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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Create a spice blend in a mixing bowl, combining salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Thoroughly coat chicken pieces, ensuring even distribution of seasonings.
- 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.
- 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.
- Return chicken to skillet, gently toss in citrusy butter sauce. Allow chicken to reheat and absorb flavors while preparing pasta accompaniment.
- 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.
- Transfer linguine into Parmesan sauce, stirring meticulously to ensure complete coating. Adjust sauce consistency using reserved pasta water as needed.
- 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