Creamy Chicken Linguine Recipe

Creamy Chicken Linguine is everything you want in a comfort food dinner—silky pasta tossed in a rich, garlicky cream sauce, buttery golden chicken, and bright sparks of lemon and parsley. It’s one of those quick weeknight meals that tastes like a special occasion, but comes together in just 30 minutes!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Creamy Chicken Linguine is in its simplicity: just a handful of pantry staples, a few fresh elements, and every ingredient pulls its weight in giving you a dish that’s well-balanced and deeply satisfying. Here’s how each ingredient makes this pasta sing!

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Chicken takes center stage—tender, juicy, and perfectly seasoned for rich flavor in every bite.
• Linguine pasta: Slightly wider than spaghetti, linguine is the perfect vehicle for soaking up all that luscious sauce.
• Olive oil & butter: Sauté chicken in olive oil for golden color, then soften and enrich the sauce with butter for a velvet finish.
• Garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, pepper: These classic seasonings add layers of warmth, depth, and just the right touch of heat (cayenne is optional if you want less spice).
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For a gentle kick of heat that enlivens the creamy sauce without overpowering it.
• Unsalted butter (for the sauce): Forms the base of the sauce and gives it that signature silky mouthfeel.
• Fresh parsley & lemon juice: Brighten up the richness; parsley adds freshness while lemon juice provides gentle acidity to cut through the creaminess.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Nutty, salty, and melty—this classic cheese is what gives the sauce its umami backbone.
• Chicken broth: Infuses even more flavor and ensures the sauce isn’t too heavy.
• Heavy cream: Delivers that luxurious, velvety texture we all crave in a creamy pasta.
• Dijon mustard: Adds a surprising tang that elevates every other ingredient—don’t skip it!

Variations

Creamy Chicken Linguine is endlessly adaptable—think of this recipe as your delicious canvas! Whether you want to lighten it up, make it vegetarian, or lean into new flavors, there’s no wrong way to make it your own.

• Shrimp Swap: Replace chicken with shrimp (or even scallops) for a luxe seafood version in a flash.
• Vegetarian Delight: Substitute cubed tofu or sautéed mushrooms and toss in sautéed spinach or cherry tomatoes for color and nutrition.
• Extra Veggies: Stir in baby spinach, peas, or broccoli florets for a burst of green goodness and extra texture.
• Milder Version: Omit cayenne and red pepper flakes entirely if you (or little ones) prefer it without heat.
• Whole Wheat Pasta: For a nuttier flavor and added fiber, swap in whole wheat linguine or even fettuccine.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Linguine

Step 1: Cook the Linguine

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then add the linguine. Cook until just al dente—don’t overcook, as the pasta will finish in the sauce later. Before draining, scoop out about 1/4 cup of pasta water and set it aside; this starchy liquid is the secret to silky-smooth sauce if you need to loosen things up at the end.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, season your cubed chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm olive oil and cook the chicken pieces until golden and fully cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside—you’ll bring it back soon.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add a little fresh or powdered garlic if you love extra garlicky flavor, then stir in chicken broth, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Let it all simmer together, swirling gently, until the sauce has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon (about 3–4 minutes).

Step 4: Toss It All Together

Add the cooked chicken and linguine straight into that bubbling sauce. Sprinkle in the Parmesan, chopped parsley, and squeeze over fresh lemon juice. Toss everything together, using reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time if you want a looser, glossier sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning—add more salt, pepper, or lemon as you like.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Dish up your Creamy Chicken Linguine while it’s piping hot. Shower with extra parsley and a generous grating of Parmesan for restaurant-worthy flair. Serve immediately and get ready for happy forks all around!

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Linguine

Garnishes

No Creamy Chicken Linguine is complete without a sprinkle of vibrant green parsley and an extra flurry of freshly grated Parmesan. If you’re feeling fancy, add a twist of cracked black pepper or a few thin lemon slices for a true trattoria touch!

Side Dishes

This luxurious pasta pairs beautifully with a simple arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette, crusty garlic bread, or gently sautéed green beans. These sides keep the meal fresh and light, letting the creamy pasta shine.

Creative Ways to Present

Show off your Creamy Chicken Linguine by twirling individual portions onto warmed plates, nestling the chicken on top for visual drama. For a cozy, family-style vibe, serve it straight from the skillet at the table—everyone will love digging in together!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Chicken Linguine keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens as it chills, but a splash of milk or broth brings it back to creamy perfection when reheating.

Freezing

While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the pasta and chicken (without garnishes) for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then gently reheat—just know the sauce may lose a bit of its original silkiness, but it’s still delicious!

Reheating

For the creamiest results, reheat Creamy Chicken Linguine on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream, milk, or reserved pasta water and tossing gently until warmed through. Avoid microwaving for too long, as it can separate the sauce.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s a certain magic to Creamy Chicken Linguine—a dish that feels like a big, warm hug yet comes together with such little fuss. I can’t wait for you to whip up this creamy, dreamy dinner and put your own personal spin on it. Gather your favorite people, pour a glass of something fabulous, and tuck in—you’re about to make new dinnertime memories!

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