Creamy Chicken Linguine Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a dish that’s as comforting as it is crave-worthy, my Creamy Chicken Linguine Recipe is about to become your new weeknight hero. Picture tender strips of juicy chicken tossed with silky pasta and drenched in a luxuriously creamy Parmesan sauce, then finished with a scatter of fresh parsley. This meal brings incredible Italian-American flavor straight to your table with minimal fuss and maximum reward. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or need a crowd-pleasing main for friends, the Creamy Chicken Linguine Recipe never disappoints and always leaves everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This lineup of ingredients proves that you don’t need much to create a knockout pasta dinner. Each component, from the savory chicken to luscious cream, plays a key role in building layers of texture, color, and, most importantly, flavor. Let’s break down what you’ll need for this Creamy Chicken Linguine Recipe:
- Linguine Pasta: Classic and wide enough to hold onto that dreamy creamy sauce.
- Olive Oil: Adds a gentle richness and helps the chicken cook evenly without sticking.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Sliced thin for quick cooking and consistently juicy bites.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning both the chicken and pasta water for maximum taste.
- Black Pepper: Gives just the right touch of warmth and depth.
- Unsalted Butter: Rounds out the sauce and adds an extra layer of creaminess.
- Garlic: Gives that classic aromatic punch we all adore in Italian-American recipes.
- Heavy Cream: The key to that luscious, velvety sauce we can’t resist.
- Chicken Broth: Lightens the sauce just enough and layers in savory, meaty undertones.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Melts into the sauce for bold flavor and extra creaminess.
- Italian Seasoning: A balanced blend of dried herbs that brings authentic flair.
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional): Adds a little heat for those who want to kick things up a notch.
- Fresh Parsley: Sprinkled on top for a bright, fresh finish.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Linguine Recipe
Step 1: Boil the Linguine
Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil, then add the linguine. Give it a stir or two as it cooks to prevent any sticking. Cook the pasta until it’s just al dente—perfectly toothsome, but not mushy. Reserve a small splash of pasta water, drain the rest, and set the linguine aside. This simple step sets the foundation for the Creamy Chicken Linguine Recipe, letting that decadent sauce cling to every noodle.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the thin strips of chicken and sprinkle with salt and black pepper. Sauté for 5–6 minutes, flipping halfway, until the chicken is golden and cooked through. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and keep it nearby for when it’s time to reunite everything in that glorious sauce.
Step 3: Build the Sauce Base
In the same skillet (leave those savory chicken bits in there for flavor!), lower the heat to medium and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds, stirring constantly. The aroma will let you know you’re on the right track, but don’t let the garlic brown—it can turn bitter if it goes too far.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, then gently stir in the Italian seasoning and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want some heat. Let everything simmer together for about 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce will start to thicken slightly and take on a beautiful, glossy sheen—the unmistakable hallmark of a true Creamy Chicken Linguine Recipe.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Lower the heat and sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts smoothly into the sauce. Return the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet and toss until every noodle and morsel of chicken is coated in that velvety sauce. If your sauce is a little too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water until it reaches your ideal consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed—don’t be shy with the black pepper!
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Linguine Recipe
Garnishes
Add a shower of freshly chopped parsley over the top just before serving. Not only does it make the dish pop visually, but that bright herbal note is the perfect counterpoint to the creamy richness. If you’re feeling extra fancy, a touch more grated Parmesan never hurts!
Side Dishes
The Creamy Chicken Linguine Recipe truly shines alongside a simple green salad tossed in lemony vinaigrette or a platter of oven-roasted veggies. Want to stay classic? A warm, crusty loaf of bread is ideal for mopping up every drop of luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a restaurant-style touch, use tongs or a big fork to twirl generous heaps of pasta into shallow bowls. Nestle the golden chicken strips right on top and finish with a last drizzle of sauce and a scattering of herbs. For a family meal, serve everything straight from the skillet at the table—it invites everyone to dig in together for a cozy, satisfying meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers of this Creamy Chicken Linguine Recipe (lucky you!), pop them into an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. It’ll stay delicious for up to three days, and may even taste richer as the flavors meld together overnight.
Freezing
For longer storage, let the pasta cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to two months. Just be aware—the creamy sauce may change texture a little after thawing, but a gentle stir as you reheat will do wonders to smooth things out.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk, cream, or chicken broth to loosen the sauce if needed. Stir frequently and heat just until hot—overheating can make the chicken tough and the sauce separate.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While linguine is great for holding onto the sauce, feel free to swap in fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne. Each shape brings a slightly different texture, but the creamy sauce plays well with them all.
How can I make this dish lighter?
You can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce, or add extra steamed veggies like broccoli or spinach to bulk up the volume without more calories. For an added health boost, consider using whole-wheat linguine.
What if I don’t have fresh Parmesan?
Fresh Parmesan melts best and lends amazing flavor to your Creamy Chicken Linguine Recipe, but pre-grated or even Pecorino Romano will work in a pinch. Just avoid the powdered versions—they don’t melt as smoothly!
Can I make this Creamy Chicken Linguine Recipe ahead of time?
You can cook the chicken and pasta up to a day in advance and refrigerate them separately. When you’re ready to serve, quickly make the sauce and toss everything together in the skillet for fresh-from-the-pan perfection.
Is this recipe spicy?
Not unless you want it to be! The red pepper flakes are completely optional—add more or less to adjust the spice level, or leave them out for a purely savory, creamy experience.
Final Thoughts
It’s hard not to fall in love with the Creamy Chicken Linguine Recipe after tasting just one bite. This is comfort food at its best: simple, sumptuous, and guaranteed to bring a smile to your table. Give it a try, and I’m willing to bet it’ll be making repeat appearances for every pasta night to come!
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Creamy Chicken Linguine Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a decadent yet easy-to-make Creamy Chicken Linguine dish that is sure to become a family favorite. Tender linguine pasta is coated in a rich Parmesan cream sauce and paired with savory chicken strips, creating a satisfying meal that is perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
Linguine Pasta:
- 12 ounces linguine pasta
Chicken:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Cream Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish:
- Chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook the Linguine: Boil linguine in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Sauté chicken strips in olive oil, season with salt and pepper until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet.
- Prepare the Cream Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter, sauté garlic, pour in cream and broth, add seasonings. Simmer until slightly thickened. Stir in Parmesan cheese until smooth.
- Combine and Serve: Return chicken and pasta to the skillet, toss in the sauce. Garnish with parsley and serve.
Notes
- You can substitute half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Enhance the dish with steamed broccoli or spinach for added nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
