Creamy Chicken Linguine Recipe

Introduction

Creamy Chicken Linguine is a comforting pasta dish that combines tender chicken with a rich, flavorful sauce. This easy recipe is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a simple gathering with friends.

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
• 8 oz linguine pasta
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• 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)
• 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

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Step 2: Season the cubed chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, melt 1 tbsp of butter. Add chicken broth, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Let the sauce simmer gently until it thickens slightly.
4. Step 4: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the drained linguine. Toss everything together to coat the pasta and chicken evenly with the sauce.
5. Step 5: Stir in the softened butter, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, and lemon juice. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
6. Step 6: Serve the linguine warm, garnished with additional parsley and Parmesan cheese if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add minced garlic to the sauce when melting the butter.
• Substitute chicken breasts with shrimp or mushrooms for a different protein option.
• Use whole wheat or gluten-free linguine for a healthier or dietary alternative.
• Adjust the amount of cayenne and red pepper flakes to control the spiciness of the dish.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce as needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance and cook the pasta fresh before serving to maintain the best texture. Store components separately to avoid sogginess.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk for a lighter or dairy-free alternative, but the sauce may be less rich.

Creamy Chicken Linguine Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 56 reviews

• Author: Simon
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Creamy Chicken Linguine recipe features tender, seasoned chicken breast cooked to golden perfection and tossed with linguine pasta in a luscious sauce made from butter, garlic, chicken broth, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and Parmesan cheese. Enhanced with fresh parsley and a touch of lemon juice, it’s a comforting yet elegant dish perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Pasta

• 8 oz linguine pasta

Sauce

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tbsp butter
• ¼ cup chicken broth
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

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Instructions

1. Cook pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve ¼ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
2. Prepare chicken: Season the cubed chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
3. Make sauce: In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the chicken broth, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and a bit of garlic powder to layer flavor. Stir and let the sauce simmer until it thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
4. Combine: Add the cooked chicken and linguine to the sauce in the skillet. Toss well to coat everything evenly. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh parsley, and lemon juice for brightness. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
5. Serve: Garnish with additional fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese. Serve warm as a satisfying main course.

Notes

• Adjust cayenne pepper and crushed red pepper flakes based on your preferred spice level.
• Reserve pasta water is essential for loosening the sauce and achieving a silky texture.
• Use fresh Parmesan cheese for best flavor and melting quality.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but sauce will be less rich.
• Can be garnished with extra lemon zest for additional brightness if desired.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: Creamy Chicken Linguine, chicken pasta, creamy pasta, stovetop chicken recipe, quick dinner, easy pasta dish