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Garlic Lemon Chicken Pasta

Featured in Satisfying Hearty Mains.

This pasta brings together tender chicken in a bright lemon-garlic sauce with creamy Parmesan linguine. It's the perfect balance of zesty and rich flavors in one delicious dish.

Clare Greco
Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 16:08:09 GMT
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A dish of fettuccine topped with glazed chicken pieces, garnished with chopped parsley and a wedge of lemon. Pin it
A dish of fettuccine topped with glazed chicken pieces, garnished with chopped parsley and a wedge of lemon. | recipesbyclare.com

This lemon garlic butter chicken linguine brings juicy seasoned chicken and creamy parmesan sauce together in one amazing pasta dish. Quick enough for weeknights special enough for company.

Bright and Creamy

Tender chicken in lemony garlic sauce meets rich parmesan linguine. Fresh herbs and zesty lemon balance the creamy comfort perfectly.

What You Need

  • Chicken: 1 lb diced breast
  • Seasonings: Paprika Italian herbs salt pepper
  • Butter: 5 tbsp divided
  • Garlic: 3 cloves minced
  • Lemon: 1 zested juiced
  • Linguine: 8 oz
  • Parmesan: 3/4 cup grated
  • Cream: 1/2 cup heavy
  • Garlic Powder: 1/2 tsp
  • Parsley: Fresh for topping

Let's Cook

Start Pasta
Cook linguine save some water
Prep Chicken
Season with spices
Cook Bird
Golden brown in butter set aside
Make Sauce
Butter garlic lemon toss with chicken
Cream Time
Melt butter add cream parmesan season
Bring Together
Toss pasta with sauce top with chicken herbs
A bowl of spaghetti topped with tender chicken pieces coated in a glossy sauce, garnished with parsley and served with lemon wedges. Pin it
A bowl of spaghetti topped with tender chicken pieces coated in a glossy sauce, garnished with parsley and served with lemon wedges. | recipesbyclare.com

Simply Perfect

This pasta hits all the right notes bright lemon rich cream tender chicken. Easy enough for everyday special enough for guests.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why reserve pasta water?

The starchy pasta water helps thin out and smooth the sauce if needed. Add a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

→ Can I use different pasta shapes?

Any medium pasta shape works well. Fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne are great alternatives to linguine.

→ How do I prevent the sauce from breaking?

Remove the pan from heat before adding Parmesan and stir constantly. If sauce is too hot, the cheese can become grainy.

→ Can I make this lighter?

Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce butter. The sauce won't be as rich but still tasty.

→ What can I serve with this?

Add a side salad or roasted vegetables. Garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the extra sauce.

Lemon Chicken Linguine

Juicy chicken in lemon garlic butter sauce over creamy Parmesan linguine. An easy but impressive pasta dinner that tastes like it's from a restaurant.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
35 Minutes

Category: Hearty Mains

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Italian-American

Yield: 4 Servings (4)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, diced.
02 1/2 teaspoon paprika.
03 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning.
04 3 tablespoons butter, divided.
05 3 cloves garlic, minced.
06 1 lemon (zest and juice).
07 Salt and pepper to taste.
08 Fresh parsley for garnish.
09 8 oz linguine.
10 2 tablespoons butter.
11 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
12 1/2 cup heavy cream.
13 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.
14 Salt and pepper to taste.

Instructions

Step 01

Cook linguine in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup water, then drain the pasta.

Step 02

Season chicken with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Step 03

Cook chicken in 1 tablespoon butter for 4-5 minutes per side. Remove from the pan.

Step 04

Add 2 tablespoons of butter and garlic to the pan. Cook for 30 seconds. Add lemon zest and juice. Return the chicken to the pan and coat it in the mixture.

Step 05

In a separate pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add cream and whisk in Parmesan cheese until smooth. Add garlic powder and any seasonings to taste.

Step 06

Toss linguine with Parmesan sauce, using the reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce thickness if needed.

Step 07

Serve the pasta topped with lemon chicken and garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes

  1. Reserve pasta water for the sauce.
  2. Remove pan from heat when adding cheese.
  3. Can use any pasta shape.
  4. Add pasta water gradually.
  5. Sauce thickens as it cools.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet.
  • Saucepan.
  • Pasta pot.
  • Colander.
  • Whisk.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (butter, cream, Parmesan).
  • Wheat (pasta).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 585
  • Total Fat: 32 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 42 g
  • Protein: 38 g