Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken With Parmesan Linguine Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the bright, zesty flavor of Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken paired with the creamy richness of Parmesan Linguine. This dish combines tender, golden-seared chicken breasts with a luscious lemon garlic butter sauce, all served over perfectly cooked pasta infused with Parmesan cheese. Every bite is bursting with flavor, making it a meal your family will request again and again.

this Recipe

I first made this recipe on a busy weeknight when I needed something quick, comforting, and packed with flavor. To my surprise, it was an instant hit! The balance of citrus, garlic, and buttery goodness over creamy pasta made it feel like an elevated restaurant-quality dish—without the hefty price tag.

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken With Parmesan Linguine

Get ready to fall in love with a meal that’s as satisfying as it is simple. This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Linguine checks all the right boxes.

First, it’s quick and easy. In just about 30 minutes, you can have a complete, flavorful meal on the table—perfect for busy weeknights when you need something fast yet delicious.

It’s budget-friendly too! With simple, readily available ingredients, this dish is an affordable way to serve a gourmet meal without stretching your wallet.

Another reason to love it? It’s bursting with flavor. The combination of fresh lemon juice, savory garlic, and butter-soaked chicken over creamy Parmesan-coated linguine creates a perfect balance of brightness and richness.

Finally, it’s versatile. Whether you swap out the pasta type, use a different protein, or add some veggies, this dish is easy to customize to suit your tastes and dietary preferences.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Linguine comes from its carefully chosen ingredients, each adding depth and texture to the dish.

Chicken breasts are the star of the show. I prefer using boneless, skinless breasts, pounded slightly for even cooking. You can also use chicken thighs for a juicier, richer taste.

Fresh lemon juice and zest are key to achieving that vibrant citrusy flavor. Bottled lemon juice works in a pinch, but fresh lemons will give you the best zing and aroma.

Garlic is essential here. Minced fresh garlic infuses the butter sauce with a bold, aromatic depth. If you love garlic, feel free to add an extra clove or two.

Butter and olive oil create the perfect base for searing the chicken and building a luscious sauce. Butter brings richness, while olive oil prevents it from burning.

For the pasta, linguine is my top choice because it holds the creamy Parmesan coating beautifully. However, spaghetti or fettuccine can work just as well.

A final sprinkle of Parmesan cheese ties everything together with a nutty, salty kick. Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melt and flavor.

You’ll also need a large skillet and a pot for boiling pasta to bring this dish together seamlessly.

How to Make This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken With Parmesan Linguine

Bringing this dish to life is easier than you think. Just follow these simple steps for a meal that tastes like it came from a five-star restaurant.

Start by cooking the linguine in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining—this will help create the perfect sauce consistency later.

While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a mix of olive oil and butter, letting the butter melt completely. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a little Italian seasoning, then sear them in the hot pan. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and fully cooked through. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

In the same skillet, add a bit more butter and toss in the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant, then pour in the lemon juice and zest, scraping up any flavorful bits from the pan.

Lower the heat and add the drained linguine to the skillet, tossing it in the lemon-garlic butter sauce. Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and gradually add a splash of the reserved pasta water, stirring until the cheese melts and forms a silky coating on the pasta.

Finally, slice the rested chicken breasts and arrange them over the linguine. Garnish with chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan before serving.

From start to finish, this dish comes together in about 30 minutes—making it an easy yet impressive dinner option.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), you can easily store and reheat them for another delicious meal.

For refrigeration, place leftovers in an airtight container and store them for up to 3 days. Keep the pasta and chicken separate if possible to prevent the pasta from becoming overly soft.

For freezing, while the chicken freezes well for up to 2 months, the linguine may lose its creamy texture when thawed. If you do freeze the pasta, store it with a bit of extra butter to help refresh the sauce when reheating.

To reheat, warm the chicken and pasta separately in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Microwave reheating works too, but stir frequently to maintain creaminess.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this dish is how easily you can switch it up to match your preferences or dietary needs.

Want to make it low-carb? Swap the linguine for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a lighter take on the dish.

Prefer a richer flavor? Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for extra juiciness and a deeper, more indulgent taste.

For a vegetarian twist, replace the chicken with mushrooms or shrimp. Sautéed mushrooms add a meaty texture, while shrimp brings a delightful seafood element that pairs beautifully with the lemon and garlic.

Looking for extra greens? Stir in baby spinach or steamed asparagus just before serving to add a pop of color and extra nutrients.

Craving a little heat? Sprinkle in red pepper flakes while cooking the garlic for a subtle kick that enhances the flavors beautifully.

No matter how you customize it, this Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Linguine is a dish that’s guaranteed to impress. So go ahead—experiment, make it your own, and most importantly, enjoy every bite!

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