Garlic Butter Chicken with Velvety Parmesan Linguine

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Few things rival the comfort of a rich, creamy pasta dish paired with golden, perfectly seasoned chicken. Garlic Butter Chicken with Velvety Parmesan Linguine is a cozy classic with an indulgent twist. The chicken is pan-seared to a crispy, golden brown with a punch of garlic and spices, while the linguine is bathed in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce that’s silky, savory, and satisfying to the last forkful.

This dish is perfect for nights when you crave something hearty yet elegant. Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner, feeding a hungry family, or just treating yourself to a restaurant-quality meal at home, this recipe delivers comfort and flavor in every bite.

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

• Irresistibly Creamy: The Parmesan sauce hugs every strand of linguine, making every bite smooth and indulgent.
• Flavor-Packed Chicken: Garlic butter gives the chicken an aromatic depth, with a crisp sear outside and juicy interior.
• Fast & Impressive: You get a gourmet-quality meal in under 45 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute guests.
• Family-Friendly Favorite: Both kids and adults will love this dish. It’s comforting, cheesy, and filling without being overly complicated.
• Customizable: Easily add spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for a twist on the classic.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use (Essential Tools and Equipment, and the Importance of Each Tool)

Before diving into this rich and flavorful dish, setting yourself up with the right tools will make your cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.

• Cast Iron or Stainless Steel Skillet: Crucial for achieving that beautiful sear on the chicken. It holds heat well and gives you that deep, caramelized exterior without overcooking the inside.
• Large Pot: For boiling the linguine evenly without overcrowding. A spacious pot helps prevent sticking and ensures the pasta cooks uniformly.
• Tongs or a Slotted Spatula: For flipping and removing the chicken from the pan without tearing it apart.
• Whisk: Essential when making the Parmesan cream sauce to keep it smooth, lump-free, and evenly emulsified.
• Fine Grater or Microplane: Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly and packs a sharper flavor compared to pre-shredded cheese.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons: Precision is important, especially when balancing the richness of the sauce.

Having these tools within reach before you begin allows for a steady, uninterrupted cooking flow that keeps stress levels low and results high.

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Preparation Tips

• Pat the Chicken Dry: Always dry your chicken pieces before seasoning. This helps them brown better and avoids steaming in the pan.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Cold cream or milk added to a hot pan can cause the sauce to separate. Let them sit at room temp for a few minutes before using.
• Salt Your Pasta Water Generously: It’s your one chance to season the linguine itself. The water should taste like the sea.
• Don’t Overcook the Garlic: Garlic cooks fast and turns bitter quickly. Sauté it just until fragrant—about 30 seconds.
• Save Pasta Water: Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining. A splash can loosen your sauce if it thickens too much.
• Let the Chicken Rest: After cooking, allow your chicken to rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This keeps it juicy.

These small but smart prep habits will elevate your dish from good to absolutely unforgettable.

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Ingredients for Garlic Butter Chicken with Velvety Parmesan Linguine

For the Garlic Butter Chicken:

• 2 large chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized cubes)
• 1 ½ tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

For the Parmesan Linguine:

• 12 oz linguine pasta
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup pasta water (reserved)
• Salt and black pepper (to taste)
• 1 tsp dried Italian herbs or parsley flakes (optional garnish)
• Extra Parmesan (for topping)

Optional Add-ins: sautéed mushrooms, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.

These fresh and flavorful ingredients come together to form a dish that’s indulgent without being overcomplicated—every component plays a role in building that rich, buttery, cheesy harmony.

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Step 1: Cook the Linguine

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the starchy pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

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Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, pat the chicken dry and season evenly with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken cubes in a single layer, and sear for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.

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Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter

Reduce the heat to medium and add 3 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet.
Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant (do not let it brown).
Return the seared chicken to the pan and toss to coat it in the garlic butter. Turn off the heat and keep warm.

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Step 4: Prepare the Parmesan Cream Sauce

In a separate pan (or cleaned pasta pot), melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and sauté briefly. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
Gradually add in the Parmesan cheese, whisking continuously until melted and smooth.
If the sauce is too thick, stir in a bit of the reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached. Season with salt, pepper, and optional Italian herbs.

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Step 5: Combine and Serve

Add the drained linguine to the Parmesan sauce and toss to coat evenly.
Plate the pasta on one side and arrange the garlic butter chicken on the other.
Spoon a little extra garlic butter sauce over the chicken, sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan, and serve hot.

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Notes

• Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-shredded Parmesan often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Grating fresh Parmesan ensures a silkier sauce.
• Don’t Skip the Pasta Water: That starchy water is your secret weapon for thinning and binding the sauce to the linguine beautifully.
• Balance the Butter: This dish is rich—feel free to reduce the butter slightly if you want a lighter version without sacrificing flavor.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Crowding the Pan: When searing the chicken, avoid overcrowding. Too much meat at once will steam instead of sear, robbing you of that golden crust.
• Overheating the Sauce: High heat can cause the cream or cheese to curdle. Keep it at a gentle simmer while melting the cheese.
• Forgetting to Taste and Adjust: Cream and cheese can dull seasoning, so always taste your sauce and adjust salt and pepper before serving.
• Using Cold Ingredients: Adding cold cream or cheese straight from the fridge into a hot pan can shock the sauce and cause separation. Let them warm up slightly beforehand.
• Skipping the Resting Time: If you slice into the chicken too soon, all the juices run out. Letting it rest keeps every piece juicy and flavorful.

These tips help keep your dish consistent, creamy, and full of flavor every time.

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

This rich and creamy dish is filling on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can create a well-rounded and elevated meal. Consider complementing the flavors with freshness, crunch, or a hint of acidity.

Here are 8 Recommendations:

1. Garlic Bread

Crispy, buttery garlic bread is a natural match—perfect for scooping up any leftover sauce on the plate.

2. Simple Arugula Salad

Tossed with lemon vinaigrette and shaved Parmesan, arugula adds a peppery bite that cuts through the creaminess of the pasta.

3. Roasted Asparagus

Lightly roasted with olive oil and sea salt, asparagus adds crunch and freshness without competing with the flavors.

4. Caesar Salad

The tangy, creamy dressing and crunchy croutons make Caesar salad a classic pairing for pasta dishes.

5. Sautéed Green Beans with Almonds

A simple, light side that brings a nice texture contrast and a nutty undertone.

6. Bruschetta

Bright tomatoes, garlic, and basil over toasted bread offer a refreshing start to balance the rich main course.

7. Lemon Butter Broccoli

Broccoli tossed in a lemon-butter glaze brings citrusy freshness that lightens the overall meal.

8. Crispy Zucchini Fries

Baked or fried, zucchini fries offer a fun, crispy alternative to traditional sides—and they’re great for dipping in leftover sauce.

These sides enhance the meal without overwhelming it, giving you options for everything from a quick dinner to an elegant spread.

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Storage Instructions

If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), storing and reheating this dish the right way is key to keeping its creamy, savory charm intact.

• Refrigeration: Store the garlic butter chicken and Parmesan linguine in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk or pasta water to loosen the sauce. Avoid using high heat, which can cause the sauce to split.
• Freezing: While the chicken freezes well, the Parmesan cream sauce may separate when thawed. If you do freeze it, store in separate containers and reheat slowly while whisking to re-emulsify the sauce. Best used within 1 month.
• Meal Prep Tip: Store pasta and chicken separately if possible. This keeps the textures intact and allows you to control portions easily when reheating.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – Based on 4 Servings)

• Calories: ~720 kcal
• Protein: 38g
• Fat: 40g
  • Saturated Fat: 21g
• Carbohydrates: 52g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 3g
• Cholesterol: 165mg
• Sodium: 620mg

Note: Nutrition will vary based on serving size, add-ins, and exact ingredients used. For lighter options, use light cream or whole milk, and reduce the amount of butter.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely. Chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as they may take a bit longer to cook through.

2. What can I use instead of heavy cream?

You can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be lighter and slightly less creamy. Adding a bit of cream cheese can help thicken it if needed.

3. Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free linguine or pasta of your choice, and double-check that your Parmesan and seasoning blends are certified gluten-free.

4. How do I prevent the sauce from clumping or separating?

Use freshly grated cheese and add it gradually while whisking. Keep the heat low to avoid curdling, and stir in reserved pasta water to help emulsify the sauce.

5. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can cook the chicken and make the sauce in advance, then reheat gently while cooking fresh pasta before serving.

6. Is this dish spicy?

No, it’s mild and savory. If you want to spice it up, add red pepper flakes or a touch of cayenne to the chicken seasoning.

7. Can I add vegetables to the pasta?

Definitely. Spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes work beautifully in this recipe and add color, texture, and nutrients.

8. What if I don’t have linguine?

Fettuccine, spaghetti, or tagliatelle are great alternatives. Use what you have—just make sure it’s a noodle that holds sauce well.

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Conclusion

Garlic Butter Chicken with Velvety Parmesan Linguine is the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Rich, creamy, savory, and satisfying, it’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet luxurious enough to serve on special occasions. With tender chicken, perfectly coated linguine, and that irresistible garlic-parmesan blend, this dish is pure comfort with elegance. Whether you’re cooking for one or many, this recipe is sure to impress—every bite delivers full-bodied flavor and soul-warming goodness.

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