01 -
Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, and crushed red pepper flakes if using.
02 -
Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Remove from skillet and set aside.
03 -
While chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
04 -
In the same skillet used for chicken, melt remaining 6 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic, parsley, and thyme, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
05 -
Pour chicken broth and lemon juice into the skillet, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes to meld flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
06 -
Slice the cooked chicken into thin strips. Add drained linguine to the skillet with the sauce, tossing to coat. Add reserved pasta water gradually until sauce reaches desired consistency.
07 -
Gently fold sliced chicken into the pasta and sauce. Divide among plates and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Garnish with additional herbs if desired and serve immediately.