Get ready to fall in love with a dinner that’s bright, luscious, and downright irresistible: the Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Linguine Recipe. This Italian-American classic features juicy, golden chicken and silky pasta, all coated in a tangy, buttery lemon-garlic sauce, topped with nutty parmesan. Each bite bursts with zesty freshness and savory richness, making it perfect for weeknight family dinners or a special evening with friends. There’s something magical about the combination of lemon, garlic, and parmesan—one taste and you’ll understand why this dish is always a hit!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Linguine Recipe is that it uses simple staples, but each one is essential for building big, bold flavors. Every ingredient plays a role, whether it’s adding creaminess, juiciness, zest, or a hint of herb. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (1 ½ pounds): Choose your favorite cut—breasts give you leaner slices, while thighs offer extra succulence.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning the chicken and bringing all the flavors to life.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds a gentle kick and a rounded depth to the chicken seasoning.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): A fragrant herb blend that instantly brings Mediterranean warmth to the dish.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Infuses the chicken with a subtle, savory essence that pairs perfectly with fresh garlic later on.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Ensures a golden sear on your chicken and helps the seasonings adhere.
- Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons for chicken, 2 tablespoons for pasta): The backbone of that luscious, silky sauce and the creamy linguine.
- Garlic cloves, minced (4): Nothing compares to fresh garlic—this is where the magic happens!
- Lemon juice (from 1 lemon, plus 1 tablespoon for pasta): Delivers zingy brightness and an appetizing aroma.
- Lemon zest (1 tablespoon): Adds the floral, citrusy sparkle that wakes up every ingredient.
- Chicken broth (¼ cup): Builds flavor depth while keeping the sauce light and silky.
- Linguine (8 oz): The perfect pasta to twirl and soak up all the sauce.
- Parmesan cheese, grated (½ cup): Makes the pasta creamy, savory, and seriously addictive.
- Pasta water, reserved (¼ cup): The secret to binding the pasta sauce and creating a luxurious texture.
- Salt and pepper to taste (for pasta): Finish your pasta with just the right balance of flavor.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional): A pop of color and a fresh herbal touch to finish the dish beautifully.
How to Make Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Linguine Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a vigorous boil. Drop in the linguine and cook it according to package instructions until perfectly al dente—trust me, that little bite makes a difference. Before you drain the noodles, don’t forget to scoop out a quarter cup of that golden, starchy pasta water; it’s your ticket to a restaurant-quality, creamy finish for your sauce later. Give the drained pasta a quick toss with a dribble of olive oil if you like, then set it aside so it’s ready when the chicken’s done.
Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, show some love to your chicken. Pat each piece completely dry (this helps get that gorgeous golden crust) and season both sides with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high—once it shimmers, lay in the chicken and don’t move it for 5 to 6 minutes per side. You’ll want beautifully browned, crisp edges and juicy centers (165°F inside is the magic number). Once they’re perfect, set them aside on a plate and loosely cover them to keep warm.
Step 3: Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
In that same skillet—flavor central—dial the heat to medium, then melt in the butter. Add minced garlic and swirl it around for just under a minute until fragrant (no brown garlic here, please!). Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and sprinkle over the zest. Let it bubble gently, scraping up any tasty golden bits left from searing the chicken. In just 2-3 minutes, you’ll have a glossy, tangy sauce that smells like absolute heaven. Time to nestle the chicken back in and bathe each piece with that sunshine-bright sauce.
Step 4: Create the Parmesan Linguine
While your chicken simmers in its lemony sauce, work some magic with the pasta. In a separate pan or large mixing bowl, combine the hot linguine with butter, plenty of grated Parmesan, a splash of lemon juice, and a little reserved pasta water. Toss vigorously until the cheese melts and everything becomes silky and coated. The pasta should look luxurious and creamy—season to taste with salt and pepper, and get ready for temptation.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
It’s showtime! Pile the twirly Parmesan linguine onto each plate, and artfully slice the juicy chicken to lay over the top. Pour over any extra lemon garlic butter sauce (the more the merrier!), and finish with a handful of fresh parsley and a final dusting of Parmesan. Congratulations, your Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Linguine Recipe is ready—the toughest part will be waiting until everyone’s at the table!
How to Serve Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Linguine Recipe
Garnishes
The finishing touches can transform your Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Linguine Recipe from “yum” to “wow!” For a pop of freshness and color, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley. Add a few extra shavings of Parmesan for a salty kick, or layer on lemon zest for a bit of sparkle. If you love a burst of brightness, try a quick squeeze of extra lemon juice over each plate just before serving.
Side Dishes
Elevate this meal with simple sides that let the lemon garlic flavors shine. A crisp, green salad tossed with arugula, baby spinach, or mixed lettuces is the perfect counterpoint to the rich pasta. Steamed or roasted broccoli, asparagus, or green beans make vibrant, healthy partners. And if you’re feeling a bit indulgent, serve with warm crusty bread or garlic knots to mop up every last drop of sauce!
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation makes any meal feel special—even on a Tuesday! Try serving the pasta in a deep bowl with the chicken fanned out across the top for an Italian trattoria vibe. For family style, pile everything onto a big platter and let everyone dig in. You can also slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and toss it directly with the pasta, making it easy to serve for a crowd or pack into meal-prep containers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers of your Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Linguine Recipe will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Separate the pasta and chicken if possible, which helps keep everything tasting fresh and prevents the pasta from getting overly soft. Drizzle a little bit of the sauce over the chicken so it stays moist.
Freezing
While the chicken component of this dish freezes well for up to two months, the Parmesan linguine is best enjoyed fresh. If you do freeze the pasta, keep in mind that the sauce may not stay as creamy when reheated. Wrap chicken pieces individually and freeze the sauce separately for the best texture and taste when you bring it back to the table.
Reheating
The best way to reheat your Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Linguine Recipe is gently, so nothing dries out. For the pasta, add a splash of water or chicken broth before warming in the microwave or on the stovetop, stirring until the sauce loosens and becomes creamy again. Reheat chicken covered in the oven or quickly in the skillet with a spoonful of sauce to keep it juicy and flavorful.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a fabulous option for the Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Linguine Recipe. They offer a bit more richness and stay super juicy, so feel free to use whichever cut you prefer or have on hand.
How do I make this dish gluten-free?
Easy fix—just swap the regular linguine for your favorite gluten-free pasta. The lemon garlic butter chicken and sauce are naturally gluten-free, so you don’t have to change a thing except for the noodles.
What can I add for extra flavor or nutrition?
Try tossing in a big handful of baby spinach or steamed broccoli with the pasta for extra greens. A few sun-dried tomatoes or sliced olives can bring even more Mediterranean character to the dish, or add red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
Can I make the sauce creamier?
Yes! For an even silkier finish, stir in a tablespoon of heavy cream at the very end of building your chicken sauce. This trick gives the Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Linguine Recipe a luxurious feel without overpowering the bright lemon flavor.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
For best results, reheat the pasta and chicken gently with a splash of extra chicken broth or water to loosen up the sauce. Warm in a covered skillet over low heat, or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between so everything heats evenly and stays succulent.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to treat yourself (and those lucky enough to join you) to the Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Linguine Recipe. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s as cozy as it is elegant, and I promise you’ll want to make it again and again. Gather your ingredients, put on your favorite playlist, and let every zesty, creamy bite brighten your day!
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Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Linguine Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken served over creamy Parmesan Linguine. This Italian-American dish combines tender chicken in a tangy, buttery sauce with perfectly cooked pasta for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- ¼ cup chicken broth
For the pasta:
- 8 oz linguine
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup pasta water (reserved)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- salt and pepper to taste
- chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook linguine according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water before draining. Set pasta aside.
- Cook the chicken: Pat chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F). Transfer chicken to a plate and tent with foil. In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, scraping up any browned bits. Return chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over the top.
- Finish the pasta: In a separate pan or large bowl, toss the cooked linguine with butter, Parmesan, lemon juice, and a splash of reserved pasta water until creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble: Serve sliced chicken over a bed of Parmesan linguine. Spoon extra lemon garlic butter sauce from the skillet over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley and more Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- For extra richness, stir a tablespoon of heavy cream into the chicken sauce.
- Add spinach or steamed broccoli for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with pasta
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 43g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
