Garlic Butter Chicken with Velvety Parmesan Linguine

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Imagine a forkful of tender golden chicken soaked in rich garlic butter, twirled with linguine strands coated in a luscious parmesan cream sauce. That first bite is an indulgent blend of comfort and elegance, making this dish the ultimate cozy night-in treat or an easy showstopper for guests. Garlic butter chicken with velvety parmesan linguine is as impressive as it is simple to make.

The buttery garlic infusion seeps into every bite of the seared chicken, while the linguine captures the parmesan sauce in its silky strands. It’s the kind of dinner that has everyone asking for seconds, yet takes less than an hour to pull together. Whether you’re cooking for date night or feeding a hungry family, this dish satisfies with flair.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Chicken with Velvety Parmesan Linguine

This recipe isn’t just about flavor; it’s about the experience. It offers the satisfaction of a creamy pasta with the savory punch of seared garlic chicken. You get the best of both worlds: elegance on the plate and comfort in every bite. It’s easy enough for a weeknight, but tastes like a dinner you’d serve for a celebration.

Plus, the ingredients are accessible, and the cooking technique is straightforward. No complicated steps or hard-to-find items. Just real ingredients, simple methods, and a whole lot of flavor.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this dish because they cook quickly and slice beautifully for presentation. If you prefer a juicier texture, boneless chicken thighs are a great alternative. Either way, make sure to pound them to an even thickness to ensure even cooking and to allow the garlic butter to really work its magic.

Ingredients for the Garlic Butter Chicken with Velvety Parmesan Linguine

The ingredient list here is short, but each item plays a key role in building layers of flavor. Choosing quality ingredients, especially the parmesan and butter, will make a noticeable difference.

• Chicken breasts: Lean and protein-rich, they cook up tender and pair well with rich sauces.
• Salted butter: Adds a deep, savory richness and forms the base of the garlic butter sauce.
• Garlic cloves: Freshly minced garlic infuses the butter and chicken with bold, aromatic flavor.
• Parmesan cheese: Provides the creamy, nutty base for the sauce that clings to the linguine.
• Heavy cream: Gives the sauce its velvety texture and balances the strong flavors with creaminess.
• Linguine pasta: Its wide surface holds the sauce well, making each bite extra satisfying.
• Olive oil: Helps sear the chicken to a golden crust while keeping it juicy inside.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing every other ingredient.

How To Make the Garlic Butter Chicken with Velvety Parmesan Linguine

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Season your chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken. Cook until golden on each side and fully cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove from the pan and let it rest.

Step 2: Prepare the Pasta

While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of pasta water.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet used for the chicken, lower the heat and add butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the cream and bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Stir in the Parmesan

Slowly add the parmesan cheese to the cream mixture, stirring until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth. If needed, loosen it with a splash of pasta water.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Slice the rested chicken. Toss the cooked linguine in the parmesan sauce until well-coated. Plate the pasta and top with slices of garlic butter chicken. Finish with a sprinkle of extra parmesan and cracked black pepper.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even simple recipes have their pitfalls, and this dish is no exception. One common mistake is overcooking the chicken. Because breasts can dry out fast, it’s essential to remove them from the heat as soon as they’re done and let them rest. Another issue arises with the sauce: adding the parmesan too quickly can lead to clumping. Take your time to stir it in gradually, and make sure the heat is low enough not to scorch the cream. Lastly, don’t skip reserving pasta water. It’s a secret weapon for adjusting sauce consistency without thinning the flavor.

Serving and Storing This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta

This comforting pasta dish serves about four people generously, especially when paired with a simple salad or bread on the side. It’s best enjoyed immediately, when the sauce is at its silkiest and the chicken is fresh from resting. However, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

To reheat, add a splash of cream or milk to a skillet and warm the pasta over low heat. This helps revive the creamy texture and prevents the sauce from separating. Avoid microwaving directly, as it can overcook the chicken and make the pasta gummy.

What to Serve With Garlic Butter Chicken with Velvety Parmesan Linguine?

Fresh Arugula Salad

The peppery bite of arugula dressed with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the dish.

Roasted Asparagus

A simple side of oven-roasted asparagus with olive oil and sea salt adds a crisp, earthy balance.

Cheesy Garlic Bread

Double up on garlic and serve a crusty loaf slathered in garlic butter and melted mozzarella.

Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts

These caramelized, tangy sprouts bring out the buttery depth of the chicken.

Tomato Basil Soup

A warm, slightly acidic tomato soup pairs wonderfully as a starter without overshadowing the pasta.

Grilled Zucchini Parmesan

Light and savory, this grilled side echoes the parmesan theme while offering a healthy contrast.

Classic Caesar Salad

Crunchy romaine, creamy dressing, and parmesan shavings are a timeless pasta pairing.

Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If you loved this Garlic Butter Chicken with Velvety Parmesan Linguine, there’s a good chance these other recipes will hit the spot too:

• Try the Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts for a saucier, skillet-based option.
• Dig into the layered goodness of Marry Me Chicken Pasta, full of sun-dried tomato flavor.
• Cozy up with a bowl of Creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti for an easy slow-cooked comfort meal.
• For a baked twist, the Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole offers creamy, cheesy layers you’ll love.
• If you’re after something hearty, the Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole brings all the creamy pasta vibes.

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use chicken breasts or thighs? Did you sprinkle on extra cheese or add a dash of chili flakes?

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Conclusion

Garlic Butter Chicken with Velvety Parmesan Linguine is more than a weeknight dinner; it’s a moment of indulgence that fits easily into everyday life. Creamy, garlicky, and packed with comfort, it’s a dish that always delivers. Whether you’re sharing it with someone special or treating yourself, this is a pasta plate worth repeating.

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