Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Served with Creamy Parmesan Linguine

If you’re craving a meal that balances bright, zesty flavors with rich and creamy indulgence, look no further than lemon garlic butter chicken served with creamy parmesan linguine. This dish combines tender chicken pieces bathed in a luscious lemon garlic butter sauce alongside pasta coated with velvety parmesan cream, creating an irresistible harmony of freshness and comfort in every bite. Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests, this recipe will quickly become your new favorite go-to.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: You can have this dish ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
• Flavor Explosion: Every mouthful delivers bright lemon tang, garlic depth, and buttery richness that work beautifully together.
• Comfort Food Upgrade: The creamy parmesan linguine adds a luxurious texture complementing the succulent chicken perfectly.
• Family-Friendly: It’s a crowd-pleaser that appeals to both kids and adults with familiar but elevated flavors.
• Versatile: Easily customizable with different herbs, proteins, or pasta types to suit your pantry or dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity — each ingredient plays a starring role, adding layers of taste, texture, and color without complicating your prep. From fresh lemon zest and garlic to rich butter and parmesan, these staples create the magic you’ll savor.

• Chicken breasts or thighs: Choose boneless, skinless for quick cooking and tender bites.
• Lemon juice and zest: Adds brightness and fresh citrus aroma that cuts through the richness.
• Garlic cloves: Crisply minced garlic infuses savory depth and warmth.
• Butter: Creates a silky sauce base that enhances every element.
• Heavy cream or half-and-half: Provides creamy richness needed for the linguine sauce.
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated for that authentic nutty and salty flavor.
• Linguine pasta: Its slightly wider strands hold onto the creamy sauce perfectly.
• Olive oil: For searing the chicken to golden perfection.
• Fresh parsley (optional): Adds a pop of green and herbal brightness as garnish.
• Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out the dish’s natural flavors.

Variations for Lemon garlic butter chicken served with creamy parmesan linguine

Feel free to tailor this delicious recipe to your preferences or dietary goals. Substitutions and extras are easy to incorporate, making it incredibly versatile for any season or occasion.

• Protein swap: Use shrimp or scallops instead of chicken for a seafood twist.
• Dairy-free option: Replace butter and cream with dairy-free margarine and coconut milk for a lighter, vegan-friendly dish.
• Herb variations: Swap parsley for basil, thyme, or oregano to shift the flavor profile slightly.
• Spicy kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for gentle heat.
• Vegetable boost: Toss in baby spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or asparagus to add color and nutrition.

How to Make Lemon garlic butter chicken served with creamy parmesan linguine

Step 1: Prepare the linguine

Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente, usually around 8 to 10 minutes. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining for later use in the sauce.

Step 2: Cook the chicken

Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken. Cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside to rest.

Step 3: Make the lemon garlic butter sauce

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in fresh lemon juice and add lemon zest for vibrancy. Stir in heavy cream and let it simmer gently for a few minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 4: Combine parmesan and pasta

Lower the heat and whisk in grated parmesan cheese until melted into the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach your preferred consistency. Toss the cooked linguine in the sauce until evenly coated and creamy.

Step 5: Serve and garnish

Slice the rested chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces and arrange on top of the creamy parmesan linguine. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately for best taste and texture.

Pro Tips for Making Lemon garlic butter chicken served with creamy parmesan linguine

• Use fresh lemons: Fresh lemon juice and zest elevate the brightness far better than bottled alternatives.
• Don’t overcook chicken: Pull it off the heat as soon as internal temperature reaches 165°F for juicy results.
• Reserve pasta water: This starchy liquid helps thin the sauce perfectly without losing flavor.
• Grate parmesan fresh: Pre-grated cheese can be waxy and doesn’t melt as smoothly.
• Low and slow cream simmer: Avoid boiling cream to prevent it from curdling and keep sauce silky.

How to Serve Lemon garlic butter chicken served with creamy parmesan linguine

Garnishes

Brighten your plate by adding a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh parsley or basil leaves, which also add herbal freshness that balances creamy sauce.

Side Dishes

Pair this indulgent main with a crisp green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables such as asparagus or Brussels sprouts to add texture and color contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the chicken sliced atop the linguine in wide, shallow bowls to showcase the creamy coating, and drizzle a little extra lemon butter sauce over the top for shine and flavor pop.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place cooled leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens as it chills; adding a splash of cream when reheating helps restore creaminess.

Freezing

While the dish is best fresh, you can freeze the cooked chicken and pasta separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

Reheat on the stovetop over low heat stirring frequently and adding a little cream or broth to loosen the sauce, or use the microwave in short bursts to prevent drying out.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs remain juicy and tender and will add a richer flavor to the dish.

Is linguine necessary, or can I use other pasta?

Feel free to swap linguine for fettuccine, spaghetti, or even penne based on preference or pantry availability.

What can I do if I don’t have heavy cream?

You can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce might be slightly less rich and velvety.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Yes, by simply using gluten-free pasta varieties, you can enjoy this meal without gluten concerns.

How can I make the dish more saucy?

Increase the butter and cream slightly and add reserved pasta water carefully until you achieve the desired sauce consistency.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting and uplifting about lemon garlic butter chicken served with creamy parmesan linguine. It’s a dish that marries vibrant citrus flavors with the indulgence of creamy pasta, all while being simple and quick enough for your weeknight dinners. I encourage you to dive in and make this recipe your own—your taste buds will thank you with every savory, buttery bite!

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