There's nothing quite like the irresistible aroma of lemon garlic butter chicken sizzling in a pan, filling the kitchen with warmth and comfort. The tender, juicy chicken coated in a rich, buttery sauce infused with the brightness of fresh lemon and the savory depth of garlic is a combination that's hard to resist. Pair it with creamy, parmesan-laced linguine, and you’ve got a restaurant-quality meal in under an hour!

I first stumbled upon this recipe when trying to elevate a simple chicken dinner into something more indulgent. With just a handful of pantry staples and a touch of creativity, this dish quickly became a favorite in our household. Whether it's a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this lemon garlic butter chicken with parmesan linguine is always a winning choice.

Why You'll Love This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken

Get ready to fall in love with a dish that’s both elegant and easy to make. This lemon garlic butter chicken with parmesan linguine will become your go-to comfort meal for several reasons:

First, it’s quick and simple. Despite tasting like something from a high-end restaurant, this dish comes together in just about 40 minutes—perfect for busy evenings when time is limited.

Second, the flavors are incredible. The bright, zesty notes of fresh lemon balance the richness of butter and parmesan, while the garlic adds a punch of depth and aroma. Each bite is a harmonious blend of creamy, savory, and fresh flavors.

It's also budget-friendly. You don’t need expensive ingredients to create this dish; simple pantry staples like pasta, chicken, butter, garlic, and cheese transform into something extraordinary.

And finally, it’s versatile. Want to add veggies? Toss in some spinach or roasted cherry tomatoes. Prefer a protein swap? Shrimp or salmon would be fantastic alternatives.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this dish comes from simple, high-quality ingredients working together perfectly. Here’s what you need to know about the key components:

The chicken is the star of the dish, and I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Thighs stay extra juicy, but if you prefer leaner meat, breasts work just as well—just be mindful not to overcook them.

The lemon provides that signature bright, citrusy flavor. Fresh lemon juice is a must for this recipe! It cuts through the richness of the butter and cheese, giving the dish a beautifully balanced taste.

For the butter, opt for unsalted so you can control the seasoning. The butter creates a velvety sauce that coats the chicken and pasta perfectly.

Garlic is non-negotiable. Fresh minced garlic is best here—it infuses the butter with a deep, aromatic flavor that enhances every bite.

The parmesan cheese adds a creamy, salty, and nutty richness to the linguine. Be sure to use freshly grated parmesan rather than pre-packaged varieties, as it melts more smoothly into the sauce.

Finally, you’ll need a large skillet for cooking the chicken and a pot for boiling the pasta. Having both ready will make the cooking process seamless.

How To Make This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken With Parmesan Linguine

Making this dish is easier than you might think! Follow these steps for a perfect result every time.

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water and cooking the linguine according to package instructions. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining—it’s key to creating a silky sauce later.

While the pasta cooks, season the chicken with salt, pepper, and a pinch of Italian seasoning. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, then add a drizzle of olive oil. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove it from the pan and set aside.

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Stir in the fresh lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan—this is where all the flavor lives!

Now, add the drained linguine to the skillet along with grated parmesan and a splash of reserved pasta water. Toss everything together until the cheese melts and creates a creamy sauce that clings to the noodles. Adjust the consistency by adding more pasta water if needed.

Slice the cooked chicken and arrange it over the pasta. Garnish with extra parmesan, fresh parsley, and a final squeeze of lemon for a bright finishing touch. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Storage Options

If you have leftovers, you’ll be happy to know that this dish stores well. Place the chicken and pasta in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

To reheat, add a splash of water or chicken broth to the pasta before warming it in a skillet over medium heat. This helps restore the creamy texture and prevents it from drying out.

Freezing isn’t recommended for this dish, as the dairy-based sauce can separate upon thawing, affecting the texture.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how easily you can customize it to suit your preferences. Here are a few ideas:

Switch up the protein: Swap the chicken for shrimp, salmon, or even tofu for a different take on this dish.
Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter sauce for a little kick.
Add vegetables: Stir in spinach, roasted cherry tomatoes, or steamed asparagus to boost the nutrition and add extra flavor.
Use a different pasta: While linguine works beautifully, you can use fettuccine, spaghetti, or even penne if you prefer a shorter pasta shape.
Lighten it up: Substitute half the butter with olive oil and use a lower-fat cheese option if you’re watching your calories.

Feel free to get creative and make this dish your own—no matter how you tweak it, the result will always be delicious!