Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Linguine

 

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Linguine: A Weeknight Dinner That Tastes Like Fine Dining

Some dinners strike the perfect balance between comfort and sophistication — easy enough for a busy weeknight, yet indulgent enough to feel like a restaurant-quality meal. Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Linguine is exactly that kind of dish.

With juicy, golden-seared chicken bathed in a lemony garlic butter sauce, paired with rich, creamy linguine laced with parmesan cheese, every bite is a celebration of flavor. It’s bright, bold, and satisfyingly creamy — a dish that feels fancy but comes together with simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.

---

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• 🍋 Fresh & flavorful – The lemon and garlic bring brightness and depth.

• 🍝 Creamy without being heavy – Thanks to a silky parmesan sauce that coats every strand of pasta.

• 🐔 Protein-packed and satisfying – Tender chicken breast or thighs make this a complete meal.

• ⏱️ 30-minute recipe – Fast enough for a weeknight, fancy enough for guests.

This is the kind of meal that makes you feel like you’ve gone out to dinner… without ever leaving your kitchen.

---

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Linguine Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (or 4 thighs)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 3–4 cloves garlic, minced

• Juice of 1 lemon

• Zest of 1 lemon

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

For the Creamy Parmesan Linguine:

• 8 oz linguine (or pasta of choice)

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup heavy cream

• ¾ cup grated parmesan cheese

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Reserved pasta water (as needed for thinning the sauce)

---

Instructions:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook linguine until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

1. Slice chicken breasts in half horizontally to create thin cutlets (or use whole thighs). Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.

2. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken on both sides (about 4–5 minutes per side) until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

3. Lower heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the pan and sauté until fragrant (30 seconds). Stir in lemon juice and zest, scraping up browned bits. Return chicken to skillet, spoon sauce over the top, and keep warm.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Parmesan Linguine

1. In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.

2. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add parmesan cheese and whisk until melted and smooth.

3. Add cooked linguine to the sauce, tossing to coat. If needed, use reserved pasta water to thin the sauce to your liking. Season with salt and pepper.

---

To Serve:

• Plate the creamy linguine and top with the lemon garlic butter chicken.

• Drizzle extra pan sauce over the top.

• Garnish with fresh parsley, lemon slices, or extra parmesan cheese.

---

Recipe Tips & Variations

• Use chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful cut of meat.

• Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to the pasta for extra color and texture.

• Go lighter by using half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or serve with zucchini noodles.

• Make it spicy with a pinch of red pepper flakes in the garlic butter sauce.

---

Perfect For:

• Elegant weeknight dinners

• Date night at home

• Family meals with a gourmet twist

• Dinner parties (double the recipe — it’s always a hit!)

---

Final Thoughts

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Linguine is proof that a luxurious, restaurant-worthy dinner doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s full of rich flavor, creamy textures, and bright citrus notes that make every forkful irresistible.

So the next time you want to impress — whether it’s your family or just yourself — make this recipe. It’s comfort food with a touch of elegance, and it might just become your new go-to dinner masterpiece.