Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Linguine
Creamy. Zesty. Irresistibly comforting. This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Linguine delivers on all fronts. Perfectly seared chicken meets a velvety, lemon-kissed Parmesan sauce, all tangled in silky strands of pasta. It’s a one-pan masterpiece that feels gourmet — yet comes together in just 30 minutes.
Whether you’re looking to impress dinner guests or just treating yourself midweek, this pasta dish brings both brightness and indulgence to the table.
🍋🧄🧈 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Bright, fresh lemon flavor balanced by rich Parmesan
✅ Quick and easy — ready in about half an hour
✅ Comfort food with a light, zesty twist
✅ Perfect for busy weeknights or romantic dinners
🛒 Ingredients
For the Chicken:
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for extra depth)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
For the Pasta:
12 oz linguine (or fettuccine)
2 tablespoons salt (for pasta water)
2 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Zest of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons lemon juice
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (for a kick)
Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish
🔪 Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 2 tablespoons of salt and cook linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Sear the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Season sliced chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Add to the pan and sear for 4–6 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
3. Make the Creamy Lemon Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter, then add minced garlic. Sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in the cream and stir well. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to slightly thicken. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Whisk until smooth. If sauce is too thick, stir in a bit of reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
4. Toss Pasta & Finish
Add the drained linguine and cooked chicken back into the skillet. Toss until evenly coated in the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
Let everything simmer together for 1–2 minutes so the flavors meld.
5. Serve
Plate the pasta and top with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of chopped parsley or basil. Serve with garlic bread and a simple green salad for a complete meal.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Garlic bread or focaccia
Light arugula or Caesar salad
A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio
👩🍳 Tips for Success
Fresh lemon juice is key — bottled just won’t have the same brightness.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for best texture and meltability.
Reserve pasta water to help emulsify and loosen the sauce as needed.
Don’t overcook the chicken — thin strips sear fast and stay juicy.
🔄 Variations & Add-Ons
Add veggies like spinach, asparagus, or sun-dried tomatoes
Make it spicy with extra chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce
Swap proteins – shrimp or scallops work beautifully
Lighten it up by using half-and-half instead of heavy cream
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.
Avoid microwaving too long — it can make the sauce separate.
🍋 Final Thoughts
This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Linguine is the kind of dinner that feels indulgent without being heavy. It strikes a perfect balance between rich and refreshing, making it a standout option for weeknights, date nights, or dinner parties. Every bite is a little creamy, a little zesty, and absolutely delicious.
Would you like a dairy-free, gluten-free, or low-carb version of this recipe? Or a printable recipe card for easy kitchen use?