Description

Ready for a comfort meal that tastes like it came from your favorite Italian bistro? This Garlic Butter Chicken with Velvety Parmesan Linguine combines golden pan-seared chicken breasts bathed in garlic butter, served over creamy, cheesy linguine that hugs every bite. It’s a quick dinner, perfect for easy weeknight meals, romantic date nights, or indulgent weekend food ideas. With simple ingredients and a flavor-packed payoff, it’s one of those easy recipes you’ll keep coming back to—creamy, satisfying, and surprisingly quick to make. Ideal for anyone looking for a dinner idea that feels gourmet but is totally doable.

Ingredients

2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon paprika

2 tablespoons olive oil

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic minced

1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped

8 ounces linguine

1 tablespoon butter

2 cloves garlic minced

1 cup heavy cream

¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

½ cup reserved pasta water

Instructions

1. Slice each chicken breast horizontally to create four thin cutlets. Pat dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.

2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

3. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant (30 seconds). Return chicken and spoon garlic butter over it. Remove from heat and keep warm.

4. Cook linguine in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.

5. In a clean pan, melt 1 tablespoon butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds. Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.

6. Add drained linguine to the sauce, tossing gently to coat. Add pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.

7. Plate the creamy linguine, top with garlic butter chicken, and drizzle extra garlic butter over the top. Garnish with parsley and more Parmesan.

Notes

Grate the Parmesan fresh for best melting and flavor—pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly.

Add a splash of pasta water to help the sauce coat the pasta evenly and create a silky finish.

A squeeze of lemon juice or a handful of spinach can balance the richness and add brightness.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American-Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
Calories: 650
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 620mg
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 38g
Cholesterol: 160mg

Keywords: quick dinner, garlic butter chicken, parmesan pasta, easy recipe, creamy linguine