Chicken Linguine – Creamy, Flavorful & Easy Pasta Dinner
If you’re looking for a comforting pasta dish that’s quick, flavorful, and perfect for family dinners, this Chicken Linguine is the answer. Tender chicken, perfectly cooked linguine pasta, and a creamy garlic-parmesan sauce come together for a restaurant-quality meal right at home.
Chicken linguine is a versatile recipe—you can keep it simple for busy weeknights or dress it up for a special occasion. It’s a crowd-pleaser that pairs perfectly with garlic bread and a fresh green salad. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz (340 g) linguine pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt (for pasta water)
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb / 450 g)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step by Step Cooking Guide
- Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, toss with 1 tbsp olive oil, and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temp: 165°F / 74°C).
- Remove, rest for 5 minutes, then slice into thin strips.
- Make the Creamy Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well.
- Add Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
- Simmer for 3–4 minutes until sauce thickens.
- Combine
- Add cooked linguine to the skillet and toss until well coated in sauce.
- Top with sliced chicken and stir gently.
- Garnish & Serve
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.
Cooking Time & Serving Size
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Serving Size: 4 servings
Tips & Variations
- Add Veggies: Broccoli, spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes make great additions.
- Cheese Upgrade: Mix Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Add extra chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Protein Swap: Replace chicken with shrimp, salmon, or even tofu for variation.
Nutrition Info (Per Serving – Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 520 kcal |
| Protein | 32 g |
| Carbohydrates | 48 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
Healthy Alternatives
- Low-Oil: Cook chicken in a nonstick pan with minimal oil.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free linguine pasta.
- Low-Carb/Keto: Swap linguine for zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles.
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Chicken Linguine hot, garnished with parsley and extra Parmesan. Pair it with garlic bread, roasted veggies, or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, yet elegant enough for date night or dinner parties. One bite, and it might just become your new favorite pasta recipe!
FAQ’s
Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs are juicier and work wonderfully in this recipe.
Q2: How do I reheat chicken linguine?
Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep the sauce creamy.
Q3: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can cook the chicken and sauce ahead, but cook pasta fresh for best results.
Q4: What pasta can I substitute for linguine?
Fettuccine, spaghetti, or tagliatelle all work well.
Q5: How do I make it lighter?
Use half-and-half instead of cream and reduce cheese slightly.
