Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Linguine Pasta 🍝🧄✨
This rich, indulgent dish combines tender garlic butter chicken with a creamy Parmesan-mozzarella sauce coating perfectly cooked linguine. Ready in 30 minutes—restaurant-quality at home!
🍽️ Ingredients
For the Chicken & Pasta:
-
1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
-
1 tsp Italian seasoning
-
Salt & black pepper to taste
-
12 oz (340g) linguine pasta
-
2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking chicken)
For the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
-
4 tbsp unsalted butter
-
4 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
-
1 cup chicken broth
-
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
-
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
-
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
-
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Pasta:
-
Boil linguine in salted water until al dente. Drain, reserving ½ cup pasta water.
2️⃣ Sear the Chicken:
-
Season chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
-
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until golden and no longer pink (~5-6 mins). Remove and set aside.
3️⃣ Make the Sauce:
-
In the same skillet, melt butter. Sauté garlic until fragrant (~30 secs).
-
Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, simmering for 3-4 mins until slightly thickened.
-
Reduce heat to low, then stir in Parmesan and mozzarella until melted and smooth.
4️⃣ Combine Everything:
-
Add cooked pasta and chicken to the sauce, tossing to coat. If needed, thin with reserved pasta water.
-
Garnish with parsley and red pepper flakes.
💡 Pro Tips
✔ Boost flavor: Add 1 tsp lemon zest or 1 tbsp lemon juice for brightness.
✔ Extra veggies: Stir in spinach or sun-dried tomatoes with the sauce.
✔ Crispy option: Top with buttery breadcrumbs (broil 1-2 mins).
🔥 Serving Suggestions
-
With garlic bread to soak up the sauce.
-
Side salad (try arugula with balsamic).
-
Wine pairing: Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio.
Why You’ll Love It
✅ Ultra-creamy with a cheesy, garlicky punch.
✅ Faster than takeout—perfect for weeknights.
✅ Kid-approved (who can resist cheesy pasta?).
Who’s making this tonight?