Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Linguine

This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Linguine is a flavorful and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Juicy, golden chicken breast is paired with buttery, lemony linguine tossed with Parmesan cheese for a restaurant-quality meal you can easily make at home.

Ingredients

(Serves 4)

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon (about 3 tablespoons)
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Parmesan Linguine:

• 12 oz (340g) linguine
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
• ¾ cup (75g) grated Parmesan cheese
• Juice of ½ lemon (about 1 ½ tablespoons)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for extra flavor)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Linguine

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

1. While the pasta cooks, season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5–7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C). Remove the chicken and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

1. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Stir in the lemon juice and zest, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Simmer for 1–2 minutes.
3. Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the top to coat. Keep warm.

Step 4: Make the Parmesan Linguine

1. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Stir in the heavy cream and simmer for 2 minutes. Add the Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and zest (if using). Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
3. Toss the cooked linguine in the sauce, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce is too thick. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

1. Divide the Parmesan linguine among serving plates. Top each plate with a chicken breast and drizzle with the lemon garlic butter sauce.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately.

Pro Tips

• Flatten the Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for faster, even cooking.
• Add Veggies: Toss in spinach, asparagus, or broccoli for added nutrition.
• Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter sauce for a kick.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bursting with Flavor: The combination of garlic, butter, lemon, and Parmesan is unbeatable.
• Quick and Elegant: Perfect for weeknight dinners or when entertaining guests.
• Versatile: Can be paired with your favorite pasta or served with rice or roasted vegetables.

Enjoy this Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Linguine as a satisfying, crowd-pleasing meal. Let me know if you’d like more recipes like this! 🍋✨🍝