Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Parmesan Linguine Recipe

Zesty Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Parmesan Linguine Recipe

Tender chicken dances with zesty lemon garlic butter chicken parmesan linguine, creating a symphony of flavors that sings on your plate.

Succulent chicken breasts embrace a golden, crispy coating that promises pure comfort.

parmesan cheese melts luxuriously over perfectly cooked pasta, sending irresistible aromas through your kitchen.

garlic infuses each bite with robust warmth and depth.

Bright lemon adds a sparkling freshness that cuts through the rich, creamy sauce.

This recipe transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal that feels like a restaurant-quality experience.

You’ll want to savor every single forkful of this delectable pasta dish.

Lemon Chicken Linguine Flavor Burst

  • Savor Speedy Satisfaction: Whip up this delectable dish in just a few simple steps, perfect for busy weeknights or quick family meals that don't compromise on flavor.
  • Master Versatile Cooking: The recipe offers flexible techniques like batch cooking chicken and using the same skillet for multiple components, making it accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.
  • Flavor Explosion Guaranteed: Combining zesty lemon, rich garlic butter, creamy Parmesan sauce, and perfectly seasoned chicken creates a mouthwatering experience that will wow your taste buds and impress dinner guests.
  • One-Pan Wonder Potential: Minimizing dishes and maximizing convenience, this recipe allows you to create a restaurant-quality meal with minimal cleanup and maximum enjoyment.

Lemon Chicken Linguine Ingredients

Protein Base:
  • Chicken Breasts: A lean and tender protein that serves as the main star of the dish.
  • Parmesan Cheese: A rich, sharp cheese that adds depth and creaminess to the sauce.
Pasta and Sauce Components:
  • Linguine Pasta: A long, flat noodle that perfectly captures the creamy sauce.
  • Heavy Cream: Provides a luxurious and smooth base for the Parmesan sauce.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps create a silky texture in both the chicken and sauce preparations.
Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Salt, Black Pepper, Paprika, Italian Seasoning: A blend of spices that brings warmth and complexity to the chicken.
  • Garlic, Garlic Powder: Adds a robust and aromatic flavor to both the chicken and sauce.
  • Lemon Zest, Lemon Juice: Provides a bright, citrusy note that cuts through the richness of the dish.
  • Fresh Parsley: A fresh herb that adds a pop of color and a light, herbaceous finish.

Cooking Lemon Parmesan Linguine

Step 1: Boil Pasta

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

Drop the linguine into the boiling water and cook until perfectly tender.

Scoop out a half cup of pasta water before draining.

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

Step 2: Spice Up the Chicken

Grab a mixing bowl and sprinkle salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning over the chicken pieces.

Toss and massage the spices into the meat, ensuring every morsel gets coated with delicious flavor.

Step 3: Sear Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Carefully place chicken pieces in the pan, giving each one breathing room.

Cook the chicken, flipping occasionally, until it develops a beautiful golden-brown exterior and reaches a safe internal temperature.

Step 4: Create Zesty Lemon Garlic Sauce

In the same skillet, melt additional butter and toss in minced garlic.

Let it sizzle briefly, then add:
  • Lemon zest
  • Lemon juice

Stir and scrape up the flavorful browned bits from the pan’s bottom.

Step 5: Marry Chicken with Sauce

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

Keep warm and let the flavors mingle.

Step 6: Whip Up Creamy Parmesan Sauce

In a separate pan, melt butter and pour in heavy cream.

Gently simmer and whisk in Parmesan cheese until smooth.

Season with:
  • Garlic powder
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Fold the cooked linguine into the Parmesan sauce.

If it’s too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water to create a silky, clinging sauce.

Step 8: Plate and Garnish

Spread the creamy Parmesan linguine onto plates.

Crown with lemon garlic butter chicken bites.

Sprinkle fresh parsley and extra Parmesan on top.

Serve immediately and enjoy your culinary masterpiece!

Pro Tips for Chicken Linguine

  • Avoid overcooking by using a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches exactly 165°F, keeping it juicy and tender.
  • Toast garlic briefly to release its aromatic oils without burning, creating a richer sauce base for the dish.
  • Use reserved pasta water strategically to thin or thicken the sauce, ensuring perfect coating and texture.
  • Chop parsley right before serving to maintain vibrant color and release maximum flavor when garnishing the linguine.
  • Cook linguine just until al dente, allowing it to finish cooking slightly in the Parmesan sauce for ideal absorption and taste.

Linguine Recipe Flavor Ideas

  • Gluten-Free Pasta Option: Swap traditional linguine with gluten-free rice or chickpea pasta for those with wheat sensitivities, maintaining the same cooking method and flavor profile.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Replace heavy cream and Parmesan with coconut cream and nutritional yeast, creating a similar creamy texture and cheesy taste for lactose-intolerant individuals.
  • Vegetarian Alternative: Substitute chicken with roasted cauliflower or portobello mushroom pieces, seasoned identically and sautéed until golden brown, preserving the dish's rich, savory essence.
  • Low-Carb Version: Use spiralized zucchini noodles instead of linguine, reducing carbohydrate content while keeping the lemon garlic butter sauce and Parmesan components intact.

Serving Chicken Linguine Dishes

  • Flavor Explosion Plate: Pair this dish with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio to complement the lemon and garlic notes, enhancing the overall dining experience.
  • Fresh Sidekick Boost: Add a simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the creamy Parmesan sauce and buttery chicken.
  • Bread Buddy Companion: Serve warm garlic bread or crusty Italian bread on the side to soak up the delicious lemon garlic butter sauce, ensuring no flavor goes to waste.
  • Veggie Harmony Partner: Roast some seasonal vegetables like asparagus or zucchini with a sprinkle of herbs to provide a fresh, healthy counterpoint to the indulgent pasta and chicken.

Storing Lemon Linguine Well

  • Store leftover Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Parmesan Linguine in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth and maintain food safety.
  • Let the dish cool to room temperature before sealing in the refrigerator, which prevents condensation and keeps the pasta from becoming soggy.
  • Enjoy refrigerated pasta within 3-4 days for optimal taste and texture, as the sauce and chicken can lose their fresh quality over time.
  • Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of pasta water or cream to restore moisture, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and maintain the sauce's creamy consistency.

FAQs

  • Why use paprika and Italian seasoning for the chicken?

Paprika adds a warm, slightly sweet flavor and beautiful color, while Italian seasoning provides a blend of dried herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme that enhance the chicken’s overall taste profile.

  • Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute linguine with other long pasta like fettuccine or spaghetti. Just ensure you cook the pasta al dente to maintain the right texture for the dish.

  • How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F, which ensures it’s safe to eat and prevents undercooking or overcooking.

Print
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Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Parmesan Linguine Recipe

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Parmesan Linguine Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 16 reviews

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

Description

Succulent lemon garlic butter chicken parmesan linguine delivers Italian-inspired comfort with zesty Mediterranean flair. Creamy pasta embraces tender chicken, melding rich flavors that promise a delightful culinary escape you’ll savor to the last delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

Seasonings:

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

Cooking Ingredients:

  • 5 tablespoons (74 milliliters) butter, divided
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Zest and juice of 1 lemon
  • 8 ounces (226 grams) linguine pasta
  • 3/4 cup (75 grams) Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream

Garnish:

  • Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare a generously salted pot of water and bring to a rolling boil. Submerge linguine, cooking until perfectly tender with a slight bite, approximately 9-11 minutes. Extract 1/2 cup of starchy liquid before draining pasta, then set aside.
  2. Create a robust seasoning blend for chicken using salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian herbs. Thoroughly coat chicken pieces, ensuring even distribution of spices.
  3. Heat butter in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature. Carefully arrange chicken pieces without overcrowding, allowing golden caramelization. Rotate occasionally, cooking 4-5 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F. Transfer perfectly cooked chicken to a separate plate.
  4. Reduce skillet heat and introduce remaining butter. Incorporate minced garlic, sautéing briefly until aromatic but not darkened. Integrate lemon zest and juice, deglazing pan and capturing caramelized remnants.
  5. Reintroduce chicken into lemon garlic butter sauce, gently tossing to ensure comprehensive coating. Maintain warmth on low heat.
  6. Simultaneously, craft Parmesan sauce by melting butter in a separate pan. Pour heavy cream, bringing to a delicate simmer without boiling. Gradually whisk Parmesan until silky smooth, seasoning with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  7. Merge linguine with Parmesan sauce, ensuring comprehensive coverage. Adjust consistency using reserved pasta water, allowing starch to enhance sauce adhesion.
  8. Plate creamy linguine, crowning with lemon garlic chicken. Embellish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan. Serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

  • Use high-quality chicken breasts for tender, juicy results that melt in your mouth and ensure even cooking.
  • Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help spices adhere better and create a gorgeous golden-brown exterior.
  • Reserve pasta water is crucial for creating silky, clingy sauce that perfectly coats every pasta strand.
  • Avoid overcrowding the skillet when cooking chicken to prevent steaming and achieve beautiful caramelization.
  • Toast garlic briefly to release aromatic flavors without burning, which can make the sauce bitter.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for superior melting and richer flavor compared to pre-packaged cheese.
  • Adjust sauce consistency with reserved pasta water for ideal creamy texture without being too thick or thin.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 600
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 150 mg
Lena Martinez

Lena Martinez

Contributing Writer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cuisines, Vegetarian and plant-based recipe development, Culinary education and community outreach ​

Education

Santa Fe Community College, Santa Fe, NM
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Emphasized Southwestern cuisine and sustainable cooking practices


Lena grew up surrounded by the colors, spices, and traditions of the Southwest – flavors that sparked her love for bold, honest cooking. After earning her Culinary Arts certificate at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to teach home cooks how to create flavorful, plant-powered meals without the fuss.
Her recipes are packed with vibrant ingredients, simple steps, and the kind of heart that turns a regular meal into something you’ll want to share. Outside the kitchen, Lena spends her time wandering farmers’ markets, trading family recipes, and helping young chefs find their voice through food.

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