Description

This Creamy Parmesan Linguine with Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken is a rich and flavorful dish with perfectly cooked chicken breasts, a silky cream sauce, and zesty lemon and garlic. It’s a simple yet elegant meal that’s perfect for weeknights or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Zest of 1 lemon

For the Linguine:

8 oz linguine pasta
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1️⃣ Cook the Linguine:

Cook the linguine pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water for the sauce.

2️⃣ Cook the Chicken:

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried oregano.
Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest.

3️⃣ Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce:

In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
Stir in the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest, scraping up any flavorful bits left from cooking the chicken.

4️⃣ Toss the Linguine:

Add the cooked linguine to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Toss to coat the pasta in the sauce. If needed, add some of the reserved pasta water to help the sauce coat the noodles.

5️⃣ Finish the Sauce:

Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and heavy cream. Mix well until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

6️⃣ Slice the Chicken:

Slice the cooked chicken breasts into thin strips or pieces.

7️⃣ Serve:

Arrange the sliced chicken on top of the creamy linguine.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.

8️⃣ Enjoy:

Serve immediately, and enjoy the creamy, tangy, and flavorful combination of linguine and lemon garlic butter chicken!

Notes

Chicken Variations: If you prefer, you can use chicken thighs for a juicier option. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure they are cooked through.
Linguine Substitution: If you don’t have linguine, you can substitute with spaghetti, fettuccine, or any other pasta you prefer.
Creaminess Adjustments: For a richer sauce, increase the heavy cream slightly or add a bit more Parmesan cheese.
Add-Ins: Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and texture.
Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the chicken and pasta separately in advance, and then just assemble the dish when you’re ready to eat.

Prep Time: 10 min
Cook Time: 25 min