Description
Golden, zesty lemon butter chicken layered over silky Parmesan-laced linguine. Bright citrus lifts the creamy sauce while juicy seared chicken adds savory comfort. This one’s a total game-changer for weeknights and dinner parties alike.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts, boneless skinless – 2 large
- Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
- Butter – 4 tablespoons, divided
- Garlic – 4 cloves, minced
- Lemon zest – from 1 lemon
- Lemon juice – from 2 lemons
- Chicken broth – 1 cup
- Heavy cream – 1 cup
- Parmesan cheese – 1 cup, freshly grated
- Linguine – 12 ounces
- Kosher salt – to taste
- Black pepper – to taste
- Fresh parsley – 2 tablespoons, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Your Equipment: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for pasta. Set a large skillet over medium high heat.
- Combine Ingredients: Pat chicken dry and season with salt, black pepper, and half the lemon zest.
- Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Add olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter to the hot skillet until sizzling.
- Assemble the Dish: Sear chicken 5 to 6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate to rest.
- Cook to Perfection: Reduce heat to medium. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in lemon juice, chicken broth, and remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Simmer 2 to 3 minutes. Return chicken to glaze in the sauce, then remove from heat.
- Finishing Touches: Cook linguine until al dente. In a saucepan over low heat, combine heavy cream and Parmesan until smooth, loosening with a splash of pasta water as needed. Toss linguine in the creamy sauce and fold in remaining lemon zest.
- Serve and Enjoy: Twirl creamy linguine into bowls, slice chicken, and spoon over lemon butter sauce. Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan.
Notes
- Tip: Reserve 1 cup pasta water to adjust sauce silkiness.
- Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for gentle heat.
- Cheese Matters: Freshly grated Parmesan melts smoother than pre-grated.
- Rest Time: Let chicken rest 3 to 5 minutes before slicing to keep juices in.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 640
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg
Keywords: lemon butter chicken, creamy parmesan linguine, chicken pasta, weeknight dinner, Italian-inspired, citrus pasta