Here's something you'll love: tender, juicy chicken bathed in a luscious lemon garlic butter sauce, all served over a bed of rich and creamy Parmesan linguine. This dish is the perfect blend of bright citrus, savory garlic, and indulgent cheese, creating a comforting yet elegant meal.

I first made this recipe on a whim when I needed a quick but impressive dinner for guests. The combination of simple ingredients turned into something magical, and now it’s a regular in our meal rotation. Whether you're cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress.

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

Get ready to fall in love with a meal that’s as delicious as it is easy to make. This dish delivers bold flavors, creamy textures, and a restaurant-quality feel—all with minimal effort.

The star of the show is the lemon garlic butter sauce, which coats the chicken in a zesty, buttery glaze. The tangy brightness of the lemon balances beautifully with the richness of the butter, creating a perfect harmony of flavors.

This recipe is quick and easy, coming together in under 40 minutes. It's perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.

It’s also budget-friendly while feeling indulgent. The ingredients are simple, yet they transform into a dish that tastes like it came straight from a fancy restaurant.

Not to mention, it’s versatile. You can swap the linguine for your favorite pasta, use chicken thighs instead of breasts, or add a handful of spinach for a pop of color and nutrients.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this dish lies in a handful of well-chosen ingredients, each bringing its own unique flavor and texture to the table.

Chicken breasts are the protein of choice here, offering a lean and tender bite that soaks up the garlicky butter sauce beautifully. For extra juiciness, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead.

Lemons are essential to this dish, bringing a fresh and tangy brightness to cut through the richness of the butter and Parmesan. Fresh lemon juice works best, but a bit of zest added to the sauce will take it to another level.

Garlic is the backbone of the flavor, infusing the butter sauce with a deep, aromatic quality. Don’t be shy with it—freshly minced garlic makes all the difference.

Parmesan cheese is the key to making the linguine irresistibly creamy. It melts beautifully into the pasta, adding a salty, nutty depth. For the best results, use freshly grated Parmesan instead of pre-packaged shreds.

Butter and olive oil work together to create a rich, glossy sauce that clings to the chicken. The olive oil prevents the butter from burning while adding a smooth, fruity note.

You’ll also need a large skillet to sear the chicken and a pot for boiling the pasta. A microplane or zester will be helpful for grating the Parmesan and zesting the lemon.

How To Make This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken With Parmesan Linguine

Making this dish is a simple process that comes together quickly, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced cooks alike.

Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a touch of Italian seasoning. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken and sear for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.

In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and melt butter. Add the minced garlic, stirring for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the fresh lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the pan for extra flavor. Let the sauce simmer for a minute to meld the flavors.

Meanwhile, cook your linguine in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining to help bring the sauce together later.

Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the buttery lemon garlic sauce over the top. Let it warm through for a couple of minutes, then remove from heat.

Toss the hot linguine with grated Parmesan cheese, a little butter, and a splash of reserved pasta water to create a silky, creamy coating. If you want extra richness, you can add a bit of heavy cream or more Parmesan.

Serve the chicken over the linguine, drizzling any extra lemon garlic butter sauce on top. Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan for a beautiful finishing touch.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers, store them properly to keep everything tasting fresh.

For the chicken, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The butter sauce may solidify, but it will reheat beautifully.

The linguine should also be stored in an airtight container and kept in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep it from drying out, mix in a little olive oil before storing.

When reheating, warm the chicken gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen up the sauce. The pasta can be reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop with a little butter and a splash of reserved pasta water or cream to bring back its creamy texture.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is incredibly adaptable, allowing you to tweak it to your taste preferences and dietary needs.

For a low-carb version, swap the linguine for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. The flavors pair wonderfully with a lighter, veggie-based pasta alternative.

If you want a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter sauce while sautéing the garlic. It gives the dish a subtle heat that balances the richness.

Switch up the protein by using shrimp instead of chicken. Shrimp cooks quickly and absorbs the lemon garlic butter sauce beautifully, making for an elegant seafood twist.

For a creamier pasta, stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half when mixing the linguine with Parmesan. This will create an even richer and more decadent sauce.

Gluten-free? No problem! Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta, and this dish will be just as delicious without the wheat.

Feel free to play around with flavors and ingredients to make this dish your own. No matter how you customize it, the combination of lemon, garlic, butter, and Parmesan is always a winning one.