Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Linguine

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There are few things more comforting than a rich, garlicky cream sauce clinging to tender chicken and a nest of cheesy linguine. This dish hits that perfect balance of indulgence and simplicity. It delivers bold garlic flavor mellowed by Parmesan, and the creaminess is just enough to coat your forkful without overwhelming it.

Whether you need a weeknight pick-me-up or something hearty to share on a casual dinner date, this meal feels like a hug on a plate. It’s easy to elevate with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a dash of spice, but it stands proudly on its own. Every bite is the kind that makes you pause and savor.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Linguine

This dish is comfort food with a touch of elegance. It’s hearty without being heavy, thanks to the light touch of cream and the nutty sharpness of real Parmesan. The chicken is pan-seared until golden, giving it a crispy edge that pairs beautifully with the smooth pasta.

You don’t need a laundry list of ingredients or fancy cooking techniques to make this shine. It’s a one-pan kind of magic that turns pantry staples into something special. The creamy garlic sauce clings to each strand of linguine and the cheesy finish pulls everything together.

Can I Use a Different Cut of Chicken?

Absolutely. While boneless skinless chicken breasts are the classic choice for this dish because they cook evenly and slice nicely over pasta, you can also use boneless thighs for a juicier bite. Just be sure to adjust your cooking time accordingly.

If you’re feeling adventurous, thinly sliced chicken cutlets will cook even faster and absorb more of the garlic cream flavor. Just remember that whatever cut you use, seasoning generously and not overcooking are key to juicy, flavorful results.

Ingredients for the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Linguine

This recipe combines creamy, garlicky goodness with cheesy pasta bliss. To pull it off, you only need a handful of kitchen staples that come together in the most delicious way. The ingredients below create the backbone of both the richly flavored chicken and the luscious pasta that completes the plate.

• Chicken breasts: These are the main protein and sear beautifully, creating a flavorful base.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing every layer of flavor.
• Olive oil: Helps get that perfect golden crust on the chicken.
• Butter: Adds depth and richness to the sauce.
• Garlic: The star flavor; it adds warmth and aroma that carries through the dish.
• Heavy cream: The base of the sauce, giving it that velvety texture.
• Parmesan cheese: Brings sharp, nutty flavor and the signature cheesy goodness.
• Linguine: A great pasta for creamy sauces, holding on to all that rich flavor.
• Pasta water: Helps loosen and emulsify the sauce.
• Parsley (optional): For a burst of freshness and color.

How To Make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Linguine

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add the chicken and sear for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Boil linguine in salted water according to the package directions. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about a minute. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly. Bring to a low simmer and cook until slightly thickened.

Step 4: Add the Cheese

Stir in the Parmesan cheese, letting it melt into the sauce. Add reserved pasta water gradually to achieve your desired consistency.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Chicken

Add the drained linguine to the skillet and toss it gently to coat with the sauce. Slice the chicken and place it on top or mix it in. Garnish with parsley if using.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the creamy garlic parmesan chicken with the cheesy linguine and serve hot. Every bite is rich, cheesy, and packed with garlicky goodness.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Linguine is a rewarding dish, but small missteps can make a big difference. One of the biggest pitfalls is overcooking the chicken. Whether you use breasts or thighs, aim for a golden sear and juicy center—not dry meat. Use a meat thermometer if you’re unsure.

Another mistake is rushing the sauce. Letting the garlic gently cook in butter ensures it doesn’t burn and turn bitter. Also, adding the Parmesan too quickly or at high heat can lead to clumping. Take it slow and stir thoroughly so everything blends smoothly.

Don’t forget the pasta water. It might seem optional, but it’s key to loosening the sauce and helping it cling to the noodles. Skip it, and you risk a sauce that’s too thick or doesn’t bind properly.

Serving and Storing This Creamy Chicken Pasta

This recipe is generous and satisfying, comfortably feeding four hungry people. Serve it right away while the sauce is silky and the chicken is freshly sliced. If you’re prepping ahead, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

To reheat, use a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce again. Microwave works too, but be careful not to dry out the chicken. Avoid freezing, as the cream-based sauce can break and turn grainy after thawing.

What to Serve With Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Linguine?

Garlic Bread

You can never go wrong with a warm, buttery slice of garlic bread. It’s perfect for scooping up that extra sauce.

Roasted Broccoli

The charred edges and slight bitterness of roasted broccoli cut through the richness of the pasta.

Caesar Salad

Crisp romaine, crunchy croutons, and a tangy dressing bring balance to the creamy chicken dish.

Sauteed Spinach

Lightly wilted spinach with garlic complements the main dish without stealing the spotlight.

Caprese Salad

A refreshing combo of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil brightens the meal with acidity and freshness.

Lemon Asparagus

The citrusy punch of lemon paired with tender asparagus adds a nice contrast to the creamy base.

Red Wine or Sparkling Water

Pair your dish with a glass of red wine or chilled sparkling water with lemon for an elevated dinner experience.

Herbed Zucchini

Quick-sautéed zucchini with fresh herbs can round out the plate and adds some seasonal flair.

Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If you love this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Linguine, you’ll definitely want to try some of these other cozy chicken dishes from Nina Dishes:

• Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts for a slightly lighter yet still indulgent version.
• Marry Me Chicken Pasta for a romantic twist on creamy chicken.
• Slow Cooker Creamy Ranch Chicken if you love set-it-and-forget-it convenience.
• One Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles for a simple weeknight comfort meal.
• Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole for baked, cheesy, and irresistible flavor.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use linguine or try fettuccine instead? Maybe you threw in some mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes?

I love hearing your twists and touches. Feel free to share your thoughts or questions – let’s make weeknight dinners the highlight of the day.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on Nina Dishes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Linguine is more than just a comfort dish – it’s a reminder that incredible meals can come from simple ingredients. With its garlicky depth, cheesy pasta, and juicy chicken, this recipe is sure to earn a place in your regular rotation. Keep it bookmarked, because once you make it, you’ll crave it again and again.

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