Creamy Chicken Linguine Recipe

This Creamy Chicken Linguine is what happens when silky pasta meets golden chicken and a velvety, luscious sauce—all in just 30 minutes! The dish is a weeknight lifesaver that delivers restaurant-level magic at home, blending fragrant garlic, tangy Parmesan, and a hint of sunny lemon into pure comfort on your plate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

I absolutely love that the ingredients for Creamy Chicken Linguine are simple pantry staples, yet each one packs a punch of flavor, creaminess, or color. Every component—from the buttery sauce to the herby parsley—plays a key role in making this recipe sing!

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cubed for quick, even cooking and tender bites throughout the dish.
• Linguine pasta: This wide, flat pasta deliciously soaks up all that creamy sauce.
• Olive oil & butter: The olive oil gives that lovely Italian base flavor, and butter creates a rich, silky mouthfeel.
• Garlic powder & onion powder: Essential for infusing the chicken with bold, savory warmth.
• Smoked paprika & cayenne pepper: Add subtle smokiness and, if you choose, a cheeky kick of heat (totally adjustable!).
• Salt and pepper: Just the right touch to balance ALL the flavors.
• Crushed red pepper flakes: Optional, but they bring a gentle warmth that’s irresistible.
• Unsalted butter (for the sauce): Makes the sauce downright decadent without going overboard.
• Fresh parsley: Adds a pop of color and freshness that balances all the creamy richness.
• Lemon juice: Gives a bright, zesty lift and makes the flavors sing.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: The nutty, salty flavor is absolutely essential for Creamy Chicken Linguine perfection.
• Chicken broth: Helps loosen and flavor the sauce without making it watery.
• Heavy cream: For ultra-silky, dreamy sauce.
• Dijon mustard: Don’t skip this! Adds subtle complexity and chef-level depth.

Variations

One of the best parts of Creamy Chicken Linguine: you can absolutely make it your own! Whether you’re craving a lighter option, looking for more veggies, or just want to clear out your fridge, it adapts in a flash.

• Shrimp or Tofu Swap: Replace chicken with shrimp for a coastal spin, or cubed tofu for a vegetarian twist that still soaks up all that sauce.
• Veggie Boost: Stir in a couple of big handfuls of baby spinach or halved cherry tomatoes for extra color, freshness, and nutrition.
• Mild and Kid-Friendly: Leave out the cayenne and crushed red pepper flakes for creamy comfort without the spice.
• Pasta Flexibility: No linguine? Fettuccine, spaghetti, or even penne all work beautifully in this recipe.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Linguine

Step 1: Boil the Linguine

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook the linguine until just al dente—trust me, that little bite is key for perfect pasta. Before draining, be sure to reserve about 1/4 cup of the pasta water; it’s literal gold for adjusting your sauce later!

Step 2: Season and Sauté the Chicken

Toss your cubed chicken with the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper until every little piece is well coated. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high, then cook the chicken until it’s golden-brown on all sides and just cooked through. Once done, scoop it onto a plate and set aside—don’t worry about any little brown bits left in the pan, they add flavor to your sauce!

Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce

Reduce the heat and melt your tablespoon of butter in the same skillet; then add the garlic, letting it sizzle until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and red pepper flakes, whisking as it simmers. After 2–3 minutes, the sauce will start to thicken and look irresistibly glossy.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Return the cooked chicken to the pan, along with the drained linguine. Toss everything in the sauce until completely coated—this is where the magic happens! Add Parmesan, parsley, and lemon juice, then toss again. If the sauce feels a bit thick, trickle in a splash or two of that reserved pasta water. Taste and adjust seasoning if you like.

Step 5: Garnish and Enjoy

Plate up your creamy chicken linguine and finish with a flurry of fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve right away—the aroma alone will have everyone rushing to the table!

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Linguine

Garnishes

A final shower of fresh chopped parsley and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan takes Creamy Chicken Linguine from homey to high-end. If you want even more flair, add a twist of cracked black pepper or a drizzle of good olive oil just before serving.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a simple vinaigrette or some garlicky sautéed spinach. And if you really want to channel trattoria vibes, serve with warm, crusty bread to help mop up every last bit of that gorgeous sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special supper, try piling the linguine in little nests on individual plates, then crown each with chicken and a drizzle of extra sauce. Or, family-style in a big, shallow platter piled high and sprinkled with herbs—there’s something irresistible about everyone helping themselves!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let the Creamy Chicken Linguine cool, then transfer to an airtight container. It’ll keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days—just long enough for a satisfying lunch or another easy weeknight dinner.

Freezing

For best texture, Creamy Chicken Linguine is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze individual portions if needed. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to one month; the sauce may separate slightly upon thawing, but a gentle stir when reheating usually brings it right back together.

Reheating

Gently reheat leftovers in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce if it thickened in the fridge. Give everything a good toss, and you’ll have creamy, dreamy pasta all over again, almost as good as new.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to make this Creamy Chicken Linguine and watch it become a new favorite in your kitchen. With its dreamy sauce and cozy flavors, it’s bound to bring everyone together around the table. Treat yourself—you deserve a bowl of this tonight!

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