Description
Succulent lemon garlic butter chicken with parmesan linguine delivers Mediterranean flavors that dance across palates. Creamy pasta and zesty chicken create a perfect harmony for weeknight dinners you’ll crave repeatedly.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tbsps unsalted butter (for chicken)
- 2 tbsps olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced (about 3 tbsps)
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 oz (225 g) linguine
- 2 tbsps unsalted butter (for pasta)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsps chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Pasta Preparation: Submerge linguine in generously salted boiling water, cooking until al dente. Extract a small portion of starchy liquid before complete drainage.
- Chicken Searing: Season chicken pieces with aromatic spices. Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet and caramelize protein until achieving a golden, crisp exterior. Remove seared chicken and set aside.
- Zesty Sauce Creation: In the same skillet, melt butter and introduce minced garlic, allowing aromatics to bloom. Incorporate lemon juice and chili flakes, creating a vibrant flavor profile. Return chicken to the skillet, allowing ingredients to infuse and harmonize.
- Parmesan Linguine Coating: Melt butter and gently sauté garlic until translucent. Stream in cream and Italian herbs, whisking to develop a silky base. Gradually fold in Parmesan cheese, creating a smooth, glossy sauce. Toss linguine in the decadent mixture, utilizing reserved pasta water to achieve optimal consistency.
- Plating Finale: Arrange herb-infused linguine on serving plates. Crown with lemon garlic chicken bites. Garnish with fresh parsley and an optional Parmesan cheese sprinkle to enhance visual and gustatory appeal.
Notes
- Pasta Water Magic: Save some starchy pasta water to help bind the sauce and create a silky, smooth texture that clings perfectly to the linguine.
- Chicken Searing Secrets: Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a crisp, golden-brown exterior that locks in juicy flavors and prevents steaming.
- Garlic Timing Trick: Add garlic towards the end of cooking to prevent burning and maintain its sweet, mellow flavor without turning bitter or acrid.
- Cheese Melting Mastery: Remove pan from heat when incorporating Parmesan to prevent separation and achieve a creamy, smooth sauce that coats the pasta evenly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3
- Calories: 629
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 37 g
- Cholesterol: 145 mg