A Zesty, Rich Dish That’s Comfort Food Meets Gourmet
This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Linguine is a restaurant-style dish that comes together in under 40 minutes. Tender, golden chicken meets a silky parmesan linguine tossed in lemon-garlic butter sauce for a comforting yet elegant meal.
Perfect for date nights, family dinners, or solo indulgence!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- 🍋 Bright Lemon Flavor: Zest and juice add fresh tang that balances the richness.
- 🧄 Garlic Butter Perfection: Aromatic and rich without being overpowering.
- 🧀 Creamy Parmesan Sauce: Luscious linguine that clings to every bite.
- ⏱️ Quick & Easy: Ready from start to finish in under an hour—no pasta-making skills needed!
- 🎉 Great for Special Occasions: Or any night you want to feel fancy at home.
Ingredients (Serves 4):
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts , cut into bite-sized pieces
- Zest of 1 lemon (about 1 tbsp zest)
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 3–4 tbsp juice)
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika (optional – adds subtle warmth)
- Salt and black pepper , to taste
For the Linguine:
- 8 oz linguine or fettuccine pasta
- 2 tbsp butter (for creamy texture)
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese , plus extra for garnish
- ½ cup heavy cream (or whole milk for lighter version)
- ½ tsp garlic powder (or 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced)
- Salt and black pepper , to taste
- Fresh parsley , chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Linguine
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add:
- Linguine
and cook until al dente (about 8–10 minutes)
Drain and set aside while preparing the sauce.
Step 2: Season and Sauté the Chicken
In a bowl, toss chicken pieces with:
- Lemon zest and juice
- Italian seasoning
- Paprika
- Salt and pepper
Set aside for 5–10 minutes to infuse the flavor.
Heat 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat .
Add chicken and sauté for 5–6 minutes , until golden brown and fully cooked through.
Transfer chicken to a plate and keep warm.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt:
- 2 tbsp butter
Add:
- Minced garlic
and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant—not browned.
Stir in:
- Heavy cream
- Garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
Let simmer gently for 3–4 minutes , stirring often.
Step 4: Add Parmesan & Toss the Pasta
Gradually stir in:
- Grated Parmesan cheese
into the sauce, whisking constantly to avoid clumps.
Once melted and smooth, add the cooked linguine to the pan.
Toss gently until all strands are evenly coated in the rich, creamy sauce.
Step 5: Combine with Chicken
Return the chicken and juices to the pan with the linguine.
Gently stir to combine everything.
Let everything warm through and meld together—about 2 more minutes.
Step 6: Garnish & Serve Hot
Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Serve warm with extra lemon wedges on the side for a final squeeze.
Each bite brings together:
- Juicy, tender lemon-garlic chicken
- Silky, cheesy creamy linguine
- And that perfect herb-butter aroma
Tips for Success:
- 🥣 Use Room-Temp Chicken: Helps it cook more evenly and stay juicy.
- 🧈 Don’t Overcook the Garlic: Burnt garlic turns bitter—keep the heat moderate.
- 🧀 Cheese Tip: Use freshly grated Parmesan —it melts better than pre-grated.
- 🍝 Make It Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles for a low-carb twist.
- ❄️ Meal Prep Friendly: Keeps well refrigerated for 3–4 days—reheat gently.
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair with steamed broccoli, garlic bread, or a simple green salad.
- Perfect for dinner parties, romantic evenings, or cozy weeknight meals.
- Ideal with a glass of white wine or sparkling water with lemon.
Nutritional Information (per serving, makes 4 servings – approximate):
(Without optional sides – regular ingredients)
- Calories: ~500 kcal
- Protein: ~25g
- Carbohydrates: ~40g
- Fat: ~22g
- Fiber: ~1g
- Sugar: ~4g
This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Linguine proves that comfort food can be both luxurious and easy to make. With its bold flavors, creamy texture, and fresh lemon finish—it’s a dish that deserves a spot on your weekly menu.
So go ahead and make this tonight… because once you try it—you’ll be making it again and again!
