Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Linguine is the ultimate comfort food with a zesty twist! Tender, flavorful chicken pieces meet a creamy, garlicky pasta that’s rich with Parmesan and just the right amount of tang from fresh lemon juice. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, this dish is guaranteed to become a family favorite!

Why You’ll Love Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Linguine

Imagine twirling silky strands of linguine coated in a luxurious Parmesan sauce while savoring tender, golden chicken infused with lemon and garlic. Sounds dreamy, right? Here’s why this recipe will win you over:

Bursting with Flavor: The fresh lemon zest and juice bring brightness to the dish, while the garlic butter adds a rich depth.
Creamy and Comforting: The Parmesan cream sauce is indulgent without being heavy.
Simple to Make: With easy-to-follow steps, this recipe is beginner-friendly yet impressive enough for entertaining.
Customizable: Add vegetables, swap proteins, or spice it up—this dish is endlessly adaptable.

Ingredients For Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Linguine Recipe

For the Chicken:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
3 tbsp butter, divided
3 cloves garlic, minced
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Linguine and Sauce:

8 oz linguine
2 tbsp butter
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Necessary Tools

Large pot (for pasta)
Large skillet or sauté pan
Mixing bowl
Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
Tongs (for tossing the pasta)

How To Make Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken

1. Cook the Linguine

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Cook the linguine according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining. Set aside the cooked pasta.

2. Season and Cook the Chicken

In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces with lemon zest, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.

Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once melted, add the seasoned chicken pieces. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

3. Prepare the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

Using the same skillet, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Stir in the fresh lemon juice, letting it simmer for a minute as the flavors meld. The sauce will slightly thicken at this point, creating a zesty garlic butter base.

4. Make the Parmesan Sauce

Next, pour the heavy cream into the skillet and sprinkle in the garlic powder. Stir until combined and let the mixture simmer gently for 3-4 minutes.

Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese melts and creates a smooth, creamy sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.

5. Combine the Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce

Add the cooked linguine to the skillet with the Parmesan sauce. Toss the pasta to ensure it’s evenly coated.

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix it with the pasta, letting the flavors come together.

6. Serve and Garnish

Serve the pasta immediately on plates or in bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor. For an extra indulgence, sprinkle more Parmesan cheese on top.

Tips for Perfect Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Linguine

Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Cook just until the pieces are no longer pink to keep them tender and juicy.
Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds vibrant flavor that bottled juice can’t replicate.
Save That Pasta Water: The starchy water is perfect for thinning out the sauce without compromising the flavor.
Grate Your Parmesan: Pre-grated Parmesan often lacks the creaminess that freshly grated cheese adds.

Possible Additions and Substitutions

Vegetables: Toss in some spinach, broccoli, or cherry tomatoes for extra nutrition and color.
Proteins: Swap the chicken for shrimp or keep it vegetarian by using mushrooms or tofu.
Spice: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Pasta: Substitute the linguine with fettuccine, spaghetti, or even a gluten-free option.

What to Serve with This Dish

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Linguine pairs beautifully with a crisp side salad (think Caesar or arugula with lemon vinaigrette). Garlic bread or a warm baguette makes an excellent side to soak up any extra sauce! A glass of chilled white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, completes the meal.

Storage Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce’s creamy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Any long pasta like spaghetti or fettuccine works well. Short pasta like penne or rigatoni can also be used if that’s what you have on hand.

Can I make this ahead of time?
You can cook the chicken and prepare the sauce ahead of time. However, it’s best to combine everything just before serving to maintain the sauce’s creamy consistency.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and double-check that your Parmesan and seasonings are gluten-free.

Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Recipe

This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Linguine hits all the right notes—comforting, flavorful, and simple to make. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy enough for weeknights and special enough for guests.

Looking for more recipes like this? Try my One-Pan Chicken with Garlic Butter Noodles, Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs, or the irresistibly creamy Crack Chicken Recipe for more mouthwatering ideas!

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below, and don’t forget to pin it on Pinterest. Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me—I can’t wait to see your creations!

Nutritional Information (Approx. Per Serving):

Calories: 520
Protein: 32g
Fat: 25g
Carbohydrates: 42g