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June 13, 2026 · 30 min

Garlicky Lemon-Parmesan Linguine with Pan-Seared Chicken and Spinach

Dinner30 min730 cal / serving

This lemony chicken linguine is simple, satisfying, and full of sharp, fresh flavor. Garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, crushed peppercorns, butter, and Parmesan turn reserved pasta water into a glossy sauce that clings to every strand.

Spinach wilts right into the pasta during the final minute of cooking, while the chicken is seared separately, rested, sliced, and tossed back in for a hearty, polished skillet pasta dinner.

Ingredients

Butter4 tablespoons butterView ingredient guideChicken Breasts24 ounces chicken breastsView ingredient guideGarlic4 cloves garlicView ingredient guideLemon2 lemonsView ingredient guideLinguine12 ounces linguineView ingredient guideOlive Oil3 teaspoons olive oilView ingredient guideParmesan Cheese1/2 cup Parmesan cheeseView ingredient guidePPepper, to tasteView ingredient guideSaltSalt, to tasteView ingredient guideSpinach5 ounces spinachView ingredient guideTricolor Peppercorns1 tablespoon tricolor peppercornsView ingredient guide

Instructions

  1. Wash and dry the produce. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Place the tricolor peppercorns in a zip-top bag and crush them with a heavy pan or rolling pin. Zest the lemons to get 2 teaspoons zest, then halve the lemons and squeeze 3 tablespoons juice into a small bowl. Mince the garlic.
  3. Add the linguine to the boiling water and cook until al dente, 9 to 11 minutes. During the final minute, stir in the spinach so it wilts with the pasta.
  4. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the linguine and spinach. Set aside.
  5. While the pasta cooks, pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season all over with salt and a pinch of the crushed peppercorns.
  6. Heat a large drizzle of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on the outside and no longer pink in the center, 6 to 8 minutes per side.
  7. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes.
  8. In the same pan used for the chicken, heat another drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic, 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon zest, and 1 teaspoon crushed peppercorns. Cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
  9. Stir in the lemon juice and 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then remove the pan from the heat.
  10. Thinly slice the rested chicken.
  11. Add the linguine, spinach, and sliced chicken to the pan. Use tongs to toss everything together with the sauce.
  12. Add the butter and half of the Parmesan, tossing until the butter melts and the pasta is coated in a loose sauce. Season with salt. If the pasta looks dry, add more reserved cooking water a little at a time.
  13. Divide the pasta among plates. Finish with the remaining Parmesan, remaining lemon zest, and additional crushed peppercorns, if desired.

Useful Cookware

A few helpful kitchen tools for this recipe, with relevant Amazon picks for each item.

Large pot

Kirecoo Stainless Steel Stock Pot - 8 Quart Heavy Duty Induction Cooking Pot with Visible Lid for Pasta, Soup, Spaghetti, Nonstick Thick Bottom Big Stockpot, Deep Cookware for Canning, Boiling, SimmerKirecoo Stainless Steel Stock Pot - 8 Quart Heavy Duty Induction Cooking Pot with Visible Lid for Pasta, Soup, Spaghetti, Nonstick Thick Bottom Big Stockpot, Deep Cookware for Canning, Boiling, SimmerView on AmazonIMUSA 16 Quart Stainless Steel Stock Pot with Lid - Large Cooking Pot for Soups, Stews, Pasta, Seafood Boiling and Family Meals - Riveted Handles for Easy TransportIMUSA 16 Quart Stainless Steel Stock Pot with Lid - Large Cooking Pot for Soups, Stews, Pasta, Seafood Boiling and Family Meals - Riveted Handles for Easy TransportView on AmazonCAROTE 8QT Full Clad Tri Ply Stainless Steel Stock Pot with Lid, Kitchen Stockpot Soup Pot, Outer Ceramic Layer, Even Heating, All Stoves Compatible, Oven & Dishwasher Safe, Stay Cool Handle, BlueCAROTE 8QT Full Clad Tri Ply Stainless Steel Stock Pot with Lid, Kitchen Stockpot Soup Pot, Outer Ceramic Layer, Even Heating, All Stoves Compatible, Oven & Dishwasher Safe, Stay Cool Handle, BlueView on Amazon

Zip-top bag

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Heavy-bottomed pan or rolling pin

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Zester

Deiss PRO Lemon Zester & Heavy Duty Cheese Grater & Vegetable Grater - Parmesan Cheese Lemon, Garlic, Nutmeg, Chocolate, Fruits, Vegetables, Ginger Grater - Cheese Shredder & Stainless Steel GraterDeiss PRO Lemon Zester & Heavy Duty Cheese Grater & Vegetable Grater - Parmesan Cheese Lemon, Garlic, Nutmeg, Chocolate, Fruits, Vegetables, Ginger Grater - Cheese Shredder & Stainless Steel GraterView on AmazonMicroplane Premium Classic Series Zester 18/8, Black - Lemon Zester & Cheese Grater & Vegetable Grater - Citrus, Parmesan Cheese, Garlic, Ginger, Nutmeg, Chocolate - Stainless Steel GraterMicroplane Premium Classic Series Zester 18/8, Black - Lemon Zester & Cheese Grater & Vegetable Grater - Citrus, Parmesan Cheese, Garlic, Ginger, Nutmeg, Chocolate - Stainless Steel GraterView on AmazonOXO Good Grips Etched Zester and GraterOXO Good Grips Etched Zester and GraterView on Amazon

Small bowl

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Strainer

Cuisinart, Mesh Strainers, Stainless Steel Mesh Strainers for Kitchen, Fine Mesh Kitchen Strainer Set for Sifting, Straining and Cooking, Ctg-00-3Ms, 3 CountCuisinart, Mesh Strainers, Stainless Steel Mesh Strainers for Kitchen, Fine Mesh Kitchen Strainer Set for Sifting, Straining and Cooking, Ctg-00-3Ms, 3 CountView on Amazon3Pcs Super Wire Extra Fine Mesh Strainer with Handle, Small Medium Large Size Sifter Metal Strainer Set, Stainless Steel Sieve Fine Mesh Strainers for Kitchen Rice Juice Quinoa Food Flour Baking YLYL3Pcs Super Wire Extra Fine Mesh Strainer with Handle, Small Medium Large Size Sifter Metal Strainer Set, Stainless Steel Sieve Fine Mesh Strainers for Kitchen Rice Juice Quinoa Food Flour Baking YLYLView on AmazonWinco Strainer with Single Fine Mesh, 8-Inch Diameter, Medium, Stainless Steel, Tan,SilverWinco Strainer with Single Fine Mesh, 8-Inch Diameter, Medium, Stainless Steel, Tan,SilverView on Amazon

Paper towels

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Large pan

SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet with Lid, 12 Inch Large Deep Frying Pan, 5 Qt Non Stick Saute Pan with Cover, Induction Pan, Healthy Non Toxic Cooking Pan with Helper Handle, PFOA PFOS FreeSENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet with Lid, 12 Inch Large Deep Frying Pan, 5 Qt Non Stick Saute Pan with Cover, Induction Pan, Healthy Non Toxic Cooking Pan with Helper Handle, PFOA PFOS FreeView on AmazonFarberware Dishwasher Safe Nonstick Jumbo Cooker Chef's Pan with Lid and Helper Handle, Kitchen Cookware, 6-Quart, BlackFarberware Dishwasher Safe Nonstick Jumbo Cooker Chef's Pan with Lid and Helper Handle, Kitchen Cookware, 6-Quart, BlackView on AmazonSENSARTE Ceramic Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet with Lid, 12 Inch Large Deep Frying Pan, 5 Qt Saute Pan, Induction Pan, Healthy Non Toxic Cooking Pan with Helper Handle, PFOA PFAS PTFE FreeSENSARTE Ceramic Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet with Lid, 12 Inch Large Deep Frying Pan, 5 Qt Saute Pan, Induction Pan, Healthy Non Toxic Cooking Pan with Helper Handle, PFOA PFAS PTFE FreeView on Amazon

Cutting board

Astercook Deep-Carbonized Bamboo Cutting Boards for Kitchen with Wood Storage Stand, Reversible Charcuterie & Chopping Boards with Juice Grooves and Easy-Grip Handles, Fathers Day Gift for MenAstercook Deep-Carbonized Bamboo Cutting Boards for Kitchen with Wood Storage Stand, Reversible Charcuterie & Chopping Boards with Juice Grooves and Easy-Grip Handles, Fathers Day Gift for MenView on AmazonZeawec 3-Piece Set Bamboo Cutting Board for Kitchen - Crack-Resistant Wood Chopping Boards with Deep Juice Grooves, Pre-Oiled Butcher Block for Meat, Vegetables & Cheese, CarbonizedZeawec 3-Piece Set Bamboo Cutting Board for Kitchen - Crack-Resistant Wood Chopping Boards with Deep Juice Grooves, Pre-Oiled Butcher Block for Meat, Vegetables & Cheese, CarbonizedView on AmazonGORILLA GRIP BPA-Free Reversible Kitchen Cutting Board Set of 3, US Designed, Nonporous, Juice Grooves Catch Liquid, Slip Resistant Border, Dishwasher Safe, Durable Large Food Chopping Boards, BlackGORILLA GRIP BPA-Free Reversible Kitchen Cutting Board Set of 3, US Designed, Nonporous, Juice Grooves Catch Liquid, Slip Resistant Border, Dishwasher Safe, Durable Large Food Chopping Boards, BlackView on Amazon

Tongs

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Recipe Tips

Crush the peppercorns coarsely rather than grinding them into a fine powder for bold pops of peppery flavor.

Reserve the pasta water before draining; its starch helps the butter, Parmesan, lemon juice, and pan juices form a light sauce.

Let the chicken rest before slicing so the juices settle and the slices stay tender.

Remove the pan from the heat before tossing in the butter and Parmesan to help the sauce stay glossy instead of breaking.

Add extra pasta water gradually only if needed; the finished pasta should be coated, not soupy.

FAQ

When should I add the spinach to the linguine?

Add the spinach during the final minute of the pasta cooking time. It wilts quickly and then drains with the linguine.

How much lemon zest and juice do I need?

Zest the lemons to get 2 teaspoons total zest, and squeeze 3 tablespoons lemon juice for the sauce.

What should I do if the pasta sauce seems dry?

Toss in more reserved pasta cooking water a little at a time until the linguine is evenly coated in a loose, glossy sauce.

How long should the chicken cook?

Cook the chicken over medium-high heat until browned and no longer pink in the center, about 6 to 8 minutes per side, then let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Are all the crushed peppercorns required at the end?

No. Use the remaining crushed peppercorns as a finishing garnish only if you want a stronger peppery bite.