There's nothing quite like the bright, zesty flavor of lemon garlic butter chicken paired with creamy, cheesy parmesan linguine. This dish is a restaurant-quality meal that comes together in under 45 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights when you want something indulgent but easy.

I first made this recipe on a whim, inspired by my love for citrusy, buttery sauces. After just one bite, it became an instant household favorite. Now, it's my go-to dish when I need something that feels special without requiring hours in the kitchen.

Why You'll Love This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken With Parmesan Linguine

Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite dinner! This dish is the perfect balance of rich, creamy, and zesty flavors that will keep you coming back for more.

First, it's incredibly quick and easy to make. While the pasta cooks, you can prepare the chicken and sauce, so everything comes together in one seamless process.

The flavors are out of this world. The brightness of the lemon, the richness of the butter, and the savoriness of the parmesan create a sauce that's both luxurious and refreshing.

It's also budget-friendly. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can create a meal that feels gourmet without breaking the bank.

And finally, it's versatile. You can swap out the chicken for shrimp, use a different pasta shape, or even make it gluten-free by using your favorite alternative pasta.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this dish lies in its simple yet bold ingredients. Each one plays an important role in achieving the perfect balance of flavors.

Chicken breasts are the protein of choice here. They're lean, cook quickly, and absorb the lemon garlic butter beautifully. If you prefer, you can substitute with boneless chicken thighs for extra juiciness.

Lemon juice and zest bring the bright, citrusy notes that cut through the richness of the butter and parmesan. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is key here – bottled juice just won't have the same effect.

Butter and garlic create the foundation of the sauce. The butter adds creaminess, while the garlic provides that unmistakable depth of flavor. Be sure to sauté the garlic until it's fragrant but not browned, as it can turn bitter.

Parmesan cheese is the star of the linguine. It melts into the pasta, creating a silky, cheesy coating. For the best results, use freshly grated parmesan rather than pre-packaged shreds.

You'll also need linguine or your pasta of choice. Linguine works beautifully because its flat shape holds onto the sauce well. If you need a gluten-free option, try chickpea or rice-based pasta.

How To Make Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken With Parmesan Linguine

Creating this mouthwatering dish is easier than you might think. Follow these simple steps for the perfect lemon garlic butter chicken with parmesan linguine.

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water before draining.

While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a little paprika for a subtle smoky depth. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, add a drizzle of olive oil, and cook the chicken for about 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Transfer to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.

In the same skillet, melt the butter and add minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, then pour in the lemon juice and zest. Stir well to deglaze the pan, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom.

Reduce the heat and add the drained linguine to the skillet along with the reserved pasta water and parmesan cheese. Toss everything together until the pasta is coated in the buttery, cheesy sauce.

Slice the chicken into strips and serve it over the parmesan linguine. Garnish with extra parmesan and fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Enjoy immediately!

Storage Options

If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen over time, making this dish even more delicious the next day.

To reheat, warm the pasta and chicken in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or extra butter to loosen the sauce. Avoid using the microwave, as it can dry out the chicken.

For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken separately for up to 2 months. However, pasta with parmesan sauce doesn’t freeze as well, so it's best enjoyed fresh.

Variations and Substitutions

This dish is incredibly adaptable! Here are a few ways to switch things up:

If you're a seafood lover, swap the chicken for shrimp or scallops. They cook quickly and pair beautifully with the lemon butter sauce.

For a creamy version, add a splash of heavy cream to the sauce before tossing in the pasta. This creates an even richer, more indulgent dish.

Need a low-carb alternative? Serve the lemon garlic butter chicken over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of pasta.

Want an extra kick? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce for a bit of heat.

The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to experiment and make this dish your own!