Looking for a restaurant-quality meal that’s easy to prepare at home? This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Linguine is the perfect choice. Juicy, golden-brown chicken is smothered in a rich, garlicky butter sauce and served over creamy, cheesy linguine, creating the ultimate comfort food experience.

This dish offers the perfect balance of flavors—zesty lemon, savory garlic, and buttery richness all come together for an unforgettable taste. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring just a handful of pantry staples. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this meal is sure to impress.

When making this recipe, it’s essential to use high-quality ingredients for the best results. For instance, using freshly grated Parmesan instead of pre-packaged versions ensures a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture in the sauce. Additionally, selecting the right type of olive oil enhances the depth of flavor—learn more about the health benefits of olive oil here.

One of the standout techniques in this dish is the use of reserved pasta water. Many chefs swear by this trick, as it helps create a silky, well-emulsified sauce that clings to the pasta perfectly. If you’re curious about why this technique works so well, check out this Pinterest guide on the pasta water trick.

This recipe is beginner-friendly but tastes like something you’d order at a fine Italian restaurant. Ready to dive into this delicious dish? Let’s get started!

Ingredients Breakdown

For the Chicken

The star of this dish is the lemon garlic butter chicken, which is incredibly juicy and flavorful. Here’s why each ingredient plays a crucial role:

Chicken Breasts – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a lean, protein-packed choice. If you prefer a richer taste, chicken thighs can be substituted. Learn more about the best ways to cook chicken for optimal juiciness.
Salt & Black Pepper – These fundamental seasonings enhance the chicken’s natural flavor.
Garlic Powder & Paprika – Garlic powder adds depth, while paprika gives the chicken a subtle smoky flavor and a beautiful golden hue.
Olive Oil & Butter – A combination of olive oil and butter ensures a perfect sear while adding richness to the dish.
Garlic – Freshly minced garlic is essential for the sauce, providing a bold and aromatic punch. Curious about how garlic enhances flavor? Check out this informative guide.
Lemon Juice – Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens up the sauce, cutting through the richness of the butter. Find out more about why lemon juice is a staple in cooking.
Fresh Parsley – A handful of chopped parsley adds a fresh, herbaceous contrast to the dish.

For the Parmesan Linguine

This creamy Parmesan linguine is the perfect complement to the chicken. Here’s why each ingredient is important:

Linguine – A long, flat pasta that holds onto creamy sauces beautifully. For those avoiding gluten, you can swap it with a gluten-free pasta variety.
Butter – Helps create the rich, creamy base of the sauce. If you want to master different butter sauce techniques, check out this resource.
Garlic – Just like in the chicken, garlic is key to adding robust flavor.
Heavy Cream – Provides the velvety, indulgent texture of the sauce. If you want a lighter version, half-and-half can be used.
Parmesan Cheese – The Parmesan not only adds umami depth but also helps thicken the sauce. Freshly grated cheese is always recommended over pre-packaged options. Read about the benefits of using authentic Parmesan cheese.
Salt & Black Pepper – Essential for balancing the flavors in the sauce.
Red Pepper Flakes (Optional) – If you like a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes will elevate the dish.
Reserved Pasta Water – A secret ingredient that helps emulsify the sauce, making it extra creamy. Discover why chefs swear by this pasta water trick.

Each of these ingredients plays a crucial role in bringing together the perfect balance of creamy, garlicky, and citrusy flavors. Now that we’ve covered the essentials, let’s move on to the cooking process!

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for the Chicken

A perfectly cooked lemon garlic butter chicken starts with proper preparation and technique. Follow these steps to achieve a golden-brown, juicy result every time.

1. Prepping the Chicken

Before cooking, it’s essential to prepare the chicken breasts correctly:

Trim and pat dry – Remove any excess fat and moisture. A dry surface ensures better browning.
Even thickness matters – Pound the chicken to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
Season generously – Coat the chicken evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika to enhance the flavor.

2. Cooking the Chicken

Now, it’s time to sear the chicken breasts to golden perfection:

Heat the pan – Place a large skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
Sear the chicken – Cook for 5-6 minutes per side without moving it too soon. This creates a deep golden-brown crust.
Check for doneness – The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). If unsure, use a meat thermometer.
Rest the chicken – Remove from the skillet and set aside to keep it juicy.

3. Making the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, you’ll create a rich, buttery sauce infused with garlic and lemon:

Melt 3 tablespoons of butter over low heat to prevent burning.
Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant—do not overcook!
Add fresh lemon juice to deglaze the pan, lifting up all those flavorful browned bits.
Sprinkle in parsley for a fresh, herbal finish.

Once the sauce is ready, return the chicken breasts to the pan and coat them thoroughly. The butter sauce will seep into the meat, making every bite tender and flavorful.

At this point, your lemon garlic butter chicken is ready! Up next: crafting the perfect creamy Parmesan linguine to pair with it.

Making the Creamy Parmesan Linguine

A rich, velvety Parmesan linguine is the perfect complement to the flavorful lemon garlic butter chicken. This step-by-step guide ensures your pasta is perfectly cooked and coated in a luxurious sauce.

1. Cooking the Linguine

Before making the sauce, you need to cook the pasta properly:

Boil water in a large pot – Use at least 4 cups of water per 8 ounces of pasta. Add a generous amount of salt to enhance flavor.
Cook linguine until al dente – Follow package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes. The pasta should be tender yet firm.
Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water – This is key for achieving a smooth, well-emulsified sauce. Learn why the pasta water trick is essential for creamy sauces.
Drain and set aside – Do not rinse; the starch helps the sauce cling to the pasta.

2. Preparing the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Now, it’s time to make the luscious, garlicky Parmesan sauce:

Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a pan over medium heat.
Sauté 3 cloves of minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in ½ cup of heavy cream and stir continuously to create a smooth base.
Add ½ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until fully melted. Fresh cheese melts better than pre-packaged varieties—find out why here.
Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes for added depth and heat.

3. Combining the Pasta and Sauce

Once the sauce is ready:

Add the cooked linguine to the pan, tossing well to coat every strand.
Adjust consistency – If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes to help the flavors meld together.

Your creamy Parmesan linguine is now ready! Up next: how to plate and serve this indulgent dish for maximum flavor.

Assembling and Serving

Now that both the lemon garlic butter chicken and creamy Parmesan linguine are ready, it’s time to bring everything together for a stunning, restaurant-quality presentation.

1. Plating the Dish

To ensure an elegant and appetizing presentation:

Start with the linguine – Place a generous portion of creamy Parmesan linguine on a plate, using tongs to twirl it into a neat mound.
Top with the chicken – Slice the lemon garlic butter chicken into thick strips and lay them over the pasta. For a more rustic feel, serve the chicken whole.
Drizzle extra sauce – Spoon the remaining lemon butter sauce from the pan over the chicken to enhance the flavor and moisture.

2. Garnishing for Extra Flavor

To elevate the dish:

Sprinkle extra Parmesan – A fresh grating of Parmesan cheese adds extra umami.
Add fresh parsley – A sprinkle of chopped parsley brightens the dish and adds a pop of color.
Squeeze fresh lemon juice – This enhances the tangy notes and balances the richness of the sauce.

3. Pairing Suggestions

For a complete meal, serve with:

A crisp green salad with balsamic vinaigrette for contrast.
Garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli for added nutrients.

With your dish plated beautifully and bursting with flavor, it’s time to dig in and enjoy this comforting yet elegant meal! Up next: tips, variations, and ways to customize this recipe.

Tips & Variations

One of the best things about this lemon garlic butter chicken with creamy Parmesan linguine is its versatility. Here are some ways to customize it to suit different dietary needs and flavor preferences.

1. Alternative Protein Options

If you’d like to switch up the protein, here are some great alternatives:

Chicken Thighs – For a richer, juicier option, use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. They retain moisture better and have more flavor. Learn more about different chicken cuts and their uses.
Shrimp – Swap out the chicken for shrimp to create a seafood version. Simply sauté the shrimp in butter and garlic for a few minutes until pink.
Salmon – A pan-seared or baked fillet of salmon pairs beautifully with the creamy pasta.
Tofu or Mushrooms (Vegetarian Option) – For a meat-free alternative, use pan-seared tofu or sautéed mushrooms to soak up the flavors.

2. Making It Lighter or Dairy-Free

If you want a healthier or dairy-free version of the dish, try these swaps:

Use Half-and-Half Instead of Heavy Cream – This reduces the fat content while still keeping the sauce creamy.
Substitute Butter with Olive Oil – While butter adds richness, you can use olive oil for a lighter option.
Try Nutritional Yeast Instead of Parmesan – For a dairy-free, cheesy flavor, use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.
Replace Heavy Cream with Coconut Milk – For a non-dairy option, use full-fat coconut milk to maintain creaminess without the dairy.

3. Gluten-Free Option

To make this dish gluten-free, simply swap out the linguine for a gluten-free pasta alternative like chickpea or rice noodles. Make sure to check for gluten-free seasonings and Parmesan cheese as well.

4. Extra Flavor Enhancements

Want to take this dish to the next level? Try these flavorful additions:

Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes – A few chopped sun-dried tomatoes add a sweet, tangy depth to the sauce.
Incorporate Spinach or Kale – Stir in fresh spinach or kale at the end for added greens and nutrients.
Use a Splash of White Wine – Deglaze the pan with white wine before adding the lemon juice for an extra layer of depth. This is a common technique in creamy pasta sauces—check out more about cream-based pasta sauces.
Top with Crushed Walnuts or Pine Nuts – For a bit of crunch, sprinkle some crushed nuts over the pasta before serving.

By using these variations, you can make this dish your own while still enjoying the rich, comforting flavors of the original recipe. Up next: frequently asked questions about this dish!

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Linguine