If you’re looking for that perfect mix of comforting, zesty, and downright irresistible, Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Linguine is your golden ticket. This recipe brings together tender chicken, a luxuriously creamy sauce, brightened up with lemon and garlic, and all swirling around silky strands of parmesan-dusted pasta. The result is a dish that tastes restaurant-worthy yet comes together faster than a night of indecisiveness over takeout. Whether you’re cooking for family, date night, or just treating yourself to something special, Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Linguine never fails to impress.

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Linguine Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t need a million things—just a handful of simple, fresh ingredients that truly shine. Each is perfectly chosen to add flavor, richness, brightness, or heartiness to your Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Linguine.

Chicken breasts: Lean, boneless, and skinless—they soak up all the flavors and slice beautifully over the pasta.
Olive oil: Gives a golden sear to the chicken and brings a Mediterranean touch to the dish.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and smoothness to both the chicken and the sauce—use fresh for the best flavor.
Garlic: Six cloves, minced, infuse bold, fragrant flavor that pairs perfectly with the lemon and cream.
Lemon (juice & zest): Fresh lemon is key for that signature brightness and zip—don’t skip the zest for extra aroma.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that ties everything together for that classic flavor profile.
Salt and black pepper: Simple but crucial for bringing all the flavors out to their fullest.
Linguine pasta: The perfect vehicle for a creamy sauce—if you prefer, use gluten-free linguine for a GF-friendly meal.
Parmesan cheese: Opt for freshly grated—it melts into the sauce and lends a nutty, irresistible depth.
Heavy cream: Gives the sauce its creamy, luscious texture; don’t skimp on this if you want that special-occasion feel.
Reserved pasta water: A chef’s secret—it helps the sauce cling to the pasta without being too heavy.
Fresh parsley: For a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous finish to your Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Linguine.

How to Make Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Linguine

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Pat your chicken breasts dry and generously season them with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning on both sides. This little moment of extra attention ensures every bite is super flavorful, and the herbs help build a cozy, aromatic foundation for the dish.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Add the olive oil and half the butter to a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, nestle the chicken breasts into the pan. Cook them for about 6-7 minutes per side, letting them get gorgeously golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside—don’t worry, they’ll stay juicy.

Step 3: Build the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, toss in the remaining butter followed by the minced garlic. Stir for 1-2 minutes until your entire kitchen smells absolutely incredible! Add the lemon juice and zest, scraping up any golden goodness stuck to the pan. You’re layering in flavor here, so don’t rush it.

Step 4: Cook the Linguine

Get your linguine boiling in a pot of salted water according to package directions. Before draining, scoop out about half a cup of the starchy pasta water—this is liquid gold for the sauce, so don’t skip it!

Step 5: Toss It All Together

Return to your skillet and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until everything melts into a creamy, dreamy sauce. Add the drained pasta and reserved pasta water, tossing until every strand is bathed in all that sauce. Slice the cooked chicken and nestle it on top. Shower with chopped parsley for a fresh, bright finishing touch.

How to Serve Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Linguine

Garnishes

For that chef’s kiss finish, sprinkle extra freshly grated Parmesan over each plate, then scatter a bit more chopped parsley. If you love a punch of citrus, add extra lemon zest—or even a few thin lemon slices for dramatic flair.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette, or some roasted asparagus or broccoli for a pop of color and a bit of crunch. Don’t forget warm, crusty bread to sweep up every drop of that velvety sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving this for a special occasion, try twirling the linguine into little “nests” with tongs and fanning the sliced chicken breast over the top. For a cozy, rustic feel, serve family-style straight from a big serving dish or skillet right at the table—the aroma alone will have everyone reaching for seconds.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making next-day lunches a total treat. Just be sure to keep the chicken and pasta together to prevent dryness.

Freezing

If you’re planning to freeze Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Linguine, portion it into freezer-friendly containers. While the cream sauce may slightly change texture upon thawing, a gentle stir when reheating brings everything right back together. Freeze for up to two months for a delicious future meal.

Reheating

To reheat, add a splash of milk or extra cream to loosen up the sauce, then gently warm on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. This revives the creamy texture and ensures the pasta doesn’t turn mushy.

FAQs

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just swap in your favorite gluten-free linguine pasta and make sure your Parmesan and other ingredients are gluten-free for a celiac-friendly meal.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

If you want a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or even whole milk, though the sauce will be thinner. For a dairy-free option, try an unsweetened, rich plant-based cream alternative.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are delicious here! They’re extra juicy and flavorful. Just adjust the cooking time as they may need a bit longer to cook through.

How do I keep the chicken from drying out?

Be mindful not to overcook the chicken—just until it’s golden and cooked through. Letting the chicken rest for a few minutes after sautéing ensures it stays juicy when sliced.

What extras can I add for more flavor or color?

Feel free to experiment! Add a handful of baby spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or even sautéed mushrooms to your Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Linguine. They each bring a unique twist and lovely visual appeal!

Final Thoughts

I hope you fall head over heels for Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Linguine like I have. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but fancy enough to wow dinner guests. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes the most-requested dish in your home!

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Linguine Recipe

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4.8 from 20 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Linguine is a delightful combination of tender chicken in a rich and tangy lemon garlic butter sauce served over creamy linguine pasta with Parmesan. A comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for dinner parties or a cozy night in.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
6 garlic cloves (minced)
juice and zest of 1 lemon
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
salt and black pepper to taste

For the Linguine:

12 oz linguine pasta
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup reserved pasta water
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

Season the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning on both sides.
Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter. Add chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add remaining butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in lemon juice and zest, scraping up any browned bits.
Cook the Linguine: Cook linguine according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
Combine and Serve: In the skillet, stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until smooth. Add pasta, reserved water, and toss until well coated. Slice chicken and serve over pasta. Garnish with parsley.

Notes

For added richness, you can stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese with the Parmesan.
Try adding spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and color.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American