Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Linguine

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.

Save

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.

Save

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.