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Spicy Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken with Linguine in Four-Cheese Sauce


  • Author: Sara McKenney
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

Bold, creamy, and irresistibly indulgent, this Spicy Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken with Linguine in Four-Cheese Sauce combines perfectly seared chicken tossed in garlicky, chili-kissed butter with tender pasta drenched in a rich, four-cheese sauce. It’s the kind of quick dinner that feels gourmet, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself. Whether you’re looking for easy dinner ideas, a creamy pasta recipe, or something new to elevate your weeknight meals, this flavorful, satisfying dish checks all the boxes for comfort, spice, and cheesy goodness.


Ingredients

500g chicken breast or thighs

250g linguine

3 tablespoons butter

4 garlic cloves, minced

1 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 cup heavy cream

½ cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated

½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

½ cup fontina or provolone cheese, shredded

¼ cup gorgonzola or blue cheese, crumbled (optional)

1 cup spinach, chopped (fresh or thawed if frozen)

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped


Instructions

1. Cut the chicken into evenly sized cubes. Season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and chili flakes. Set aside.

2. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.

3. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until golden and fully cooked, about 10–12 minutes. Set aside.

4. Boil linguine in salted water until al dente (8–10 minutes), then drain and reserve ½ cup of pasta water.

5. In the same skillet, pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer.

6. Add parmesan, mozzarella, fontina, and gorgonzola (if using). Stir continuously until melted and smooth.

7. Stir in chopped spinach and let it wilt into the sauce.

8. Add drained linguine and toss to coat. Use reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.

9. Plate the pasta, top with garlic butter chicken, and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately.

Notes

Use freshly grated cheese to ensure a smooth and creamy sauce. Pre-shredded cheese may clump.

If using chicken thighs, adjust cooking time slightly—they may take a few extra minutes to fully cook.

A splash of reserved pasta water is perfect for thinning the sauce without sacrificing flavor.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop / Pan-seared
  • Cuisine: Fusion / Comfort Food

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate
  • Calories: 670
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 620mg
  • Fat: 35g
  • Saturated Fat: 18g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 42g
  • Cholesterol: 145mg

Keywords: creamy pasta, spicy chicken, easy dinner, garlic butter, four cheese sauce, pasta dinner, comfort food