Description
Succulent lemon garlic butter chicken dances atop a bed of perfectly seasoned parmesan linguine, creating a Mediterranean-inspired symphony of flavors. Elegant yet simple, this dish promises a delightful culinary journey you’ll savor with every delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Pasta:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) linguine pasta
Herbs and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Dairy and Sauce Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
Cooking Liquids and Aromatics:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions
- Boil linguine in salted water until al dente, following package timing. Drain thoroughly and reserve.
- Generously season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and aromatic Italian herbs, ensuring even coverage.
- Warm olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken breasts 5-6 minutes per side until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F, creating a crispy exterior. Transfer chicken to a resting plate.
- Reduce heat and add remaining butter to the same skillet. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant and lightly golden, releasing its intense flavor.
- Pour chicken broth, heavy cream, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and grated lemon zest into the skillet. Whisk ingredients together and simmer 2-3 minutes until sauce slightly thickens.
- Incorporate grated Parmesan cheese and optional red pepper flakes, stirring until cheese melts smoothly. Add cooked linguine, tossing gently to ensure complete sauce coverage.
- Slice chicken breasts diagonally and arrange over sauced pasta. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley for a vibrant finish.
Notes
- Enhance chicken tenderness by pounding breasts to uniform thickness before seasoning, ensuring even cooking and juicy results.
- Substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half for a lighter, lower-calorie version that maintains creamy texture.
- Customize heat levels by adjusting red pepper flakes or using alternatives like cayenne or hot sauce for personalized spiciness.
- Optimize pasta absorption by reserving some pasta water to help sauce cling better and create a silkier, more cohesive dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 850 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 48 g
- Saturated Fat: 25 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 56 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 49 g
- Cholesterol: 170 mg