Description: This recipe combines succulent, pan-seared chicken breasts bathed in a vibrant lemon garlic butter sauce with a creamy, decadent Parmesan linguine. It’s a restaurant-quality meal that’s surprisingly easy to make at home, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
For the Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked or sweet, your preference)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (dried blend)
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4 tablespoons (1/2 cup) unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
- Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3-4 tablespoons)
- Zest of 1 lemon (about 1 teaspoon)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: Red pepper flakes, to taste (for a little heat)
For the Creamy Parmesan Linguine:
- 12 ounces linguine pasta
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 ½ tablespoons)
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (use good quality, not the pre-shredded kind)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for garnish)
- Optional: Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for extra flavor and garnish)
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This is crucial for getting a good sear. Season generously on both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Make sure the seasoning is evenly distributed.
Step 2: Cook the Linguine: While the chicken is resting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to package directions, usually around 8-10 minutes, or until al dente (slightly firm to the bite). Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining. This starchy water is essential for creating the creamy sauce. Drain the pasta well and set aside.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet (preferably cast iron or stainless steel) over medium-high heat. The pan should be hot before you add the chicken; this will help create a nice golden-brown crust. Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the hot skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Sear for 5-6 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate. Tent with foil to keep warm.
Step 4: Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant but not browned. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter.
Step 5: Combine the Sauce: Stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest. Cook for another minute to allow the flavors to meld. Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon the lemon garlic butter sauce over the chicken, ensuring that each piece is coated. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Step 6: Prepare the Creamy Parmesan Sauce: In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to brown the garlic.
Step 7: Add the Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and gradually whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it is melted and smooth. The sauce should be thick and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to thin it out.
Step 8: Combine Pasta with Sauce: Season the creamy Parmesan sauce with salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Add the cooked linguine to the saucepan and toss to coat evenly. Make sure every strand of pasta is coated in the luscious sauce.
Step 9: Plate and Garnish: Divide the creamy Parmesan linguine among plates. Top each serving with a lemon garlic butter chicken breast. Garnish with fresh parsley and fresh basil, if desired. Serve immediately.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Linguine is a symphony of flavors and textures. The chicken is tender and juicy, infused with the bright, zesty flavors of lemon and garlic. The creamy Parmesan linguine is rich and comforting, perfectly complementing the chicken. The dish is relatively quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner. It’s impressive enough to serve to guests, yet simple enough for a casual family meal. The combination of fresh herbs, lemon, and garlic creates a vibrant and aromatic experience that will tantalize your taste buds. The creamy sauce is decadent and satisfying, making it a truly indulgent meal. Furthermore, it’s a versatile recipe that can be easily adapted to your preferences. You can add vegetables to the pasta, such as spinach, asparagus, or sun-dried tomatoes. You can also substitute the chicken with shrimp or scallops for a seafood version.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side of steamed asparagus or green beans for a complete and balanced meal.
- Pair with a simple salad with a lemon vinaigrette to complement the flavors of the dish.
- Crusty bread, such as garlic bread or ciabatta, is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
- A glass of crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, pairs well with the lemon and garlic flavors.
- For dessert, consider a light and refreshing option like lemon sorbet or a fruit salad.
Tips:
- Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure they cook evenly.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing the chicken; cook in batches if necessary.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.
- Reserve pasta water before draining the pasta, as it can be used to thin out the sauce if needed.
- Be careful not to overcook the garlic, as it will become bitter.
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice and zest to your liking.
- For a richer flavor, use brown butter instead of regular butter for the sauce.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley, basil, or thyme, for added flavor and visual appeal.
- To make ahead, you can prepare the lemon garlic butter sauce and the creamy Parmesan sauce in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator and reheat before serving. Cook the pasta just before serving to prevent it from becoming mushy.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Approximate values per serving)
- Calories: 690 kcal
- Protein: 55g
- Sodium: 750mg (This can vary greatly depending on the amount of salt used and the sodium content of the Parmesan cheese.)
Conclusion:
Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Linguine is a delightful dish that combines the brightness of lemon and garlic with the richness of Parmesan cheese. It’s a versatile recipe that can be easily adapted to your preferences and is perfect for a variety of occasions. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a special meal to impress your guests, this recipe is sure to please. The combination of flavors and textures is simply irresistible. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy this culinary masterpiece! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that you’ll want to make again and again. Enjoy!
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? A1: Yes, you can definitely use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. Chicken thighs are more flavorful and tend to stay more moist than chicken breasts. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly, as chicken thighs typically take a bit longer to cook through. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 170°F (77°C) for chicken thighs.
Q2: Can I make this recipe gluten-free? A2: Absolutely! To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the linguine pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta. There are many excellent gluten-free pasta options available, made from rice, corn, quinoa, or a blend of gluten-free flours. Be sure to check the package instructions for cooking times, as they may vary from traditional pasta. All the other ingredients in the recipe are naturally gluten-free, so no other substitutions are necessary.
Q3: Can I add vegetables to the pasta? A3: Yes, adding vegetables to the pasta is a great way to boost the nutritional value and add extra flavor. Some excellent choices include spinach, asparagus, broccoli, peas, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms. You can sauté the vegetables in the saucepan after cooking the garlic, before adding the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Cook the vegetables until they are tender-crisp, then proceed with the recipe as directed.
Q4: Can I make this recipe dairy-free? A4: Making this recipe dairy-free requires a few substitutions. Replace the butter with a dairy-free butter alternative, such as olive oil or coconut oil. Substitute the heavy cream with a dairy-free cream alternative, such as coconut cream or cashew cream. For the Parmesan cheese, you can use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative, which is typically made from nuts or seeds. Be sure to adjust the seasoning to taste, as dairy-free alternatives may have a slightly different flavor profile.
Q5: Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time? A5: Yes, you can prepare certain components of this recipe ahead of time. You can make the lemon garlic butter sauce and the creamy Parmesan sauce in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them gently before serving. Cook the pasta just before serving to prevent it from becoming mushy. The chicken can also be cooked ahead of time and reheated, but it may be slightly drier. If reheating the chicken, add a little extra lemon garlic butter sauce to keep it moist.
