Start by boiling pasta; sauté chicken in a lemon garlic butter sauce; whip up parmesan cream for the pasta; combine everything and finish with herbs.
This elegant lemon garlic butter chicken and linguine combines tender sautéed chicken with a luxurious parmesan cream sauce. The bright citrus notes perfectly balance the rich pasta, creating a restaurant-worthy dish that comes together in just 30 minutes. The recipe has become a standout favorite for both casual family dinners and special occasions.
The intoxicating aroma of sautéed garlic and lemon zest fills the kitchen as this dish comes together. The combination of flavors creates a meal that tastes complex yet uses straightforward techniques and readily available ingredients.
Key Ingredients
- Fresh Lemon - Provides vibrant citrus notes that cut through the richness
- European-Style Butter - Creates velvety sauce texture and rich flavor
- Aged Parmesan - Adds deep umami and naturally thickens the sauce
- Heavy Cream - Delivers luxurious body without heaviness
- Chicken Breast - Tender protein perfect for absorbing the flavors
Preparation Method
- Seasoning the Chicken
- A classic blend of paprika and Italian herbs creates the foundation. Season the uniformly cut chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper. Larger chunks around 1.5 inches maintain better moisture than smaller pieces.
- Cooking Technique
- Sear the chicken in butter over medium heat to develop a golden crust. Allow each side to brown properly before turning. The perfect temperature prevents butter from burning while achieving caramelization.
- Creating the Sauce
- Build the lemon-garlic sauce in the same pan to incorporate the fond. Brief garlic cooking releases aroma while avoiding bitterness. Combine both lemon zest and juice for layered citrus notes.
- Pasta Preparation
- Cook linguine just until al dente, reserving starchy pasta water. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, testing doneness by tasting rather than timing alone.
- Parmesan Cream
- Gradually incorporate warmed cream and finely grated cheese for a silken texture. Add garlic powder for smooth flavor integration. Fresh black pepper enhances the aged cheese notes.
- Final Assembly
- Toss hot pasta with sauce using tongs for even coating. Layer the pasta as a base with arranged chicken on top for elegant presentation. Finish with fresh parsley for color and brightness.