🍋🧄 Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Linguine
🕒 Prep Time: 20 minutes
🔥 Cook Time: 30 minutes
🍽️ Serves: 4
🧾 Ingredients
🐔 For the Chicken:
-
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
-
Salt & pepper, to taste
-
1 tsp paprika
-
1/2 tsp garlic powder
-
2 tbsp olive oil
-
2 tbsp butter
-
4 cloves garlic, minced
-
Juice of 1 lemon
-
1/4 cup chicken broth (or dry white wine)
-
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
-
Optional: lemon zest or lemon slices for serving
🍝 For the Creamy Parmesan Linguine:
-
12 oz linguine
-
2 tbsp butter
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
-
3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
-
Salt & black pepper, to taste
-
Optional: pinch of nutmeg or red pepper flakes
🔥 Instructions
1. Cook the Linguine
-
Boil linguine in salted water according to package directions until al dente.
-
Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
2. Sear the Chicken
-
Pat chicken dry. Season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
-
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high.
-
Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and keep warm.
3. Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
-
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium.
-
Add butter and garlic; sauté for 1 minute.
-
Stir in lemon juice and chicken broth. Simmer 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.
-
Return chicken to pan, spoon sauce over, and cook 2 more minutes. Add lemon slices if using.
4. Make the Parmesan Cream Sauce
-
In a saucepan, melt butter. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
-
Stir in cream and bring to a low simmer.
-
Add Parmesan cheese; whisk until melted and smooth.
-
Season with salt, pepper, and optional nutmeg or chili flakes.
-
Add cooked linguine and toss. Add reserved pasta water if needed to loosen.
🍽️ To Serve:
-
Plate creamy linguine.
-
Top with lemon garlic butter chicken.
-
Spoon extra pan sauce over the top.
-
Garnish with parsley, lemon zest, or more Parmesan.
📝 Tips & Variations:
-
Add greens: Stir in spinach or peas to the pasta for color and nutrients.
-
Want it extra indulgent? Add a splash of white wine to the cream sauce.
-
Low-carb option: Serve chicken over zucchini noodles or cauliflower mash instead of pasta.
Would you like this turned into a one-skillet recipe, or need a wine pairing suggestion to go with it?