Nothing beats the comforting embrace of a perfectly cooked chicken dish drenched in rich, savory sauce paired with tender pasta. The Golden Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Linguine Recipe brings together golden, juicy chicken pieces sautéed in garlicky butter and enveloped in a luscious parmesan cream sauce over delicate linguine. It is a celebration of flavors and textures that effortlessly come together in about 40 minutes, making it a beloved weeknight favorite or weekend indulgence. Once you try this recipe, it might just become your go-to for a cozy yet elegant dinner that impresses without the fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Golden Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Linguine Recipe lies in its simple but carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role: the chicken brings hearty protein, garlic and butter infuse deep aroma and richness, while the parmesan and cream create the decadent sauce that clings perfectly to the linguine. Let’s dive into these essentials that you likely already have in your kitchen!
- 1.5 lbs chicken breasts or thighs: Choose tender chicken pieces cut into bite-sized chunks for even cooking and juicy bites.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic infuses a fragrant punch to brighten the buttery sauce.
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter: Delivers rich, creamy texture and balances the sharpness of parmesan.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Helps get the chicken golden and crispy without burning the butter.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the silky, dreamy base for the parmesan sauce.
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese: Adds savory depth and a slightly nutty finish to the sauce.
- 8 oz linguine pasta: The perfect pasta shape to carry the luscious sauce in every strand.
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped: Brightens the dish with fresh herbal notes and a splash of color.
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes: Adds subtle heat to awaken your taste buds without overwhelming the creaminess.
- Salt, to taste: Essential for seasoning both chicken and sauce.
- Black pepper, to taste: Provides a mild, aromatic kick that complements garlic and cheese.
How to Make Golden Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Linguine Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Start by cutting your chicken into bite-sized pieces, which helps them cook quickly and evenly. Generously season with salt and black pepper to enhance the natural flavors. This seasoning foundation is key to achieving that irresistible golden crust once cooked.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Sear them without disturbance for about 6 to 8 minutes until each piece develops a mouthwatering golden brown exterior. Then, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside; this crust is what elevates the entire dish’s texture.
Step 3: Build the Garlic Butter Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet. Use the flavorful browned bits left behind from cooking the chicken as a base. When the butter melts, stir in the minced garlic, cooking until it’s fragrant—usually around 1 to 2 minutes. This step ensures your sauce will taste like pure comfort.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer, being careful not to boil. Gradually stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese, continuing to cook and stir until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3 to 5 minutes. The sauce should be creamy and glossy—this is where the linguine will beautifully soak in all those flavors.
Step 5: Cook the Linguine
While the sauce is thickening, cook the linguine according to the package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water. This starchy water will help adjust the sauce’s consistency to coat the pasta perfectly later.
Step 6: Bring It All Together
Add the seared chicken back into the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss in the cooked linguine and stir everything together. Use the reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce if needed, ensuring the pasta is coated without being dry or overly thick.
Step 7: Final Flavor Boost
Finish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for brightness and red pepper flakes to add a delicate warmth. Give it one last toss and prepare for a deliciously satisfying meal.
How to Serve Golden Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Linguine Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle extra parmesan cheese or freshly cracked black pepper on top for an elegant presentation. A few fresh parsley leaves add vibrant color and a touch of herbaceous freshness that balances the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or steamed broccoli complements the creamy linguine by adding contrasting textures and a hint of acidity. Garlic bread or crusty baguette slices are also perfect for mopping up any remaining sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this dish family-style in a large shallow bowl so everyone can grab generous pasta swirls alongside juicy chicken. Alternatively, individual plates garnished with extra herbs and a wedge of lemon offer a restaurant-worthy touch that impresses guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Golden Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Linguine Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy this comforting meal again with minimal effort.
Freezing
Freezing the full dish isn’t ideal because the creamy sauce might separate upon thawing. However, you can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a skillet over low to medium heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce and prevent it from drying out. Stir gently until warmed through for the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs tend to stay juicier and add a bit more flavor. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking in this recipe.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you want a lighter option, full-fat coconut milk can be a good substitute though it changes the flavor slightly. Alternatively, mixing milk with a bit of flour can mimic the cream’s thickening effect.
How do I make this recipe spicier?
Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper while cooking the garlic butter sauce. Fresh chili peppers can also be finely chopped and sautéed with the garlic for an extra kick.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! While linguine is ideal for this sauce, fettuccine, spaghetti, or even penne work well. Just adjust the cooking time based on the pasta type to keep it al dente.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free linguine pasta and double-check that your parmesan cheese and other ingredients are free from gluten-containing additives.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Golden Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Linguine Recipe that feels both indulgent and approachable. Its warm, creamy sauce paired with perfectly cooked chicken and linguine creates a dish that comforts the soul and delights the senses. I encourage you to whip this up soon—it’s guaranteed to become a treasured part of your recipe collection.
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Golden Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Linguine Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Golden Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Linguine is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender, seared chicken with a rich garlic butter cream sauce tossed with freshly grated Parmesan and perfectly cooked linguine. The dish is enhanced with a touch of red pepper flakes and fresh parsley for a balanced taste that’s perfect for a satisfying family dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 1.5 lbs chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Pasta
- 8 oz linguine pasta
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized chunks and season generously with salt and black pepper to ensure the meat is flavorful throughout.
- Heat the skillet: Place a skillet over medium-high heat and heat the olive oil until shimmering, preparing it for searing the chicken.
- Sear the chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the hot skillet and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 6–8 minutes, giving the chicken a nice crust and locking in juices.
- Remove chicken: Transfer the seared chicken to a plate and set aside temporarily to make the sauce without overcooking the meat.
- Prepare garlic butter sauce: Reduce the heat to medium, add the butter to the same pan, and stir in the minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, approximately 1–2 minutes, to infuse the butter with garlic flavor.
- Add cream and parmesan: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese and continue mixing until the sauce thickens, about 3–5 minutes, creating a creamy, cheesy base.
- Cook linguine: While the sauce is thickening, cook the linguine pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and reserve 1 cup of pasta water for adjusting sauce consistency.
- Combine components: Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the cream sauce. Toss in the cooked linguine and combine all ingredients thoroughly, ensuring the pasta is coated in the rich sauce.
- Adjust sauce consistency: Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce to your desired thickness, allowing the sauce to cling nicely to the pasta and chicken.
- Finish and serve: Sprinkle the dish with fresh chopped parsley and red pepper flakes for freshness and a mild kick. Serve immediately to enjoy the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for juicier meat or breasts for leaner protein.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to taste based on preferred spice level.
- Reserve pasta water carefully as it helps achieve the perfect sauce consistency.
- Grate fresh Parmesan for the best flavor; pre-grated cheese may affect sauce texture.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
