Description
Succulent lemon chicken parmesan pasta brings Italian comfort to your dinner table with zesty Mediterranean flavors. Crispy chicken, tangy parmesan, and bright lemon create a harmonious blend you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound (1 lb) boneless skinless chicken breast, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Pasta and Cheese:
- 8 ounces (8 oz) linguine
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings and Liquids:
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 lemon (zest and juice)
- 5 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook linguine until it reaches al dente perfection, approximately 8-9 minutes. Carefully set aside 1/2 cup of starchy pasta water before draining.
- Generously coat chicken pieces with a blend of paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper, ensuring even coverage.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and melt 1 tablespoon butter. Sear seasoned chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer chicken to a clean plate.
- In the same skillet, melt additional butter and quickly sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds. Introduce bright lemon zest and fresh lemon juice, creating a fragrant citrus base.
- Return chicken to the skillet, gently coating each piece in the zesty garlic-lemon glaze. Allow flavors to meld for 1-2 minutes.
- Create a creamy sauce by melting butter in a separate pan, then whisking in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until silky smooth. Enhance with a touch of garlic powder and complementary seasonings.
- Combine cooked linguine with the luxurious Parmesan sauce, using reserved pasta water to adjust consistency if needed. Ensure each strand is elegantly coated.
- Plate the pasta and artfully arrange lemon-glazed chicken on top. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finish.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water before draining to help create a silky, smooth sauce that clings perfectly to the noodles.
- Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption while maintaining juicy texture.
- Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help spices adhere better and create a beautiful golden-brown crust when cooking.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for richer flavor compared to pre-packaged options, which can taste less vibrant.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 578 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 410 mg
- Fat: 33 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 43 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg