Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Linguine

A Luxurious, Restaurant-Quality Dinner You Can Make at Home

If you’re looking for a meal that feels elegant yet comforting, Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Linguine is the perfect choice. This dish brings together tender, golden-seared chicken infused with bright lemon and rich garlic butter, paired with silky linguine coated in a creamy Parmesan sauce. The balance of flavors is what makes it truly special — the freshness of lemon cuts through the richness of butter and cream, creating a dish that is indulgent without being overwhelming.

Whether you’re preparing dinner for your family, hosting friends, or planning a cozy date night at home, this recipe delivers impressive results with straightforward steps. It tastes like something you would order at a fine Italian restaurant, yet it’s surprisingly simple to prepare in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

For the Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon paprika
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth
Juice of 1 large lemon
1 teaspoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

For the Creamy Parmesan Linguine:

12 ounces linguine pasta
2 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for gentle heat)
¼ cup reserved pasta water

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Skill Level: Moderate

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Begin by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a better sear. If the chicken breasts are thick, gently pound them to an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking.

Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, and paprika. The paprika adds subtle warmth and enhances the golden color when seared.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan.

Cook for about 5–6 minutes per side, or until the chicken develops a golden crust and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Keep the flavorful browned bits in the pan — they will enrich the sauce.

Step 3: Create the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

Lower the heat to medium. Add the butter to the same skillet and allow it to melt.

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.

Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan — this process adds incredible depth of flavor.

Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 5–7 minutes until slightly reduced. Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Let everything simmer together for another 5 minutes so the chicken absorbs the bright, buttery flavor.

Sprinkle with fresh parsley before removing from heat.

Step 4: Cook the Linguine

While the chicken simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine according to package directions until al dente.

Before draining, reserve ¼ cup of pasta water. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 5: Prepare the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

In a separate large skillet or saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until aromatic.

Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until melted and smooth.

Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.

If the sauce becomes too thick, add a small amount of the reserved pasta water. This helps create a smooth, silky texture that clings perfectly to the pasta.

Step 6: Combine the Pasta and Sauce

Add the drained linguine to the creamy Parmesan sauce. Toss gently until every strand is coated in the rich, cheesy sauce.

Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 7: Assemble and Serve

To serve, plate a generous portion of creamy Parmesan linguine. Place a lemon garlic butter chicken breast on top.

Spoon extra lemon butter sauce from the skillet over the chicken and pasta. Garnish with additional parsley and freshly grated Parmesan for an elegant finishing touch.

Serve immediately while warm.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs beautifully with:

Garlic bread
Roasted asparagus or broccoli
A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette
Steamed green beans
A glass of chilled white wine

Tips for the Best Results

Use freshly grated Parmesan instead of pre-shredded cheese for smoother melting.
Do not overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
Adjust the lemon juice to your taste preference — more for brightness, less for subtle flavor.
For extra richness, stir a splash of cream into the lemon butter sauce.
If you prefer a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of broth or cream to revive the sauce.
Freezing is not recommended, as cream-based sauces may separate when thawed.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect balance of creamy and fresh flavors
Elegant yet easy to prepare
Ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions
Rich, comforting, and satisfying
Customizable to your taste

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Linguine is a dish that combines bold garlic flavor, bright citrus notes, buttery richness, and creamy pasta into one unforgettable meal. It’s comforting, impressive, and guaranteed to become a favorite at your table.