Description

Looking for a quick dinner idea that’s packed with flavor and perfect for weeknights? This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Parmesan Linguine is a delicious answer to your cravings. Succulent chicken meatballs are pan-seared and tossed in a zesty garlic butter sauce, finished with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, and served over silky linguine. It’s a bright, comforting, and satisfying dish that blends richness and freshness in every bite.

Whether you’re exploring easy recipes for the family, need a cozy yet elegant dinner idea, or are on the hunt for new food ideas to elevate your pasta night, this one ticks all the boxes. It’s comforting yet light, perfect for spring and summer dinners or when you want to impress with minimal effort. Serve with salad or roasted vegetables and enjoy an unforgettable plate of deliciousness!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

1 lb ground chicken
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
1 tsp lemon zest
1 tbsp chopped parsley
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil (for pan-searing)

For the Sauce:

3 tbsp unsalted butter
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup chicken broth or dry white wine
Juice of 1 lemon
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

For the Pasta:

10 oz linguine
Salt for pasta water

Optional Garnish:

Fresh parsley
Extra Parmesan
Lemon wedges

Instructions

Make Chicken Mixture: In a bowl, combine ground chicken, Parmesan, garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, lemon zest, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix gently.
Shape Meatballs: Form into small meatballs (~1 to 1.5 inch) and set aside.
Cook Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a skillet, sear meatballs on all sides until golden and cooked through (~7–8 mins). Remove and set aside.
Boil Pasta: Cook linguine in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
Make Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and sauté for 1 min. Stir in broth, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes. Simmer 3–4 mins.
Finish Sauce: Add Parmesan and whisk until melted. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Combine: Return chicken to the skillet, add cooked pasta, and toss gently. Add reserved pasta water as needed to coat everything.
Serve: Plate pasta with meatballs, garnish with parsley, Parmesan, and lemon wedges.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes