Description
Turn up the flavor with this *Spicy Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken with Linguine in Four-Cheese Sauce*! It's the ultimate easy dinner recipe—packed with tender chicken, bold spices, and a creamy, dreamy cheese sauce that clings to every strand of pasta. Whether you're looking for quick comfort food, impressive dinner ideas, or just love a spicy twist on a classic creamy pasta, this recipe delivers. Perfect for weeknights, cozy weekends, or date-night dinners. A must-add to your collection of easy recipe wins, comfort food ideas, and bold flavor-packed meals!
Ingredients
1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
3 tbsp butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
12 oz linguine
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
2 cups four-cheese blend (mozzarella, Parmesan, provolone, Asiago)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan (for topping)
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
1. Season chicken thighs with salt, black pepper, paprika, cayenne, and chili flakes.
2. Heat a skillet over medium-high with olive oil and 1 tbsp of butter. Sear chicken for 5–7 minutes per side until cooked through. Remove and let rest.
3. In the same skillet, melt remaining butter. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Meanwhile, cook linguine in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain.
5. To the garlic butter, add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in four-cheese blend until melted and smooth.
6. Slice the cooked chicken into strips.
7. Add drained linguine to the sauce, toss to coat. Add chicken and gently stir to combine.
8. If needed, use reserved pasta water to loosen sauce to desired consistency.
9. Top with extra Parmesan and parsley before serving.
Notes
Use freshly grated cheese for the smoothest sauce—pre-shredded blends can turn grainy.
Reserve pasta water before draining—it’s the key to a glossy, emulsified sauce.
Don’t boil the cheese sauce. Keep it gently simmering to avoid curdling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 780
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 48g
- Saturated Fat: 25g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 170mg
Keywords: easy dinner, spicy chicken pasta, creamy linguine, comfort food, cheesy garlic chicken