If you’re searching for a dish that combines elegance and ease, this Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Linguine is your answer. It’s a recipe that seamlessly blends simple ingredients into a meal bursting with flavor. Tender, golden-seared chicken is coated in a luscious, garlicky butter sauce infused with the bright zest of lemon. Pair that with silky linguine tossed in a creamy Parmesan sauce, and you’ve got a dish that feels like it belongs in a five-star restaurant, yet it’s simple enough to whip up in under 40 minutes.
What makes this recipe so special is its versatility and crowd-pleasing nature. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, treating your family to a special meal, or just craving some comfort food, this dish fits the bill. It’s elegant enough to impress guests but straightforward enough to become a weeknight favorite. Plus, the recipe allows for customization—swap the chicken for shrimp, toss in some veggies, or adjust the level of creaminess to your liking.
You’ll also love how approachable the ingredients are. No hard-to-find items or overly complicated techniques—just classic pantry staples that come together effortlessly. Perfectly balanced between richness and zest, this recipe delivers a symphony of flavors in every bite. Prepare to wow your taste buds and make this dish a go-to in your recipe repertoire!
Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
For the linguine:
- 12 oz linguine pasta
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Prepare the chicken:
- Make the sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the lemon juice, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Simmer for 3–4 minutes, letting the sauce thicken slightly. Return the chicken to the skillet and coat it with the sauce.
- Cook the linguine:
- While the chicken cooks, boil the linguine according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Toss the cooked pasta with butter, Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, lemon zest, and the reserved pasta water. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine and serve:
- Plate the linguine, top with the chicken, and drizzle the sauce over the dish. Garnish with additional Parmesan or parsley if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Protein swaps: Substitute chicken with shrimp, salmon, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Pasta choices: Use fettuccine, spaghetti, or zucchini noodles for a lower-carb alternative.
- Additional flavors: Add capers, spinach, or cherry tomatoes to the sauce for extra texture and freshness.
Storage and Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to maintain the sauce’s creamy texture.
FAQs
- Can I use other types of pasta? Yes, fettuccine, spaghetti, or even gluten-free pasta work well in this recipe.
- How do I prevent the chicken from drying out? Be sure not to overcook the chicken; use a thermometer to check for 165°F internal temperature.
- Can I make it gluten-free? Substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour and use gluten-free pasta.
- What can I use instead of heavy cream? Half-and-half or coconut cream can be used as substitutes.
- Can I freeze this dish? It’s best to freeze the chicken and sauce separately from the pasta for better texture when reheated.
- Can I add vegetables? Yes, sautéed spinach, broccoli, or asparagus pair wonderfully with this dish.
- What wine pairs well with this meal? A crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, complements the flavors beautifully.
Conclusion
This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Linguine is the ultimate comfort food that balances creamy, zesty, and savory flavors in every bite. Perfectly seared chicken, coated in a rich lemon garlic butter sauce, pairs beautifully with the cheesy linguine for a restaurant-quality dish you can easily make at home. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or a meal to impress your guests, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite…
With its customizable options, such as adding vegetables or swapping the chicken for shrimp, this dish offers endless versatility. Plus, it reheats well, making it just as delicious the next day. Serve it up with a fresh side salad or garlic bread for a complete, satisfying meal. Easy to prepare, yet packed with flavor, this recipe will undoubtedly delight everyone at the table!
Explore More Delicious Recipes You’ll Love
- Try a One-Pan Chicken with Creamy Buttered Noodles for another quick and satisfying dinner idea.
- Explore the zesty flavors of Fiery Chicken Ramen with Creamy Garlic Sauce, a comforting bowl with a kick.
- For seafood lovers, Zesty Lemon Butter Fish Fillet offers a light and flavorful alternative.
- Satisfy your pasta cravings with Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine Pasta with Savory Ground Beef, a hearty and cheesy dish.
- Indulge in the creamy goodness of Garlic Butter Beef Pasta with a Cheesy Finish for a comforting family meal.
- Discover another crowd-pleaser, Garlic Parmesan Creamy Mushroom Rice Soup, perfect for chilly days.
- If you’re a fan of indulgent pasta dishes, you might enjoy Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo for its rich, creamy flavors.

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Linguine
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
For the Linguine:
- 12 oz linguine pasta
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare the chicken:
- Mix the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish. Coat the chicken evenly.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for 4–5 minutes on each side until golden and fully cooked. Set aside.
Make the sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute.
- Stir in the lemon juice, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened. Return chicken to coat in the sauce.
Cook the linguine:
- Boil the linguine according to the package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Toss the cooked pasta with butter, Parmesan, heavy cream, lemon zest, and reserved pasta water. Season with salt and pepper.
Serve:
- Plate the linguine, top with the chicken, and drizzle the sauce. Garnish with additional Parmesan or parsley if desired.