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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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