The Zesty Lemon Chicken with Parmesan Linguine Recipe

Tender chicken breasts dance with zesty lemon in this parmesan linguine recipe that promises a symphony of flavors.

Weeknight dinners become extraordinary with this simple yet elegant dish.

The golden-brown chicken pairs perfectly with al dente pasta, creating a meal that feels both comforting and sophisticated.

Bright citrus notes cut through rich parmesan, awakening every taste bud with each bite.

Fresh herbs sprinkled on top add a final burst of aromatic freshness to the plate.

This restaurant-quality meal comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a weeknight wonder for busy home cooks.

You’ll want to savor every delicious forkful of this crowd-pleasing culinary creation.

Lemon Chicken With Parmesan Linguine Brightens Any Meal

• Savor Speedy Cooking: This recipe comes together quickly with minimal prep, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Elevate Flavor Complexity: The combination of zesty lemon garlic chicken and creamy Parmesan sauce creates a sophisticated taste profile that feels like a restaurant-quality dish prepared right at home.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or adjust seasonings to match your dietary preferences or pantry availability, making this recipe incredibly flexible for different taste buds and nutritional needs.
• Master One-Pan Magic: By using the same skillet for multiple steps, you'll minimize cleanup and streamline the cooking process, reducing dish washing and kitchen mess.

Lemon Chicken With Parmesan Linguine Ingredient Checklist

• Chicken: A lean protein that serves as the main star of the dish, seasoned with aromatic spices.

• Linguine: A classic Italian pasta that provides the perfect base for the creamy Parmesan sauce.

• Salt, Pepper, Paprika, Italian Seasoning: A harmonious mix of spices that adds depth and complexity to the chicken's flavor profile.

• Butter, Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy ingredients that create a rich and luxurious sauce with a smooth, velvety texture.

• Lemon (Zest and Juice), Garlic, Garlic Powder: Bright citrus and pungent garlic that enhance the overall taste and provide a zesty, fragrant dimension to the dish.

• Parsley: A fresh herb that adds a pop of color and a light, herbaceous finishing touch to the plate.

Easy Steps To Make Lemon Chicken Linguine Tonight

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt.

Bring the water to a rolling boil.

Drop the linguine into the bubbling water and cook until it reaches that perfect al dente texture.

Before draining, capture a half cup of starchy pasta water – this liquid gold will be your secret weapon later.

Set the cooked pasta aside, ready for its flavor transformation.

Step 2: Spice Up the Chicken

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika
• Italian seasoning

Toss the chicken around until every single piece is coated with a delicious spice blanket.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Melt a tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

Carefully place the seasoned chicken into the sizzling pan.

Cook each side for 4-5 minutes until the chicken develops a gorgeous golden-brown exterior and is completely cooked through.

Transfer the chicken to a waiting plate.

Step 4: Create Zesty Sauce Magic

In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter.

Toss in minced garlic and let it dance around for about 30 seconds until its aroma fills the kitchen.

Sprinkle in bright lemon zest and squeeze fresh lemon juice, stirring to blend all the vibrant flavors together.

Step 5: Reunite Chicken with Sauce

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, gently coating each piece in the tangy lemon garlic butter sauce.

Let the chicken warm through and soak up all those incredible flavors.

Step 6: Whip Up Creamy Parmesan Delight

In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.

Pour in heavy cream and warm it gently.

Gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes silky smooth.

• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Step 7: Marry Pasta and Sauce

Introduce the cooked linguine to the creamy Parmesan sauce.

Toss until every strand is luxuriously coated.

If the sauce feels too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water to achieve the perfect consistency.

Step 8: Plate and Garnish

Arrange the creamy Parmesan linguine on plates.

Crown it with the lemon garlic butter chicken bites.

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and an extra burst of flavor.

Lemon Chicken Parmesan Linguine Tricks For Creamy Sauce

• Save 1/2 cup of starchy pasta water before draining, which helps create a silky, smooth sauce and can adjust consistency if needed.
• Ensure even spice distribution by patting chicken dry before seasoning, allowing the spices to adhere better and create a more flavorful crust.
• Whisk Parmesan cheese gradually and at low heat to prevent clumping and maintain a smooth, creamy texture in the sauce.
• Grate lemon zest first, then squeeze juice, maximizing flavor extraction and ensuring you don't waste any citrusy goodness.
• Cook chicken over medium heat to achieve golden-brown exterior without burning, ensuring juicy and perfectly cooked meat.

Flavorful Lemon Chicken Parmesan Linguine Recipe Swaps

• Gluten-Free Zest: Replace linguine with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta, keeping all other ingredients the same for a celiac-friendly meal.
• Low-Carb Protein Plate: Swap pasta for cauliflower rice, use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts, and maintain the rich lemon garlic sauce for a keto-compatible version.
• Dairy-Free Comfort: Substitute butter with olive oil, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese to create a lactose-free alternative.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Replace chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or crispy tofu, keeping the lemon garlic sauce and Parmesan linguine intact for a plant-based adaptation.

Plate Lemon Chicken Parmesan Linguine Like A Pro

• Elegant Dinner Party Showcase: Arrange the chicken and linguine on a large white platter, creating an elegant layered presentation that highlights both the golden chicken and creamy pasta.
• Rustic Family-Style Serving: Place the linguine in a large central serving bowl with chicken pieces scattered on top, allowing everyone to serve themselves family-style with a warm, inviting feel.
• Fresh Herb Accent Technique: Sprinkle extra chopped parsley and lemon zest over the dish just before serving to add brightness, color, and a burst of fresh aromatic flavor that elevates the entire meal.
• Wine Pairing Suggestion: Complement the lemony chicken with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, which will enhance the dish's zesty and creamy elements perfectly.

Lemon Chicken Parmesan Linguine Storage

• Store leftover Lemon Chicken with Parmesan Linguine in a sealed container to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
• When storing, keep pasta and chicken in different containers to prevent the linguine from becoming soggy and losing its texture.
• Warm chicken and pasta separately using a microwave or skillet. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore moisture and prevent drying out during reheating.
• Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve the dish's original taste and quality.

FAQs

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs are ideal. They cook quickly and absorb the lemon garlic sauce perfectly, ensuring tender and flavorful meat.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute regular linguine with gluten-free pasta. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so the recipe remains essentially the same without major modifications.

• How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Alternatively, cut into the thickest part of the chicken – it should be white throughout with no pink areas.

Lemon Chicken With Parmesan Linguine Recipe

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4.8 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent lemon chicken with parmesan linguine brings Mediterranean flavors dancing across your plate. Zesty citrus notes and creamy pasta create a harmonious meal that whisks you straight to an Italian kitchen.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 pound (1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

Spices and Seasonings:

• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Dairy and Flavor Enhancers:

• 5 tablespoons butter, divided
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

Citrus and Herbs:

• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Pasta:

• 8 ounces (8 oz) linguine

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Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to rolling boil. Cook linguine until perfectly tender, approximately 8-9 minutes. Carefully extract 1/2 cup pasta water before draining, then set linguine aside.
2. Create a spice blend in a mixing bowl, combining salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Thoroughly coat chicken pieces, ensuring even distribution of seasonings.
3. Warm a skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon butter. Carefully place seasoned chicken into hot pan, cooking 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
4. Remove chicken from skillet, preserve pan drippings. Reduce heat, add remaining butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until aromatic, then incorporate lemon zest and juice.
5. Return chicken to skillet, gently toss in citrusy butter sauce. Allow chicken to reheat and absorb flavors while preparing pasta accompaniment.
6. In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Pour heavy cream, gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until sauce transforms into smooth, velvety consistency. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
7. Transfer linguine into Parmesan sauce, stirring meticulously to ensure complete coating. Adjust sauce consistency using reserved pasta water as needed.
8. Artfully plate creamy linguine, crown with lemon-infused chicken. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for vibrant color and enhanced flavor profile.

Notes

• Always use fresh lemons for the most vibrant citrus flavor, avoiding bottled lemon juice which can taste flat and artificial.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in moisture and maximizes flavor development.
• Reserve pasta water as a secret weapon for adjusting sauce consistency, helping create a silky smooth texture that clings perfectly to linguine.
• Grate Parmesan cheese fresh for optimal melting and richer taste compared to pre-packaged shredded versions.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 540
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg