Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Served with Creamy Parmesan Linguine

I bring you succulent chicken breasts pan-seared in a zesty lemon garlic butter sauce, served atop a bed of silky, creamy Parmesan linguine. It’s an elegant yet comforting dish that combines bright citrus, rich cream, and tender chicken—perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how the tangy lemon and fragrant garlic balance the buttery richness of the sauce, while the creamy linguine ties everything together. It’s delectable, restaurant-quality comfort food that feels indulgent but comes together in about 30 minutes. Cooking the sauce right in the pan keeps things simple and flavorful.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

• Olive oil or butter (for searing)

• Garlic cloves, minced

• Fresh lemon juice and zest

• Unsalted butter

• Chicken broth or stock

• Heavy cream or half‑and‑half

• Grated Parmesan cheese

• Linguine pasta

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

directions

1. I season the chicken with salt and pepper.

2. I heat a skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil or butter, then cook the chicken until golden and cooked through—about 5–6 minutes per side. I transfer the chicken to a plate and tent with foil.

3. In the same pan, I add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until aromatic.

4. I pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits for flavor.

5. I stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and a generous knob of butter, whisking until melted.

6. I pour in the cream and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer until it starts to thicken—about 2–3 minutes.

7. I stir in grated Parmesan until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

8. I return the chicken to the pan, spooning the sauce over each piece and simmer for another minute to reheat the chicken and meld flavors.

9. Meanwhile, I cook linguine in salted boiling water until al dente, drain, and reserve a bit of pasta water.

10. I toss the hot linguine into the sauce, adding a splash of pasta water if needed to achieve a silky coating, then rinse the pan and plate with chicken served over the creamy linguine.

Servings and timing

• Servings: Serves 4

• Timing:

  • Prep: 10 minutes

  • Cook: 20 minutes

  • Total: about 30 minutes

Variations

• I add a handful of spinach or cherry tomatoes toward the end for color and freshness.

• I swap lemon zest for lime zest or add red pepper flakes for a zesty twist.

• I use half Parmesan and half Asiago or Pecorino Romano for a sharper, nuttier flavor.

• For a lighter option, I use half‑and‑half instead of heavy cream and reduce the butter slightly.

storage/reheating

• I store leftover chicken and pasta together in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• To reheat, I gently warm the dish in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to revive the sauce.

• If the sauce thickened too much after storing, I loosen it with a little pasta water or milk when reheating.

FAQs

What cut of chicken works best for this dish?

I prefer boneless, skinless breasts for easy slicing, but thighs also work well—I just cook them a few minutes longer.

Can I use grilled chicken instead?

Yes—I cook the sauce in the same pan and then slice and plate grilled chicken on top of the linguine for a smoky finish.

What pasta shape works best?

Linguine is ideal, but fettuccine, penne, or tagliatelle work beautifully too—they all hold the creamy sauce nicely.

Is this meal freezer-friendly?

I don’t recommend freezing because the creamy sauce may separate when thawed, but it keeps well in the fridge for several days.

How can I make the sauce less rich?

I use half‑and‑half instead of cream and reduce the butter by half—it’s still flavorful but lighter.

Conclusion

I find this Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Linguine to be the perfect blend of bright flavors and comforting creaminess. It’s quick, impressive, and perfect for any evening when I want an elevated meal without spending hours in the kitchen.