Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite weeknight meal: lemon garlic butter chicken with parmesan linguine! It’s like a hug in a bowl and comes together so quickly that it’s become my go-to for busy nights. I remember the first time I made this dish; I had just gotten home from a long day and needed something comforting yet simple. I stumbled upon this recipe, and it was love at first smell. The fragrant garlic and zesty lemon filled my kitchen, and I couldn’t wait to dig in!
This dish is such a winner because it’s not only bursting with flavor but also super satisfying. The chicken is juicy and tender, bathed in a rich lemon garlic butter sauce that just makes you want to lick your plate clean. And the parmesan linguine? Oh boy, it’s the perfect partner! You’ll find that this recipe is not only a delight to the taste buds but also a breeze to whip up, making it ideal for those hectic weeknights when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll be a regular in your meal rotation!
Ingredients
- 4 chicken fillets (boneless, skinless)
- 4 tablespoons butter (unsalted)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (fresh is best!)
- 1 lemon (juiced, for that zesty brightness)
- 1 teaspoon salt (to enhance the flavors)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (for a little kick)
- 8 ounces linguine (or your favorite pasta)
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (the more, the merrier!)
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (for a fresh finish)
How to Prepare Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Linguine
Cook the Linguine
First things first, let’s get that linguine cooking! Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil—salting the water is key to flavor, so don’t skip it! Once it’s boiling, toss in 8 ounces of linguine and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until it’s al dente. You want that perfect bite! When it’s ready, drain it in a colander, but don’t rinse it; we want to keep that starchy goodness to help the sauce stick later.
Prepare the Chicken
Now, let’s move on to the star of the show—the chicken! In a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Ahh, the smell of melting butter is just heavenly! Once it’s all melted and bubbly, add in the 4 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté it for about 30 seconds, just until it’s fragrant—be careful not to burn it, or it’ll turn bitter!
While that’s happening, season your 4 boneless, skinless chicken fillets with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Carefully add the chicken to the skillet, making sure to give them some space. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and cooked through—this is where the magic happens! You can use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; it should read 165°F (75°C). Once they’re done, pour the juice of 1 lemon over the chicken and let it cook for another minute to soak in that zesty flavor.
Combine and Serve
Now comes the fun part! In a large bowl, combine the drained linguine with 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese and 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley. Toss it all together until the pasta is beautifully coated in cheesy goodness. To serve, place a generous helping of the parmesan linguine on each plate, top it with the succulent lemon garlic butter chicken, and drizzle that luscious sauce from the skillet all over the top. Wow, just wow! You’re going to love how vibrant and delicious this looks and tastes! Don’t forget to garnish with some extra parsley if you like; it adds that fresh pop of color.
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the numbers behind this delicious dish! Here’s the typical nutritional breakdown for one serving of lemon garlic butter chicken with parmesan linguine:
- Calories: 550
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 35g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates based on standard ingredient measurements. Depending on how you prepare it or any substitutions you make, the numbers might vary a bit. But hey, it’s all about balance, right? Enjoying a hearty meal like this is totally worth it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick prep time—ready in just 30 minutes!
- Flavor-packed with zesty lemon and savory garlic.
- Juicy chicken that’s perfectly tender every time.
- Comforting parmesan linguine that pairs wonderfully with the chicken.
- Uses simple, fresh ingredients that you probably already have on hand.
- Easy cleanup—one skillet and one pot make for minimal dishes!
- A crowd-pleaser that both kids and adults will love.
- Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions alike.
Tips for Success
Alright, let me share some of my favorite tips to help you nail this lemon garlic butter chicken with parmesan linguine! Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom can make a big difference in your cooking experience and the final dish.
- Use fresh garlic: I can’t stress this enough! Fresh garlic makes a world of difference in flavor. The aroma while sautéing it is simply intoxicating!
- Adjust lemon juice to your taste: If you love that tangy zing, feel free to add a bit more lemon juice. But if you prefer a milder flavor, start with less and taste as you go.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet: When cooking the chicken, give each piece enough room in the skillet. If it’s too crowded, they won’t brown nicely, and we want that beautiful golden crust!
- Check for doneness: Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure your chicken is cooked perfectly. Aim for 165°F (75°C) to keep it juicy and safe!
- Save some pasta water: If your sauce ends up a little thick, don’t hesitate to add a splash of the starchy pasta water to loosen it up. It adds flavor and helps the sauce cling to the pasta.
- Garnish generously: A sprinkle of chopped parsley not only makes your dish look gorgeous, but it also adds a lovely fresh flavor that brightens everything up!
- Meal prep: If you’re short on time, you can prep the chicken and garlic ahead of time. Just store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook!
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a dish that not only looks stunning but tastes even better. Happy cooking!
Variations
One of the best things about lemon garlic butter chicken with parmesan linguine is how versatile it can be! If you’re feeling adventurous or just want to mix things up a bit, here are some fun variations to try:
- Add veggies: Toss in some fresh spinach, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini when you’re cooking the chicken. They’ll soak up that delicious lemon garlic butter sauce and add a pop of color to your dish!
- Herb it up: Want to switch up the flavor? Try adding fresh herbs like basil or thyme along with the parsley. They’ll give the dish a lovely aromatic touch that’s just divine.
- Spicy twist: If you like a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes with the garlic. It’ll give your chicken a nice kick that balances beautifully with the lemony goodness.
- Different pasta: Swap out the linguine for another type of pasta like fettuccine, penne, or even whole wheat for a healthier option. Each will bring its own unique bite and texture!
- Make it creamy: For a richer sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese after you’ve added the lemon juice. It’ll turn your dish into a luscious, creamy delight!
- Try different cheeses: While parmesan is a classic choice, experimenting with other cheeses like feta or goat cheese can add a different flavor profile that’s equally delicious.
- Substitute proteins: Not in the mood for chicken? This recipe works beautifully with shrimp or even salmon! Just adjust the cooking times accordingly to ensure everything is cooked perfectly.
Feel free to get creative and make this dish your own! The possibilities are endless, and I’d love to hear about your delicious variations once you give them a try!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made a big batch of lemon garlic butter chicken with parmesan linguine, and now you’ve got some delicious leftovers—yum! Properly storing and reheating them is key to keeping that amazing flavor intact. Here’s how I do it:
First, let the chicken and pasta cool down to room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make everything soggy. Once cooled, transfer the chicken and linguine into an airtight container. I like to separate them if possible; it helps the pasta stay al dente and the chicken juicy!
You can store your leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure to label the container with the date, so you don’t lose track of when you made it. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the chicken and pasta as well. Just be aware that the texture might change a little after thawing. For freezing, I recommend using freezer-safe bags or containers and removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
When you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, reheating is super simple! If you’re using the microwave, place the chicken and pasta in a microwave-safe bowl, splash a little bit of water or chicken broth over the top to keep it moist, and cover it with a microwave-safe lid or wrap. Heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through. You’ll want to keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking!
If you have a bit more time, reheating in a skillet is my favorite method because it helps maintain the flavor and texture beautifully! Just add a little butter or olive oil to a skillet over medium heat, toss in the chicken and linguine, and stir until everything is heated through. You can also squeeze a bit more lemon juice over it at the end to freshen things up!
With these storage and reheating tips, you’ll be able to enjoy your lemon garlic butter chicken with parmesan linguine just as much the second time around! Happy eating!
Your Turn to Try This Recipe
Now that you have all the secrets to making the most scrumptious lemon garlic butter chicken with parmesan linguine, it’s your turn to dive in and give it a whirl! I can’t wait to hear how it turns out for you. Whether you’re whipping this up for a cozy family dinner or impressing friends at a gathering, I know you’re going to love it just as much as I do!
If you have any questions or if you try any of the variations I mentioned, please drop a comment below! I’d love to hear your thoughts, any tweaks you made, or even how you served it. And if you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to rate it! Your feedback means the world to me and helps others discover this delightful dish.
Happy cooking, and may your kitchen be filled with the irresistible aroma of lemon and garlic. Enjoy every bite!
For more delicious recipes, check out Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta or Garlic Butter Pasta!
Print
Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Linguine Bliss
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Lemon garlic butter chicken served with parmesan linguine.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken fillets
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 ounces linguine
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Instructions
- Cook linguine according to package instructions.
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Season chicken with salt and pepper.
- Add chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through.
- Pour lemon juice over the chicken and cook for an additional minute.
- Drain linguine and toss with parmesan cheese and parsley.
- Serve chicken over linguine, drizzled with sauce from the skillet.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic for best flavor.
- Adjust lemon juice to taste.
- Garnish with extra parsley if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: lemon garlic butter chicken, parmesan linguine, chicken recipe, pasta recipe