Description

Lemon garlic butter chicken served with creamy parmesan linguine is a quick and easy dish that combines tender chicken cooked in a bright and zesty lemon garlic butter sauce with linguine pasta coated in a rich and velvety parmesan cream. This family-friendly comfort food offers the perfect balance of freshness and indulgence, ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasonings

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

Sauce

2 tablespoons olive oil
4 tablespoons butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

Pasta

8 ounces linguine pasta

Garnish (optional)

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Prepare the linguine: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8 to 10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining for use in the sauce later.
Cook the chicken: Season chicken breasts or thighs generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside to rest.
Make the lemon garlic butter sauce: Reduce heat to medium and melt butter in the same skillet. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in fresh lemon juice and lemon zest, then pour in heavy cream. Let the sauce simmer gently for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.
Combine parmesan and pasta: Lower the heat and whisk in grated parmesan cheese until completely melted into the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually to reach desired consistency. Toss the cooked linguine in the sauce until evenly coated and creamy.
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 fresh, colorful garnish. Serve immediately.

Notes

Use fresh lemons for the best bright citrus flavor.
Do not overcook chicken; internal temperature should reach 165°F for moistness.
Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency without diluting flavor.
Grate parmesan cheese fresh for a smooth, authentic taste and texture.
Simmer cream gently on low heat to avoid curdling and maintain silky sauce.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 600 kcal
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 650 mg
Fat: 35 g
Saturated Fat: 18 g
Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
Trans Fat: 0.5 g
Carbohydrates: 40 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 35 g
Cholesterol: 140 mg

Keywords: lemon garlic butter chicken, creamy parmesan linguine, quick dinner, easy chicken pasta, comfort food, weeknight recipe