If you’re craving a luscious, comforting, and effortlessly satisfying pasta dish, this Creamy Chicken Linguine Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine tender cubes of seasoned chicken nestled in a rich, velvety sauce that clings perfectly to every strand of linguine. With subtle hints of garlic, a touch of tang from lemon juice, and a gentle kick from spices, this dish is a beautiful blend of flavors that will quickly become a beloved favorite at your dinner table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating this Creamy Chicken Linguine Recipe requires simple, wholesome ingredients that each bring something special to the plate, from the tender chicken that adds protein and heartiness, to the creamy sauce that adds indulgence and depth.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed: Perfectly sized for quick cooking and easy to enjoy with linguine.
- 8 oz linguine pasta: The ideal pasta shape to hold onto the luscious sauce without overpowering it.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Adds richness and helps brown the chicken beautifully.
- 1 tbsp butter: Provides a silky base for the sauce and enhances flavor.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Gives a mellow, savory punch without the hassle of fresh garlic.
- 1 tsp onion powder: Deepens the flavor profile with subtle sweetness.
- ½ tsp smoked paprika: Introduces a smoky warmth that elevates the chicken.
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional): Adds a gentle heat for those who like a bit of spice.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing all the flavors perfectly.
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Sprinkle in for an extra touch of spark if desired.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: The creamy richness center stage for the sauce’s silkiness.
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped: Brings fresh color and a hint of bright, herbal flavor.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice: Adds a refreshing acidity that cuts through the creaminess wonderfully.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Delivers salty umami to elevate every bite.
- ¼ cup chicken broth: Lightens the sauce while deepening its savory notes.
- ¼ cup heavy cream: Makes the sauce luxuriously smooth and indulgent.
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle tang and complexity to the overall flavor.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Linguine Recipe
Step 1: Boil the Linguine
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook your linguine until it is perfectly al dente—tender but still with a slight bite. Be sure to reserve about ¼ cup of the pasta water before draining, as it will come in handy later to tweak the sauce consistency and help it cling gloriously to the pasta strands.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, season your cubed chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper if you’re using it, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken. Cook it until it develops a beautiful golden crust and is fully cooked through, tender and juicy. Once done, set it aside to rest while you prepare the sauce.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the softened butter and let it become wonderfully fragrant. Add garlic (if using fresh, finely minced here), chicken broth, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle heat kick. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and allow it to thicken slightly, stirring occasionally to build that irresistibly creamy texture that will coat your pasta beautifully.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss in the drained linguine pasta. Stir everything together so the linguine is fully enveloped in the rich, creamy sauce. Now’s the moment to add the Parmesan cheese, freshly chopped parsley, and bright lemon juice, stirring them in to bring vibrant layers of flavor and freshness. If the sauce feels too thick, gently loosen it with the reserved pasta water until it’s perfectly luscious.
Step 5: Serve
Your Creamy Chicken Linguine Recipe is ready to be savored! Ladle generous portions onto plates, making sure each serving brims with tender chicken, silky pasta, and that golden sauce that dreams are made of. Garnish with a little extra parsley and Parmesan for a finishing touch that looks as wonderful as it tastes.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Linguine Recipe
Garnishes
To add that extra wow factor, fresh parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan are simple yet effective garnishes. They offer a pop of color and a fresh bite that balances the rich sauce perfectly. If you like a bit more heat, a few extra crushed red pepper flakes scattered on top bring a lively contrast.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette to echo the sauce’s acidity. Steamed or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli make for vibrant, nutritious sides that complement the creamy pasta without overpowering it.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve this Creamy Chicken Linguine Recipe in wide shallow bowls to showcase the beautiful sauce pooling around the pasta. A drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a few delicate microgreens on top adds a gourmet touch that will impress everyone at your table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Chicken Linguine can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The sauce thickens when cold, so be prepared to add a splash of broth or cream when reheating to restore its silky texture.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, it may slightly affect the sauce’s creaminess. If you do freeze leftovers, use an airtight container and consume within one month for the best flavor. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating gently on the stove with a little added liquid.
Reheating
Reheat your pasta slowly in a pan over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce as it warms. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and to revive that creamy consistency that makes this recipe so irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use another type of pasta for this Creamy Chicken Linguine Recipe?
Absolutely! While linguine is ideal for its shape and texture, you can swap it for fettuccine, penne, or even spaghetti depending on your preference. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute butter with plant-based margarine, use dairy-free cream alternatives, and replace Parmesan with a vegan cheese or nutritional yeast to enjoy a creamy, dairy-free version.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Cook the chicken until it’s golden brown with no pink remaining inside. Using a meat thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
Can I prep this recipe ahead of time?
Definitely! You can chop the chicken and prepare the sauce components ahead, then cook the chicken and combine everything just before serving for maximum freshness.
What can I add to make this dish healthier?
Consider swapping heavy cream for Greek yogurt or light cream, use whole-grain linguine for added fiber, and increase the amount of fresh vegetables tossed into the dish to boost nutrition without sacrificing flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Linguine Recipe is the kind of meal that feels homemade with love yet sophisticated enough to serve guests any night of the week. Its balance of comforting creaminess, bold seasoning, and fresh brightness makes it simply unforgettable. Trust me, once you try it, it will quickly join your regular rotation of go-to dinners that satisfy and delight every time.
Print
Creamy Chicken Linguine Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Creamy Chicken Linguine recipe features tender cubed chicken breasts cooked to golden perfection and tossed with linguine pasta in a luscious, rich sauce made from butter, heavy cream, chicken broth, and Dijon mustard. Infused with garlic, smoked paprika, and a touch of heat from cayenne and red pepper flakes, this comforting dish is topped with fresh parsley, Parmesan cheese, and a hint of lemon juice for brightness. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner, it comes together in just 30 minutes and serves four.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta
- 8 oz linguine pasta
Sauce
- 1 tbsp butter
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Boil linguine: Cook the linguine pasta in a pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
- Cook chicken: Season the cubed chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add garlic (if using fresh garlic, otherwise garlic powder is added during seasoning) along with chicken broth, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and crushed red pepper flakes (optional). Simmer the mixture until it thickens slightly.
- Combine: Add the cooked chicken and linguine to the sauce. Toss everything to coat evenly. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and lemon juice. Adjust the sauce consistency by adding reserved pasta water if needed to loosen it.
- Serve: Garnish with additional fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve the creamy chicken linguine warm and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency and achieve a perfect creamy texture.
- Optional spices like cayenne pepper and crushed red pepper flakes add a nice touch of heat but can be omitted for a milder dish.
- For a richer flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-grated.
- Use fresh parsley for garnish to add color and freshness.
- This dish can be made gluten-free by substituting linguine with gluten-free pasta.
