Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Linguine

Category: Dinner Ideas That Actually Work

Savor bright zesty flavors with every bite as juicy chicken is seasoned with lemon, Italian herbs, and paprika, then sautéed in golden butter and garlic. Paired alongside velvety linguine coated in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce and finished with fresh parsley, this dish brings together comforting textures and vibrant flavors. Quick enough for a weeknight yet elegant for entertaining, it layers simple ingredients for a dish that feels both classic and special. Serve with extra Parmesan and a squeeze of lemon for added zest, and enjoy a satisfying, heartwarming meal.

Clare Recipes
Created By Lily Chen
Updated on Wed, 30 Jul 2025 02:08:23 GMT
A bowl of chicken and pasta with a lemon wedge on top. Save
A bowl of chicken and pasta with a lemon wedge on top. | lilicooks.com

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Linguine is the kind of comforting yet vibrant dinner that can turn any weeknight into something special. This dish lays tender bites of chicken cooked in a buttery lemon garlic sauce over luscious strands of creamy parmesan-coated linguine. Every forkful offers a hit of zesty brightness balanced by rich cheesy goodness.

I love how effortlessly this dish comes together. The first time I made it I was craving both something creamy and something fresh and the lemon zest made all the difference. Now it has become my go to when I want everyone at the table to be happy.

Ingredients

  • Boneless skinless chicken breast: Freshness brings juiciness and tenderness look for firm pink flesh
  • Lemon: both zest and juice add brightness and cut through the richness choose firm heavy lemons for the most juice
  • Italian seasoning: brings subtle herbal notes opt for a blend that lists oregano and basil first
  • Paprika: gives a gentle warmth and a sun touched color choose a fresh sweet paprika for best flavor
  • Butter: delivers richness and rounds out flavors use real unsalted butter for control over the salt
  • Garlic: the star of the sauce use fresh garlic cloves for that true aromatic punch
  • Linguine: provides the perfect sturdy base to hold the creamy sauce use a good quality dried pasta that keeps its bite
  • Parmesan cheese: creates creaminess and a savory note always grate your cheese right before using for better melting
  • Heavy cream: transforms everything into a silky sauce use cream that is at least 35 percent fat for the smoothest finish
  • Garlic powder: boosts that garlic essence without overpowering look for powder without added salt or fillers
  • Fresh parsley: brightens up the finished dish choose flat leaf parsley for the best flavor and color

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Pasta:
Boil plenty of salted water and cook the linguine to al dente according to the package. Drain well and set aside. Well salted water ensures your pasta has flavor.
Season the Chicken:
Toss the chicken with lemon zest lemon juice Italian seasoning paprika salt and pepper making sure every piece is coated. This step soaks each bit with fresh lemony flavor.
Brown the Chicken:
Heat one tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium high. Place the chicken in a single layer. Sauté for about nine to ten minutes turning occasionally until each piece is golden outside and cooked through in the center. Remove the chicken and keep warm. Browning the chicken this way intensifies its flavor and keeps it juicy.
Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
Add the remaining butter to the same skillet let it melt then scatter in the minced garlic. Stir constantly letting it sizzle for one to two minutes until you can really smell the garlic. This builds the aromatic base of the sauce.
Create the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:
Pour in the heavy cream let it blend with the garlicky butter then add garlic powder salt and pepper. Stir as it simmers gently for three minutes until just slightly thickened. Add the grated Parmesan and stir until it melts into the sauce making it silky and glossy.
Finish the Pasta:
Add the drained linguine right into the skillet and toss gently so every strand gets coated in creamy sauce.
Plate and Garnish:
Arrange the chicken over the pasta and sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color and herbal freshness.
A plate of chicken with lemon, garlic, and butter. Save
A plate of chicken with lemon, garlic, and butter. | lilicooks.com

Fresh parsley from my backyard has always been my favorite finishing touch it just livens up the whole plate and brings back memories of my grandmother dotting every Sunday dinner with her garden herbs

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and try to enjoy within two days. If the sauce thickens up overnight stir in a splash of cream or milk when reheating to revive its silky texture. It tastes just as comforting the next day.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have linguine any long cut pasta like fettuccine or even spaghetti will work. For a lighter version you can swap out the cream for half and half or just a splash of milk but the sauce will be a bit less rich. If you wish to make it gluten free use your favorite gluten free pasta.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a fresh green salad dressed in a lemony vinaigrette or some steamed crisp green beans to cut through the richness. Warm crusty bread is also perfect to mop up every last bit of sauce. If you want to stretch the meal further toss in some baby spinach just before mixing with the pasta for added greens.

A bowl of chicken and pasta with lemon and garlic. Save
A bowl of chicken and pasta with lemon and garlic. | lilicooks.com

A Nod to Italian American Comfort

While not strictly traditional Italian this dish is inspired by classic Italian American flavors blending creamy pasta with bright lemon and garlicky chicken. It is the kind of meal that turns ordinary ingredients into a little celebration around the dinner table.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Cut chicken into uniform pieces and avoid overcooking. Sauté until golden and just cooked through, then remove from the skillet to keep it tender.

→ Can I substitute another pasta for linguine?

Yes, fettuccine or spaghetti work well. Choose any pasta shape that holds the creamy sauce nicely.

→ How do I achieve a smooth Parmesan sauce?

Add Parmesan gradually to the warmed cream, stirring constantly. Use freshly grated cheese for the best texture.

→ What herbs complement this dish?

Fresh parsley adds brightness, but basil or a pinch of thyme can enhance the flavors without overpowering the dish.

→ Can I prepare components ahead of time?

Cook chicken and pasta separately, then refrigerate. Reheat gently with sauce just before serving for best results.

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Linguine

Tender chicken, zesty lemon, and creamy linguine with Parmesan come together for a comforting, flavor-packed meal.

Preparation Time
15 min
Cooking Time
20 min
Overall Time
35 min
Created By: Lily Chen

Category: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Moderate

Cuisine Type: Italian

Output: 4 Serves

Dietary Options: ~

Ingredients

→ Chicken and Marinade

01 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
02 Zest of 1 lemon
03 Juice of 1 lemon
04 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
05 Salt and pepper, to taste
06 1/2 tsp paprika

→ Cooking Base

07 3 tbsp butter, divided
08 3 cloves garlic, minced
09 Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

→ Pasta and Sauce

10 8 oz linguine
11 2 tbsp butter
12 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
13 1/2 cup heavy cream
14 Salt and pepper, to taste
15 1/2 tsp garlic powder
16 Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Steps

Step 01

Cook the linguine according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 02

Season the chicken pieces with lemon zest, juice, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Step 03

In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 9-10 minutes, or until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 04

In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 05

Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Add the garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

Step 06

Add the cooked linguine to the skillet and toss it in the creamy sauce.

Step 07

Plate the chicken and the pasta. Garnish with parsley before serving.

Allergy Information

Always check each ingredient for allergens, and consult a medical professional if unsure.
  • Contains dairy (butter, Parmesan cheese, heavy cream)
  • Contains gluten (linguine)

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are shared for general guidance and don’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: 560
  • Fats: 30 g
  • Carbohydrates: 47 g
  • Proteins: 28 g