honey Chicken Pasta: Transform the dish by replacing lemon juice with honey and adding red pepper flakes for a sweet and fiery kick. Drizzle extra honey over the finished plate for enhanced flavor complexity.
  • Mediterranean Herb Chicken Linguine: Swap out Italian seasoning for a blend of fresh oregano, thyme, and rosemary. Incorporate crumbled feta cheese and sundried tomatoes into the linguine sauce for a Greek-inspired variation.
  • Creamy Pesto Chicken Linguine: Replace the Parmesan cream sauce with a vibrant basil pesto cream. Mix store-bought or homemade pesto directly into the heavy cream before adding to the pasta, creating a rich and herbaceous alternative.
  • Cajun Chicken Linguine: Coat chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning instead of paprika and garlic powder. Use blackened spices and add diced bell peppers to the sauce for a New Orleans-style rendition that brings bold, smoky flavors to the classic recipe.

Answers About Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken With Parmesan Linguine

  • What makes the chicken so flavorful in this recipe?

The chicken is seasoned with a blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, which creates a delicious and aromatic coating that locks in moisture and adds incredible depth of flavor when seared in the skillet.

  • Can I make this dish spicier?

Absolutely! The recipe includes optional chili flakes in the lemon garlic butter sauce. You can adjust the amount of chili flakes to increase the heat level or add your favorite hot sauce to give it an extra kick.

  • Is this recipe difficult to make for beginners?

Not at all! This dish is surprisingly simple and comes together quickly. The steps are straightforward, and the ingredients are easy to find. Even novice cooks can create a restaurant-quality meal with minimal cooking experience.

  • What can I do if I don't have linguine?

No worries! You can easily substitute linguine with other pasta types like fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne. The creamy Parmesan sauce will work wonderfully with any pasta shape you have on hand.

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Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken With Parmesan Linguine Recipe

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken With Parmesan Linguine Recipe


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4.8 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent lemon garlic butter chicken dances with parmesan-coated linguine in this Mediterranean-inspired culinary masterpiece. Creamy, zesty flavors meld perfectly, promising a restaurant-quality meal that delights taste buds and satisfies hunger with elegant simplicity.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

Spices and Seasonings:

  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 lemon, juiced (about 3 tablespoons)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Pasta Ingredients:

  • 8 ounces (225 grams) linguine
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the linguine in a generously salted boiling water bath, cooking until perfectly tender. Extract and preserve a small quantity of starchy liquid before draining the pasta completely.
  1. Transform chicken pieces into golden morsels by seasoning with a vibrant blend of spices. Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet and meticulously sear the protein, ensuring each morsel achieves a rich, caramelized exterior. Transfer the crisp chicken to a waiting plate.
  1. Craft a luxurious sauce in the same skillet by gently melting butter and introducing minced garlic. Allow the aromatics to dance and release their fragrant essence. Splash in bright lemon juice and a whisper of chili flakes for complexity. Reunite the chicken with this zesty emulsion, allowing flavors to meld harmoniously.
  1. Simultaneously create a velvety Parmesan coating for the linguine. Melt butter and softly sauté garlic until it becomes translucent. Pour in rich cream and Italian herbs, creating a silky foundation. Gradually incorporate Parmesan cheese, whisking until a smooth, glossy sauce emerges. Enrobe the pasta in this decadent mixture, using reserved pasta water to achieve the perfect consistency.
  1. Artfully plate the herb-infused linguine, crowning it with the tangy lemon garlic chicken bites. Scatter fresh parsley and an optional dusting of Parmesan to elevate the visual and flavor profile of this elegant dish.

Notes

  • Select chicken thighs or breasts based on personal preference, with thighs offering more moisture and flavor while breasts provide a leaner option.
  • Toast garlic briefly to enhance its aromatic qualities without burning, preventing bitter undertones in the sauce.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for superior melting and richer taste compared to pre-packaged cheese.
  • Adjust chili flakes to control spice level, ensuring the dish suits varying heat tolerances.
  • Pat chicken dry before seasoning to achieve better browning and crispy exterior during cooking.
  • Reserve pasta water as a secret weapon for creating silky, clingy sauce that perfectly coats linguine.
  • Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version without compromising creamy texture.
  • Experiment with alternative herbs like basil or thyme to introduce subtle flavor variations.
  • Allow chicken to rest momentarily after cooking to retain maximum juiciness and prevent dryness.
  • Quickly toss linguine in Parmesan sauce to prevent overcooking and maintain ideal pasta consistency.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 620
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 34g
  • Saturated Fat: 19g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 36g
  • Cholesterol: 150mg
James Mitchell

James Mitchell

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Creation and Testing​, Fusion Cuisine​, Food Styling and Photography​, Culinary Education​

Education

Kendall College, Chicago, IL

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classic and modern cooking techniques, with a specialization in international cuisines.​

The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY

  • Program: Advanced Certificate in Gastronomy
  • Focus: In-depth studies of global food cultures, flavor profiling, and innovative recipe development.​

James Mitchell is the founder and fearless flavor explorer at Cooking Crusade. With a degree in Culinary Arts from Kendall College and advanced training in global gastronomy from The Culinary Institute of America, James has spent over a decade perfecting the art of recipe creation. 

His background includes fine dining, private cheffing, and food styling, but his true joy comes from turning big ideas into doable recipes for home cooks. Every dish he shares is a mix of creativity, culture, and a little kitchen magic, built to bring excitement back to everyday meals.

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