Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Linguine

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook linguine according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
   In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Sear until golden brown and fully cooked, about 5–7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
3. Garlic Lemon Finish:
   In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in fresh lemon juice to deglaze the pan and coat the garlic. Return the chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. Make the Cream Sauce:
   In a separate saucepan, melt butter and sauté minced garlic for 1 minute. Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in grated Parmesan and cook until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
5. Combine with Pasta:
   Add the cooked linguine to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Use reserved pasta water, a little at a time, to reach your desired sauce consistency.
6. Assemble the Dish:
   Divide creamy linguine among plates. Top with lemon garlic butter chicken. Garnish with chopped parsley and, if desired, an extra pat of butter for added richness.

Variations:

• Protein swap: Try with shrimp, salmon, or thinly sliced steak instead of chicken.
• Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes to the chicken for a subtle kick.
• Veggie boost: Stir in sautéed spinach, peas, or roasted broccoli to the pasta.
• Low-carb version: Serve the chicken over zoodles or cauliflower mash instead of pasta.

Tips:

• Cut chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking and better searing.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest, creamiest sauce.
• Don’t skip the pasta water—it’s essential for emulsifying and loosening the sauce.
• Always finish with fresh parsley and a final squeeze of lemon to brighten the rich flavors.

This dish is a quick fix for indulgent cravings and delivers gourmet satisfaction with every bite. It’s the kind of meal that turns a regular evening into something special.