Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken With Parmesan Linguine Recipe

Quick Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Linguine Recipe

Whipping up a magical lemon garlic butter chicken with parmesan linguine promises culinary excitement for anyone seeking a quick, delectable meal.

Weeknight dinners can feel mundane, but this recipe breaks through ordinary cooking routines.

Fragrant herbs and zesty citrus notes dance across tender chicken pieces nestled atop silky pasta strands.

parmesan cheese adds luxurious depth that makes each bite irresistibly rich and satisfying.

Simple ingredients combine into something extraordinary, proving gourmet cooking doesn’t require complicated techniques.

Crisp garlic undertones complement bright lemon accents, creating a harmonious flavor profile that feels both comforting and sophisticated.

Savor every forkful and let this dish transport you to a cozy Italian kitchen.

What Makes This Chicken Linguine So Flavorful

  • Dive into Delightful Flavors: This salmon pasta brings restaurant-quality taste right to your kitchen with its rich, creamy sauce and perfectly balanced ingredients.
  • Master Quick Gourmet Cooking: Home cooks can easily prepare this sophisticated dish with simple techniques that transform everyday ingredients into an impressive meal.
  • Perfect Family Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults will love the mild, comforting flavors of salmon combined with creamy pasta, making it an ideal dinner option that satisfies everyone's taste buds.
  • Flexible Weeknight Wonder: Adaptable recipe allows for quick substitutions and provides a nutritious meal that can be prepared in minimal time, perfect for busy households seeking delicious dinner solutions.

What Goes in Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta

For the Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: Tender, lean meat that serves as the main protein for this delicious dish.
For the Seasoning:
  • Salt, Black Pepper, Italian Seasoning: Essential spices that enhance the chicken's flavor and provide depth to the overall taste.
For the Sauce Base:
  • Butter, Olive Oil: Rich ingredients that create a flavorful foundation for cooking and adding moisture to the chicken.
  • Chicken Broth, Lemon Juice: Liquid components that provide tanginess and depth to the sauce.
For the Pasta Components:
  • Linguine: Classic pasta that serves as the perfect base for the creamy Parmesan sauce.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds a rich, nutty flavor and creamy texture to the pasta.
For the Creamy Elements:
  • Heavy Cream, Garlic: Ingredients that create a smooth, luxurious sauce with aromatic depth.
For the Garnish and Finishing:
  • Parsley: Fresh herb that adds a bright, clean finish to the dish.

How to Make Garlic Chicken Linguine Pasta

Step 1: Season and Sizzle the Chicken

Grab chicken breasts and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat a skillet and melt butter with olive oil over medium heat.

Carefully place chicken into the pan and cook until golden brown and fully cooked, about 5-6 minutes on each side. Transfer chicken to a clean plate and set aside.

Step 2: Create Zesty Sauce Base

Using the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook until wonderfully fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and fresh lemon juice, gently scraping up all those delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

Let the sauce simmer for 2 minutes to develop rich flavors. Return chicken to the skillet and coat completely with the tangy sauce.

Step 3: Prepare Perfect Linguine

Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Add linguine and cook according to package directions until al dente.

Drain pasta in a colander, reserving a small amount of cooking water.

Step 4: Craft Creamy Parmesan Coating

In a separate pan, melt butter and add minced garlic.

Stir in ingredients:
  • Heavy cream
  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Toss cooked linguine in the creamy sauce, ensuring each strand is beautifully coated.

Step 5: Plate and Garnish

Arrange parmesan-coated linguine on serving plates.

Top with lemon garlic butter chicken. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese for a final touch of elegance.

Helpful Notes for Lemon Chicken Pasta Dish

  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F for safe, perfectly cooked protein without drying out.
  • Select fresh, high-quality chicken breasts of similar thickness to guarantee even cooking and consistent flavor.
  • Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help create a golden, crispy exterior that locks in moisture and enhances taste.
  • Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or milk for a lighter version of the parmesan sauce without sacrificing richness.
  • Squeeze fresh lemon juice instead of bottled for brighter, more vibrant citrus flavor in the sauce.

Flavor Twists for Lemon Chicken Pasta Fans

  • Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Replace Italian seasoning with dried oregano, thyme, and rosemary for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
  • Spicy Cajun Version: Add Cajun seasoning to chicken and sauce, incorporating cayenne pepper for a fiery kick.
  • Creamy Mushroom Variation: Sauté sliced mushrooms with garlic before adding broth, creating an earthy and rich sauce.
  • Herb Zucchini Noodle Option: Swap linguine with spiralized zucchini noodles for a low-carb, vegetable-packed alternative.

Great Way to Plate Chicken Linguine Dish

  • Elegant Date Night Dinner Delight: Impress your partner with this restaurant-quality meal served on a candlelit table with soft background music, creating a romantic atmosphere perfect for special evenings.
  • Weekend Family Feast: Transform this recipe into a fun family meal by letting kids help plate the dishes, adding extra Parmesan, and serving with a crisp green salad for a complete dining experience.
  • Quick Meal Prep Champion: Prepare chicken and sauce ahead of time, store in refrigerator, and quickly reheat before tossing with fresh linguine for a speedy weeknight dinner solution that saves time without compromising flavor.
  • Picnic Style Presentation: Pack cooled chicken and linguine separately in elegant containers, bringing this dish to outdoor gatherings or lunch spots, creating a gourmet portable meal that's sure to impress fellow diners.

Storing Garlic Chicken Linguine for Later

  • Store leftover chicken and linguine separately in airtight containers. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent soggy pasta.
  • Wrap cooked chicken tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Place linguine in a sealed container, adding a tiny splash of olive oil to prevent sticking. Refrigerate for 2-3 days maximum. Avoid freezing cooked pasta as it loses texture.

FAQs

  • Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work great in this recipe. Just adjust cooking time to ensure they’re fully cooked through, which might take slightly longer than chicken breasts.

  • Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely! Replace regular linguine with gluten-free pasta and use a gluten-free flour or cornstarch to coat the chicken if needed.

  • How can I make this recipe lighter?

Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, use less butter, and opt for a leaner cut of chicken like skinless breasts to reduce overall calories.

  • What can I do if I don't have Italian seasoning?

Create your own by mixing dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary in equal proportions, or simply use a combination of dried herbs 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 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

Succulent lemon garlic butter chicken with parmesan linguine elevates weeknight dinners with Mediterranean flair. Creamy pasta and juicy chicken create a perfect harmony you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tsp (5 ml) salt
  • 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) black pepper
  • 1 tsp (5 ml) Italian seasoning
  • 2 tbsps (30 g) butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) chicken broth
  • Juice of 1 lemon

Instructions

  1. Generously season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, ensuring even coverage.
  2. Heat a skillet with butter and olive oil over medium temperature (around 350°F), creating a golden cooking surface.
  3. Carefully place seasoned chicken into the skillet, cooking for approximately 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  4. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside on a clean plate.
  5. In the same pan, add minced garlic and sauté quickly until aromatic and lightly golden, releasing its intense flavor.
  6. Pour chicken broth and fresh lemon juice into the skillet, using a wooden spoon to deglaze and scrape up caramelized cooking remnants.
  7. Simmer sauce for 2 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and slightly reduce.
  8. Return chicken to the skillet, gently coating each piece with the fragrant lemon garlic sauce.
  9. Meanwhile, cook linguine in salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
  10. In a separate pan, melt butter and introduce minced garlic, creating a rich base for the Parmesan sauce.
  11. Incorporate heavy cream, grated Parmesan, salt, and pepper, stirring until smooth and slightly thickened.
  12. Add drained linguine to the Parmesan sauce, tossing thoroughly to ensure complete and even coating.
  13. Plate the creamy Parmesan linguine as a bed for the lemon garlic butter chicken.
  14. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese for enhanced flavor and visual appeal.

Notes

  • Choose thin chicken breasts for even, quick cooking and prevent dryness during searing.
  • Pat chicken completely dry before seasoning to achieve perfect golden-brown exterior with crispy texture.
  • Use fresh lemon juice instead of bottled for brighter, more vibrant citrus flavor in the sauce.
  • Grate Parmesan cheese fresh from a block for richer, more authentic taste compared to pre-grated versions.
  • Add red pepper flakes to sauce for subtle heat and complexity if you enjoy spicier dishes.
  • Reserve some pasta water before draining to help create smoother, silkier Parmesan sauce if needed.
  • Let chicken rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking to retain maximum juiciness and prevent moisture loss.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 410 kcal
  • Sugar: 0 g
  • Sodium: 1160 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 1 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg
Maya Thompson

Maya Thompson

Culinary Content Creator & Nutrition Enthusiast

Expertise

Healthy single-serving recipes, Meal prepping for individuals, Integrating nutrition into everyday cooking, Vegetarian and plant-based cuisine​

Education

The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Nutrition, meal planning, and culinary techniques for healthy living.


Maya found her passion in the kitchen by mixing good food with good energy. After earning her culinary degree at The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College, she made it her mission to keep cooking simple, wholesome, and packed with flavor.
At Steelhead Diner, Maya shares easy, healthy recipes built for real life. For Maya, great food seems like a celebration of everyday moments, made better one fresh bite at a time.

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