Creamy Chicken Linguine

This Creamy Chicken Linguine features tender chicken and linguine tossed in a rich, velvety cowboy butter sauce with garlic, lemon, and Parmesan. The flavors come together effortlessly in just 30 minutes, making it a perfect choice for a quick, satisfying dinner that feels indulgent yet is easy to prepare!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy Chicken Linguine is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines the richness of a buttery sauce with the brightness of lemon and the umami of Parmesan. The chicken is seasoned to perfection with smoky paprika, garlic, and a touch of cayenne, creating a hearty meal that’s creamy, cheesy, and absolutely irresistible. Plus, it’s ready in 30 minutes, so you can enjoy a delicious homemade dinner without spending too much time in the kitchen!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed

• 8 oz linguine pasta

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp butter

Seasonings:

• 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)

Sauce Ingredients:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• ¼ cup chicken broth

• ¼ cup heavy cream

• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the Linguine: Boil the linguine in salted water until al dente, according to the package instructions. Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

2. Cook the Chicken: Season the cubed chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken. Cook until golden and fully cooked through, about 6-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

3. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add garlic, chicken broth, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir and let the sauce simmer for 3-5 minutes until it thickens.

4. Combine Pasta and Chicken: Add the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat the chicken and pasta in the sauce. Stir in Parmesan, fresh parsley, and lemon juice. If the sauce is too thick, adjust the consistency with the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired texture.

5. Serve and Garnish: Serve the creamy chicken linguine warm, garnished with extra parsley and Parmesan cheese if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

• Servings: 4 servings

Variations

• Add Vegetables: Add spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli for extra flavor and nutrition.

• Spicy Version: Increase the cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to make the dish spicier.

• Lighter Version: Use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce, though the texture will be less rich.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to bring the sauce back to a creamy consistency. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! Any pasta shape, such as fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni, can be used in place of linguine.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While this dish is best served fresh, you can prep the chicken and sauce in advance. When ready to eat, just cook the pasta and combine everything.

3. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, you can replace the chicken with tofu, tempeh, or vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for a vegetarian version.

4. Can I freeze this dish?

Freezing is not recommended for this creamy pasta as the sauce may separate when reheated. However, you can freeze the chicken and sauce separately and reheat them together when ready to serve.

5. Can I make the sauce spicier?

Absolutely! You can increase the cayenne pepper, add hot sauce, or even use a spicy sausage instead of chicken for more heat.

6. Can I use a different cheese instead of Parmesan?

Yes, you can substitute Parmesan with Pecorino Romano, Asiago, or even mozzarella for a different flavor.

7. Can I add extra garlic to the sauce?

Yes, if you love garlic, feel free to add extra minced garlic to the sauce for a more intense garlic flavor.

8. Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta and ensure the Dijon mustard and broth are gluten-free to make this dish gluten-free.

9. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), and it should no longer be pink in the center.

10. Can I use light cream instead of heavy cream?

Yes, you can use light cream, but the sauce will be less rich and creamy than when using heavy cream.

Conclusion

This Creamy Chicken Linguine is an easy, comforting meal that’s full of flavor and comes together in just 30 minutes. The tender chicken, creamy sauce, and Cajun spices make it a perfect dish for busy weeknights or when you want to impress your family or guests. The rich and cheesy sauce is sure to become a favorite, and the one-pot cooking method means less cleanup—making this meal even more appealing!

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