There’s nothing quite like the combination of tender chicken, zesty lemon, and buttery garlic coming together in one dish. This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken With Parmesan Linguine is the perfect comfort meal—rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor.

I first made this recipe on a rainy evening when I was craving something cozy yet fresh. The way the lemon brightens up the velvety butter sauce, paired with perfectly cooked linguine, made it an instant family favorite. Now, it’s a go-to for busy weeknights and special occasions alike.

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

Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite pasta dish. This recipe isn’t just delicious—it’s incredibly easy to make, even on the busiest days.

First, the balance of flavors is unbeatable. The brightness of fresh lemon cuts through the rich, buttery garlic sauce, creating a dish that feels both indulgent and light at the same time.

It also comes together quickly. In just 30 minutes, you can have a restaurant-worthy meal on the table, making it perfect for weeknights when time is short but you still want something special.

Plus, it’s budget-friendly. Using simple ingredients like chicken breast, pasta, butter, and parmesan means you’re creating a gourmet-style dish without breaking the bank.

Best of all, it’s highly versatile. You can switch up the pasta, add vegetables, or even swap the chicken for shrimp to keep things interesting every time you make it.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this dish lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each one plays an essential role in creating the perfect bite.

Linguine is the ideal pasta for this recipe. Its long, flat shape holds onto the creamy butter sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. While spaghetti or fettuccine can work in a pinch, linguine is the best choice for the ultimate texture.

Chicken breast provides a lean yet juicy protein base. For maximum flavor, slice it thinly and cook it until golden brown. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer a richer taste.

Fresh garlic and butter are the heart of the sauce. Garlic infuses the butter with an aromatic depth, creating a silky, restaurant-quality finish that coats every strand of pasta.

Lemon juice and zest add the perfect amount of acidity to balance the richness of the butter. Using fresh lemon is key—it brightens up the entire dish and enhances all the other flavors.

Parmesan cheese brings a salty, umami depth that ties everything together. For the best results, use freshly grated parmesan rather than pre-shredded, as it melts more smoothly into the sauce.

A large skillet and a pot for boiling pasta are all the equipment you’ll need. A microplane grater for the parmesan and lemon zest is also helpful for achieving the best texture and flavor distribution.

How To Make This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken With Parmesan Linguine

Creating this mouthwatering dish is easier than you might think. Let me walk you through the process step by step.

Start by cooking the linguine in a large pot of salted boiling water. Cook until al dente, then drain, reserving about half a cup of the pasta water to help loosen the sauce later.

While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil, then add the sliced chicken breast in an even layer. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to let it brown, as burnt garlic can become bitter.

Next, add the lemon juice and zest, stirring to deglaze the pan and lift all the flavorful bits left from the chicken. Let it simmer for a minute before adding the cooked linguine and tossing everything together.

Return the chicken to the pan, then sprinkle in the freshly grated parmesan. Toss everything gently, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water as needed to create a smooth, glossy sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.

Serve immediately, garnished with extra parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a beautiful, flavorful finish.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The butter sauce will thicken as it cools, but you can easily bring it back to life by reheating with a splash of water or broth.

For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken separately, but the pasta is best enjoyed fresh. If you do freeze the entire dish, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove.

Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little water or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving for too long, as it can make the chicken dry and the sauce overly thick.

Variations and Substitutions

This dish is endlessly adaptable, making it perfect for all kinds of preferences and dietary needs.

For a seafood twist, swap the chicken for shrimp or scallops. They cook quickly and pair beautifully with the lemon butter sauce.

If you want to add vegetables, sautéed spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus would make great additions. Simply toss them into the skillet along with the garlic for extra freshness and color.

For a richer sauce, substitute half of the butter with a splash of heavy cream. This creates a silkier, more indulgent texture while still keeping the bright lemony notes intact.

If you’re avoiding dairy, you can use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan and swap the butter for a plant-based alternative. The result will still be deliciously creamy and flavorful.

And if you love spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter sauce for a little heat that enhances all the other flavors.

This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken With Parmesan Linguine is one of those recipes you’ll want to keep coming back to. Whether you follow it to the letter or make it your own with a few tweaks, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser every time.