Description
This Garlic Butter Chicken with Velvety Parmesan Linguine is a comfort food dream come true. Golden, garlicky chicken bites sit atop a bed of creamy, cheesy linguine that’s rich yet effortless. It’s the kind of easy recipe that feels gourmet, perfect for quick dinners, date nights, or indulgent food ideas. With bold flavors and simple ingredients, this quick dinner comes together in under 40 minutes — making it a standout in your list of dinner ideas, easy recipes, and crowd-pleasing meals.
Ingredients
1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic minced
1 tsp paprika
0.5 tsp dried oregano
0.5 tsp onion powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped (optional)
12 oz linguine pasta
2 tbsp unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic minced
1 cup heavy cream
0.75 cup whole milk
1.25 cups Parmesan cheese freshly grated
0.5 tsp salt
0.5 tsp black pepper
0.25 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Reserved pasta water as needed
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add linguine and cook until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Season chicken cubes with paprika, oregano, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in batches and sear for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same pan, add 2 tablespoons butter and sauté minced garlic over medium heat for about 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Pour in heavy cream and milk, stir to combine, and let it simmer gently for 2–3 minutes.
6. Gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until smooth and thickened. Add salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
7. Toss cooked linguine into the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen. Stir gently to combine.
8. Add the seared chicken back on top. Drizzle with pan juices and garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve hot.
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting and creaminess.
Don’t overcook the garlic — 30–60 seconds is plenty before it turns bitter.
Reserve pasta water to help bring the sauce together smoothly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (¼ of recipe)
- Calories: 735
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 39g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 43g
- Cholesterol: 165mg
Keywords: easy dinner, creamy pasta, garlic chicken, parmesan linguine, weeknight recipe