Kitchen Must-Haves to Nail This Recipe ππ§π§
Want to make your Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken turn out just like restaurant quality? These handy picks make prep smoother and flavor unbeatable β and you can shop them now while deals last:
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Heavy-Duty Skillet (Cast Iron or Stainless) β for golden, juicy chicken every time β Shop now
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Microplane Zester β get that perfect lemon zest in seconds β Get deal
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Garlic Press β no more sticky fingers, just fresh minced garlic fast β Buy here
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Freshly Grated Parmesan β the secret to creamy, silky sauce β See price
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High-Quality Olive Oil β enhances searing and boosts flavor β Stock up
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Linguine Pasta β the ideal base for soaking up rich, garlicky sauce β Grab it here
β¨ With just these essentials, youβll be ready to cook like a pro β and serve a dish that tastes straight out of a bistro kitchen.
What Makes This Dish Irresistible?
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Imagine slicing into a tender chicken breast infused with lemon and garlic butter, the golden crust giving way to juicy, seasoned meat. Now pair that with a velvety bed of linguine coated in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce. Hungry yet? You should be.
This isnβt just another chicken and pasta dishβitβs a flavor-packed, restaurant-worthy meal that anyone can make at home. Whether you’re hosting friends or treating yourself on a Tuesday night, this oneβs got your name all over it.
Why Youβll Love This Recipe
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A One-Pan Wonder
You wonβt be buried in dishes. A single skillet for the chicken and sauce, one pot for the pastaβeasy cleanup, big reward.
Family-Friendly and Fancy Enough for Guests
Kids devour it. Adults rave about it. And it looks just as impressive as it tastes.
Quick and Easy for Weeknights
From prep to plate in under 45 minutes? Yes, please.

Ingredients Breakdown
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For the Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken:
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4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1 teaspoon paprika
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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3 tablespoons olive oil
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4 tablespoons unsalted butter
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6 cloves garlic, minced
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Juice and zest of 1 lemon
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1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Creamy Parmesan Linguine:
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12 oz linguine pasta
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2 tablespoons butter
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 Β½ cups heavy cream
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1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1 teaspoon lemon zest
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1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
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Prepping the Chicken
Start by patting the chicken breasts dry. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. The key? Massage those seasonings in like you’re giving the chicken a spa day.
Searing to Perfection
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place chicken in the skillet and sear for 5β6 minutes on each side. Look for that golden-brown crustβit locks in flavor and juices. Once cooked through, remove and let rest.
Making the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, drop in the butter and let it melt. Toss in the minced garlic and sautΓ© for 1β2 minutes until the kitchen smells heavenly. Add lemon juice and zest. Stir it up and return the chicken to the skillet. Spoon that citrusy, buttery sauce over the top and let it all simmer together for 2β3 minutes.
Cooking the Pasta
Boil the linguine in salted water according to package instructions. Al dente is the way to go. Drain and set aside.
Crafting the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
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In a separate saucepan, melt the butter. Add garlic and cook for just 1 minuteβdonβt let it brown. Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Slowly whisk in Parmesan cheese until itβs smooth and dreamy. Add salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Toss in the cooked linguine and mix until evenly coated.
Bringing It All Together
Twirl that creamy linguine onto plates. Top with a golden chicken breast. Spoon extra sauce over the top and sprinkle with fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness.
Tips and Tricks for Best Results
Donβt Overcook the Chicken
Use a meat thermometer if needed. Aim for 165Β°F at the thickest point.
Fresh vs. Pre-Grated Parmesan
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Always use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melt and taste. Pre-shredded cheese just doesnβt cut it.
Balancing the Lemon Flavor
Too tart? Add a pinch of sugar to mellow it out. Not zingy enough? A splash more lemon juice will do.

Substitutions and Variations
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Protein Swaps: Try shrimp, salmon, or even tofu for a twist.
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Make It Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
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Add a Kick of Spice: Red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne bring heat to balance the cream.
Wine and Drink Pairings
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This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay. Non-drinkers? A lemon-infused sparkling water adds a refreshing fizz.
Storing and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauceβs texture.
Nutrition Information
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Calories per serving: ~690
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Protein: High
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Carbs: Moderate
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Fat: Rich, mostly from healthy sources
This dish is indulgent, but well worth it.
Serving Suggestions
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Side Salad: A crisp Caesar or mixed greens with vinaigrette
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Veggies: Roasted asparagus or green beans
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Bread: Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls to soak up the sauce

Final Thoughts
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Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Linguine is one of those dishes that makes you feel like a five-star chef in your own kitchen. Itβs bold, rich, zesty, and soul-satisfying. The best part? Itβs incredibly simple to pull off. From the first sizzle in the pan to the last creamy bite, this is comfort food elevated.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Thighs are juicier and more forgiving. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
2. What can I substitute for heavy cream?
Half-and-half or a mix of milk and cream cheese can work in a pinch.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, but itβs best enjoyed fresh. Reheat with a splash of cream to restore the texture.
4. Is this dish freezer-friendly?
The chicken freezes well, but the cream sauce may separate. Store the pasta and sauce separately if freezing.
5. How do I prevent the Parmesan from clumping?
Add it slowly and whisk continuously while the cream is hot, but not boiling.
Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Linguine
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Zesty lemon garlic butter chicken paired with rich, creamy Parmesan linguine for a delicious, restaurant-style dinner at home.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, salt and pepper to taste, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, 3 tbsp olive oil, 4 tbsp unsalted butter, 6 cloves garlic (minced), juice and zest of 1 lemon, 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
For the Pasta:
12 oz linguine, 2 tbsp butter, 4 cloves garlic (minced), 1Β½ cups heavy cream, 1 cup Parmesan (freshly grated), salt and pepper to taste, 1 tsp lemon zest, 1 tbsp parsley (chopped)
Instructions
Season and sear the chicken in olive oil until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
In the same skillet, melt butter, sautΓ© garlic, then add lemon juice/zest. Return chicken to skillet and simmer.
Cook linguine according to package instructions.
In a separate saucepan, melt butter, sautΓ© garlic, stir in cream, and melt in Parmesan.
Season sauce, add pasta, toss to coat.
Plate pasta, top with chicken and garnish with parsley.
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor. Adjust lemon to taste. Substitute linguine with fettuccine if desired. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Skillet, Boiling
- Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 690 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 165mg
Keywords: lemon garlic butter chicken, creamy linguine, parmesan chicken pasta, weeknight dinner, chicken pasta recipe