Description
This Creamy Chicken Linguine recipe combines tender, seasoned chicken with perfectly cooked linguine pasta, all enveloped in a rich, flavorful cream sauce. Enhanced with Parmesan, fresh parsley, and a hint of lemon juice, it’s a satisfying and elegant dish ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for a weeknight dinner or casual entertaining.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 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
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Pasta
- 8 oz linguine pasta
Sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Boil linguine: Cook the linguine pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, typically about 8-10 minutes. Reserve ¼ cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta. This water will be used later to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
- Cook 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 heat, then cook the chicken cubes until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add garlic powder if desired, then pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Stir well and let the sauce simmer gently until it thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
- Combine: Return the cooked chicken and drained linguine pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together to coat evenly. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh parsley, and lemon juice. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water to loosen it to your preferred consistency.
- Serve: Plate the creamy chicken linguine, garnishing with additional parsley and Parmesan cheese as desired. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture experience.
Notes
- For extra heat, increase the cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
- Use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder for a sharper flavor.
- Reserve pasta water is key to adjusting sauce consistency; do not skip.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or garlic bread.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated gently to prevent sauce separation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
