Creamy Chicken Linguine

Creamy Chicken Linguine

This Creamy Chicken Linguine is a comforting dinner that tastes like it came straight from your favorite restaurant. Tender cubes of chicken are coated in a rich, velvety sauce made with cowboy butter, garlic, lemon, and Parmesan. Perfect for a weeknight meal that feels special, this recipe comes together in only 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick & Easy: Minimal prep and a short cook time mean dinner is on the table fast.
  • Restaurant-Quality: Creamy sauce with layers of flavor from herbs, lemon, and smoky spices.
  • Family-Friendly: Mild enough for kids but easy to spice up for adults.
  • Versatile: Swap linguine for fettuccine or penne, or add veggies like spinach or mushrooms.

Ingredients

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size cubes
  • 8 oz linguine pasta
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for cowboy butter)
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

How to Make Creamy Chicken Linguine

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add linguine and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  2. Prepare the chicken: Toss cubed chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
  3. Sear the chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add the chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove to a plate and cover to keep warm.
  4. Make the sauce: In the same skillet, melt 1 tbsp butter over medium-low heat. Stir in the chicken broth, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and crushed red pepper flakes. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken.
  5. Finish the dish: Return cooked chicken and drained linguine to the skillet. Toss gently to coat in the sauce. Stir in the softened cowboy butter, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and parsley until the butter melts and everything is creamy.
  6. Adjust consistency: If the sauce seems too thick, drizzle in reserved pasta water a little at a time until it reaches your desired texture.
  7. Serve: Plate the pasta and garnish with extra parsley and Parmesan. Serve immediately while hot.

Tips for the Best Creamy Chicken Linguine

  • Prep Ahead: Cube the chicken and measure ingredients in advance to save time on busy nights.
  • Add Veggies: Stir in baby spinach, peas, or sautéed mushrooms for more color and nutrients.
  • Make It Spicy: Increase cayenne and red pepper flakes for extra heat.
  • Use Fresh Parmesan: Grated fresh cheese melts more smoothly into the sauce than pre-shredded.

Serving Suggestions

This rich pasta pairs perfectly with:

  • Warm garlic bread or crusty baguette
  • A fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette
  • Roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus

Storage & Reheating

  • Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.

Nutritional Information

Per Serving (4 servings total)
Calories: 520
Carbohydrates: 32g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Cholesterol: 120mg
Sodium: 430mg

More Quick Chicken Pasta Recipes

With rich cowboy butter and tender linguine, this Creamy Chicken Linguine is a satisfying meal the whole family will love. Enjoy every comforting bite!

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