There’s something truly magical about the pairing of zesty lemon, rich garlic butter, and creamy Parmesan pasta. This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Linguine is the kind of meal that feels elegant enough for date night but is easy enough to make on a busy Tuesday. Tender, pan-seared chicken gets smothered in a silky lemon garlic butter sauce and served over a luscious bed of Parmesan cream-coated linguine—simple, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying.
Why I Love This Recipe
This dish combines two of my all-time favorites: savory garlic butter chicken and rich, cheesy pasta. The lemon brings brightness that balances out the richness of the cream and cheese, and it’s all made from everyday ingredients in under an hour.
If you’re a fan of pasta-based comfort food like Classic Spaghetti or looking for a chicken recipe with real flavor, this delivers. It’s just the kind of dinner that feels like a treat without requiring a ton of effort.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup chicken broth
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
For the Pasta:
- 1 pound linguine
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
To Finish:
- Chopped parsley, for garnish
Ingredient Notes & Swaps
- Chicken: Thin-sliced breasts or chicken thighs also work well.
- Lemon: Fresh lemon juice makes all the difference—don’t use bottled.
- Parmesan: Use fresh grated Parmesan (not pre-shredded) for the smoothest sauce.
- Linguine: Feel free to swap in fettuccine, spaghetti, or even penne.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Season & Sear the Chicken
Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken 6–7 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Set aside. - Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes. Deglaze with chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up browned bits. - Add Butter & Simmer
Stir in butter until melted and sauce is smooth. Return chicken to pan, spoon sauce over, and keep warm on low heat. - Cook the Pasta
Meanwhile, boil linguine in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside. - Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
In a separate saucepan, heat heavy cream over medium heat. When it begins to simmer, stir in Parmesan cheese until smooth and thickened. - Combine Pasta & Sauce
Toss the cooked linguine in the Parmesan sauce until evenly coated. - Plate & Serve
Serve chicken over a bed of creamy Parmesan linguine. Spoon extra lemon garlic sauce over top and garnish with chopped parsley.
Tips for Success
- Pound chicken to even thickness before cooking for consistent results.
- Don’t boil the cream sauce—just simmer gently to prevent curdling.
- Prep in stages: Cook pasta and make the sauce while the chicken rests for an efficient flow.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Pair this creamy, citrusy dish with:
- A crisp green salad or roasted asparagus
- A light beverage like Blueberry Lemonade
- Garlic bread or a crusty baguette
- A light chicken side like A Tangy Chicken Salad for next-day leftovers
Storage & Leftover Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat Gently: Warm pasta and chicken in a skillet with a splash of milk or cream.
- Not freezer-friendly: Cream sauces can separate when thawed, so enjoy it fresh!
More Recipes You’ll Love
Looking for more comforting chicken or pasta dinners? Try these:
- Classic Spaghetti – an all-time classic
- Chicken Enchiladas – saucy and cheesy
- Dorito Casserole – a flavor-packed favorite
- Tangy Chicken Salad – for a lighter follow-up meal
- Blueberry Lemonade – ideal for a zesty refresh
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Linguine is a show-stopper that doesn’t require any fancy techniques. It brings together the best of both worlds: buttery, golden chicken and rich, garlicky pasta. Whether you’re trying to impress or just craving something comforting and crave-worthy, this dish delivers.
Tried it? Drop a comment below and share your feedback! Tag @ChefManiac with your plate pics and follow along for more creamy pasta goodness and lemony twists on comfort food classics.
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