The Creamy Chicken Linguine Recipe is a deliciously satisfying dish that combines tender, spiced chicken with silky pasta enveloped in a rich and flavorful cream sauce. This meal perfectly balances comforting creaminess with a hint of zest and spice, making it a beloved dinner option for busy weeknights or special occasions. The textures and colors come alive in every forkful, inviting you to enjoy a restaurant-quality experience right at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this dish is a breeze since each one plays a vital role in crafting its irresistible flavor and luscious texture. From the perfectly cooked linguine to the juicy chicken cubes, every element contributes something essential to the Creamy Chicken Linguine Recipe.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed: Provides tender, protein-packed bites that soak up all the savory seasonings.
- 8 oz linguine pasta: Delivers the ideal flat, wide noodle to hold onto that luscious cream sauce.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Adds a smooth base for cooking the chicken with subtle fruity notes.
- 1 tbsp butter: Brings richness and helps develop a velvety sauce.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Infuses gentle warmth and depth without overpowering.
- 1 tsp onion powder: Enhances the savory background flavors naturally.
- ½ tsp smoked paprika: Offers a mild smoky touch that enhances the chicken beautifully.
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional): Adds a little exciting heat if you like a bit of spice.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Balances flavors for a well-rounded finish.
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Gives an extra kick peppered throughout the sauce.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Makes the sauce incredibly creamy and decadent.
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped: Adds fresh color and a herby brightness that lifts the dish.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice: Brightens the richness with a refreshing citrus zing.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Blends in nutty, savory punch, enriching the sauce.
- ¼ cup chicken broth: Lightens up the cream sauce, creating the perfect consistency.
- ¼ cup heavy cream: The heart of the sauce, delivering exquisite creaminess every time.
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle tang that elevates the overall flavor profile.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Linguine Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Linguine
Start by boiling your linguine in plenty of salted water until it’s just al dente — tender but still firm to the bite. Be sure to reserve about a quarter of a cup of the pasta cooking water before draining because this starchy water will help you adjust the sauce to the perfect consistency later on.
Step 2: Prepare and Cook the Chicken
While the pasta is cooking, season those cubed chicken breasts generously with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked through. This creates a flavorful crust that locks in juiciness and adds delightful texture.
Step 3: Make the Cream Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the butter and add garlic along with chicken broth, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and crushed red pepper flakes if you like some heat. Let everything simmer gently until it thickens slightly into a smooth, luscious sauce — this step is where all the magic happens in bringing those bold flavors together.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Pasta
Add the cooked chicken and linguine into the sauce, tossing everything carefully to ensure every strand of pasta and morsel of chicken is perfectly coated. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh parsley, and a splash of lemon juice. If the sauce feels too thick, gently loosen it with a bit of the reserved pasta water to get that irresistible creamy texture.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Finish off by sprinkling extra parsley and Parmesan on top to add a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve the creamy, comforting pasta warm, and get ready to impress yourself — or your guests — with a dish that tastes like a labor of love.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Linguine Recipe
Garnishes
Simple but effective garnishes can elevate the Creamy Chicken Linguine Recipe to new heights. Freshly chopped parsley not only brightens the plate but also adds a fresh herbal note. A light dusting of extra Parmesan cheese brings a salty, nutty finish. For those who love a little spice, a pinch of red pepper flakes on top adds exciting warmth.
Side Dishes
Pair this hearty pasta with a crisp green salad tossed in a lemon vinaigrette or roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts to add freshness and contrast. Garlic bread on the side works beautifully, offering buttery crunch to accompany the creamy sauce, making the meal more indulgent and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting, consider plating the linguine in shallow bowls to showcase each element. Drizzle a little extra sauce on top and garnish with a sprig of parsley or even some toasted pine nuts for a delightful texture contrast. Serve with a glass of chilled white wine to complement the creamy richness and make every bite feel special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Creamy Chicken Linguine Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that the sauce may thicken as it chills, so a quick stir with a splash of milk or broth will help revive its creamy texture when reheating.
Freezing
This dish isn’t the best candidate for freezing due to the cream-based sauce, which can separate when thawed. However, if needed, freeze the cooked chicken and pasta separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating gently with added broth or cream to restore creaminess.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers slowly in a skillet over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a little chicken broth, cream, or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and prevent it from becoming dry or clumpy. Microwave reheating is possible but use short bursts and stir often to keep the texture smooth and luscious.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While linguine is perfect for holding the creamy sauce, fettuccine, spaghetti, or even penne can work nicely depending on what you have on hand or prefer.
Is this Creamy Chicken Linguine Recipe spicy?
The recipe has optional cayenne pepper and crushed red pepper flakes, so you can control the heat level to suit your taste — leave them out for a milder dish or add more for a spicy kick.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, substitute the butter with olive oil or a dairy-free spread, and use coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative instead of heavy cream. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan for a cheesy flavor.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Cook the cubed chicken until it’s golden on the outside and no longer pink in the center, about 6-8 minutes depending on cube size. Using a meat thermometer to reach 165°F ensures it’s safe to eat.
Can I add vegetables to this Creamy Chicken Linguine Recipe?
Yes! Adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or cherry tomatoes can introduce extra color, texture, and nutrition, making the dish even more vibrant and wholesome.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Linguine Recipe is a perfect example of how simple ingredients come together to create a dish bursting with comforting flavors and textures. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, the creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta will surely become a favorite in your recipe collection. Give it a try and enjoy every creamy, delightful bite!
Print
Creamy Chicken Linguine Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Creamy Chicken Linguine recipe features tender cubes of seasoned chicken tossed in a velvety, flavorful sauce made with butter, garlic, chicken broth, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and Parmesan cheese, combined with perfectly cooked linguine pasta. A hint of smoked paprika, cayenne, and red pepper flakes adds a subtle smoky and spicy kick, balanced by fresh parsley and bright lemon juice. It’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing pasta dish that comes together quickly for an easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Protein
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
Pasta
- 8 oz linguine pasta
Seasonings & Spices
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Oils & Fats
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
Dairy & Liquids
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh Ingredients
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Condiments
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Cook Linguine: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve ¼ cup of the pasta water, then drain the noodles and set aside.
- Season and Cook Chicken: In a bowl, season the cubed chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper if using, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add chicken. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add chicken broth, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow the sauce to thicken slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
- Toss Pasta and Chicken in Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Add the cooked linguine pasta and toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are well coated with the creamy sauce. Stir in Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and lemon juice. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach desired consistency.
- Serve: Garnish with additional parsley and Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve the creamy chicken linguine warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the cayenne pepper and crushed red pepper flakes according to your taste.
- To reduce fat content, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
- Using fresh garlic instead of garlic powder will enhance the flavor if you prefer.
- Make sure to reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency; it helps the sauce cling better to the pasta.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute linguine with a gluten-free pasta variety.
