Creamy Chicken Linguine Recipe

If you’re searching for a dinner that feels like a cozy restaurant treat (with minimal effort!), Creamy Chicken Linguine is about to become your new weeknight hero. Imagine perfectly tender chicken and silky linguine cloaked in a dreamy, Parmesan-laced sauce—this recipe delivers comfort and a little hint of luxury in every single bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Rich, Creamy Sauce: The luscious Parmesan sauce wraps every strand of linguine and chunk of chicken in pure, velvety goodness.
  • One-Skillet Wonder: You’ll only need a handful of simple tools—less time cleaning, more time eating and relaxing!
  • Flavorful with a Kick: The garlic, smoked paprika, and (optional) red pepper flakes add depth and a customizable hint of heat.
  • Ready in 30 Minutes: Perfect for busy nights, Creamy Chicken Linguine can go from stovetop to table faster than you can say “seconds, please!”

Ingredients You’ll Need

With this Creamy Chicken Linguine, you only need a handful of pantry staples and a few fresh favorites to create a dish that tastes completely gourmet. Each ingredient has a little role to play—whether it’s adding silkiness, flavor, or that irresistible pop of color.

  • Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless, and cut into cubes—this cooks up tender and soaks in every bit of seasoning.
  • Linguine Pasta: The perfect noodle to cradle all that creamy sauce. You can substitute with fettuccine or spaghetti if you like.
  • Olive Oil & Butter: A classic combo for sautéing chicken and building those flavor-packed browned bits in the pan.
  • Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: These add mellow, savory depth without overwhelming the sauce’s delicate flavor.
  • Smoked Paprika & Cayenne Pepper: A dash of smoky warmth and optional peppery heat elevate the chicken beautifully.
  • Salt, Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes: Essential for seasoning the chicken and adding zing to the sauce—use as much or as little as you like.
  • Unsalted Butter: The base for the sauce, making it rich and velvety.
  • Fresh Parsley: Brings herbaceous color and brightness to every forkful—save extra for garnish!
  • Lemon Juice: A squeeze at the end gives a fresh pop that keeps the sauce from feeling heavy.
  • Grated Parmesan Cheese: For that restaurant-style, cheesy umami kick — buy a block and grate it yourself if possible for best meltability.
  • Chicken Broth: Adds juicy body and savory richness to the sauce without extra heaviness.
  • Heavy Cream: The secret to making everything extra luscious and indulgent.
  • Dijon Mustard: Adds a subtle tang and complexity, so the sauce doesn’t taste flat.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

This Creamy Chicken Linguine is endlessly flexible, so feel free to riff on it for the ingredients or flavors you love—or to fit your dietary needs. It’s a blank canvas for creativity and comfort food cravings!

  • Shrimp Instead of Chicken: Toss in peeled, deveined shrimp and sauté quickly for a twist on classic linguine Alfredo.
  • Veggies Galore: Add handfuls of fresh spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or halved cherry tomatoes for pops of color and bonus nutrition.
  • Make It Meatless: Cubed tofu (pan-seared until golden) soaks up the sauce and keeps the dish satisfying—great for vegetarians.
  • Mild & Kid-Friendly: Skip the cayenne and red pepper flakes for a gentle, creamy flavor that’s perfect for little ones or spice-averse guests.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Linguine

Step 1: Boil the Linguine

Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a rolling boil. Drop in your linguine and let it cook just until al dente—the pasta should still have a bit of bite! Before draining, reserve about 1/4 cup of that starchy pasta water, which is magic for adjusting your sauce’s consistency later on.

Step 2: Season and Sauté the Chicken

Meanwhile, season your cubed chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and cook the chicken pieces, turning occasionally, until they’re golden brown and fully cooked through. Transfer them to a plate and keep them warm.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, lower the heat and add the butter. Let it melt, then pour in garlic, chicken broth, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and (if desired) a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Stir well, scraping up all the savory browned bits. Let the sauce bubble gently, thickening slightly while the flavors mingle.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Return your sautéed chicken and drained linguine to the skillet, tossing everything lovingly in the sauce. Sprinkle in the Parmesan, chopped parsley, and a generous squeeze of lemon juice. If the sauce needs loosening, drizzle in the reserved pasta water until perfectly creamy and glossy.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve

Transfer Creamy Chicken Linguine to dishes and crown each plate with extra parsley and a fresh snowfall of Parmesan. Serve warm and savor the moment!

Pro Tips for Making Creamy Chicken Linguine

  • Sear for Flavor: Let the chicken develop a gorgeous golden edge without overcrowding the pan—the extra surface caramelization brings loads of depth to the final dish.
  • Reserve the Pasta Water: Don’t skip this trick! Starch-rich pasta water helps transform your sauce from “just creamy” to restaurant-level silkiness.
  • Grate Your Parmesan Fresh: Pre-grated cheese often has anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy. Freshly grated Parmesan melts beautifully for a smooth finish.
  • Add Lemon at the End: Always finish with the lemon juice off the heat—this keeps the sauce bright, not bitter, and highlights all the savory flavors.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Linguine

Creamy Chicken Linguine Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

A generous flourish of freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan is all you need to make your Creamy Chicken Linguine look inviting and feel special. A tiny sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a festive hint of color and heat for those who love a little zing.

Side Dishes

This pasta is wonderfully rich, so I like to serve it with a crisp green salad tossed with lemony vinaigrette, or some simply roasted vegetables. And if you’re a carb lover like me, grab a loaf of crusty bread to mop up every last bit of velvety sauce—it’s irresistible!

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party-ready touch, twirl the linguine into elegant little nests on each plate, sprinkle with a pop of fresh herbs, and finish with beautiful shavings of Parmesan over the top. Serving family-style in a big, warm bowl is just as inviting—let everyone dig in and help themselves!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Chicken Linguine keeps happily in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making lunch or a second dinner just as wonderful as the first round!

Freezing

While you can freeze this dish, cream-based sauces can sometimes change texture once thawed. For best results, freeze portions in airtight containers, then reheat gently, stirring in a splash of milk or cream to bring back that signature silkiness.

Reheating

Gently reheat your Creamy Chicken Linguine on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk, cream, or chicken broth as needed. Microwave reheating works too—just cover and use short intervals, stirring in between for the creamiest results.

FAQs

  1. Can I use a different type of pasta for Creamy Chicken Linguine?

    Absolutely! While linguine’s flat strands are perfect for catching the creamy sauce, spaghetti, fettucine, or even penne will work if that’s what you have on hand—just keep an eye on cooking times for perfect texture.

  2. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

    Swap in your favorite gluten-free linguine or spaghetti and double-check that your chicken broth and Dijon mustard are also gluten-free—it’s a simple way to enjoy Creamy Chicken Linguine without any worry.

  3. Can I make Creamy Chicken Linguine ahead of time?

    You sure can! Prep the chicken and sauce ahead; just keep the pasta separate until you’re ready to serve. Reheat gently and toss together with a splash of extra cream or pasta water for the perfect creamy finish.

  4. What can I add for more veggies or flavor variety?

    Feel free to add sautéed mushrooms, baby spinach, roasted asparagus, or bright cherry tomatoes—toss them in with the chicken or near the end for fresh color, nutrition, and flavor.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try this Creamy Chicken Linguine—it’s truly comfort food with just the right amount of luxury, and so easy to whip up. Whether you make it for a quiet family meal or a dinner with friends, it’s sure to win over everyone at the table. Happy cooking!

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Creamy Chicken Linguine Recipe

Creamy Chicken Linguine Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 68 reviews
  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 10 Minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 Minutes
  • Total Time: 30 Minutes
  • Yield: 4 Servings
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Non Vegetarian

Description

Indulge in a delicious and comforting Creamy Chicken Linguine with a rich, flavorful sauce that coats every strand of pasta and tender chicken. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a cozy meal at home.


Ingredients

Units Scale

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
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Sauce Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

Instructions

  1. Boil linguine: Cook linguine in salted water until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water, then drain.
  2. Cook chicken: Season chicken with spices, cook in olive oil until golden and fully cooked. Set aside.
  3. Make the sauce: Melt butter in the skillet, add garlic, chicken broth, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and red pepper flakes. Simmer until thickened.
  4. Combine: Add chicken and pasta to the sauce, toss to coat. Stir in Parmesan, parsley, and lemon juice. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
  5. Serve: Garnish with parsley and Parmesan. Serve warm.

Notes

  • Can substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu
  • Add veggies like spinach or cherry tomatoes for extra nutrition
  • Omit cayenne and red pepper flakes for less heat

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 Serving
  • Calories: 480
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 420mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 14g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 26g
  • Cholesterol: 105mg

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