If you’re craving a comforting dish that combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked linguine, and a luscious sauce, this Creamy Chicken Linguine Recipe is an absolute winner. It’s rich, flavorful, and easy to pull together on a busy weeknight or when you want to impress friends without spending hours in the kitchen. The creamy sauce hugs each strand of pasta while the sautéed mushrooms and garlic add depth and warmth, making this a consistently satisfying meal that feels like a special treat every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity. You don’t need a long list of fancy ingredients—just a handful of kitchen staples that come together to create a dish bursting with flavor, texture, and inviting color.
- 12 ounces linguine pasta: A classic choice that soaks up the creamy sauce beautifully, offering just the right bite.
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips: Tender and lean, these strips cook quickly and evenly for that perfect protein boost.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds richness and helps get the chicken golden brown without sticking.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Infuses the sauce with deep, velvety flavor and helps soften the vegetables.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Essential aromatic that brings a fragrant, savory punch.
- 1 small onion, finely diced: Adds sweetness and a mellow base for the sauce.
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms: Earthy and juicy, they add texture and body to the sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The star of the dish, giving the sauce its signature creamy texture and richness.
- ½ cup chicken broth: Balances the cream by adding savory depth and lightness.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Intensifies the cheesy, nutty flavor that ties it all together.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs giving the dish an authentic Italian flair.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds gentle heat and sharpness.
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Provides a subtle kick if you want a little extra excitement.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Brightens the dish with freshness and color right before serving.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Linguine Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Linguine
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the linguine and cook according to the package directions until it reaches that perfect al dente texture. This is important because the pasta will finish cooking when mixed with the sauce. Once done, drain well and set aside to keep warm.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Season the thinly sliced chicken strips with a pinch of salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until beautifully golden and cooked through, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. When ready, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside—this keeps the chicken tender and juicy.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the butter and allow it to melt over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic, diced onion, and sliced mushrooms. Sauté everything for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring often until the onions are translucent and the mushrooms have softened. This fragrant base is crucial for building rich flavor.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Lower the heat to medium and carefully stir in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Let the mixture simmer gently for 4 to 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken just a little. Once the sauce has started to develop, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and the optional crushed red pepper flakes. Watch as the sauce transforms into a luscious, velvety coating.
Step 5: Combine Chicken and Pasta
Return the cooked chicken strips to the skillet and toss them in the sauce to get fully coated and heated through. Then, add the cooked linguine and toss everything together until every strand is lovingly covered in that creamy goodness. The final mix should be silky and irresistible.
Step 6: Finish with Fresh Parsley
Sprinkle the freshly chopped parsley over the top to add a burst of color and a fresh herbaceous note that lifts the dish just right.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Linguine Recipe
Garnishes
A little extra Parmesan cheese grated over each plate before serving elevates the dish and indulges your cheese cravings. Fresh parsley or a sprinkle of cracked black pepper adds visual appeal and flavor contrast.
Side Dishes
Serve this creamy pasta with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or some roasted seasonal vegetables for a well-rounded meal. Garlic bread or a warm baguette is perfect for mopping up any sauce left on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual dinner, plate the linguine nest-style, then top with chicken and sauce. For a dinner party, consider individual bowls garnished with edible flowers or microgreens for a touch of elegance. You can also add sun-dried tomatoes or baby spinach into the sauce for added color and flavor dimension.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow any leftover creamy chicken linguine to cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate and consume within 3 days to enjoy the flavors at their best.
Freezing
While the sauce is best fresh, you can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Make sure it’s fully cooled and stored in a freezer-safe container. When thawing, do so overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring gently and adding a splash of milk or broth if the sauce appears too thick. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring frequently to keep the sauce creamy and smooth.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add a bit more richness and stay juicy, but remember to cook them thoroughly before adding to the pasta to ensure tenderness.
Is there a lighter alternative to heavy cream?
Yes, you can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to reduce calories while still achieving a creamy texture, though the sauce will be slightly less rich.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Definitely! Just swap linguine for your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check that your broth and other ingredients are gluten-free to keep it safe.
How spicy is the dish with the crushed red pepper flakes?
The crushed red pepper flakes add a gentle heat that can be omitted or adjusted according to your preference, making the dish suitable for all spice tolerance levels.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Yes! Spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or peas are wonderful additions that bring extra flavor, color, and nutrition to the creamy chicken linguine.
Final Thoughts
If you want a dish that feels cozy, indulgent, and endlessly satisfying, give this Creamy Chicken Linguine Recipe a try. It’s quick enough for a weeknight but special enough to share with those you love. Once you taste the creamy sauce mingled with those tender chicken strips and linguine, you might just add this to your regular dinner rotation. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
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Creamy Chicken Linguine Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This creamy chicken linguine recipe features tender strips of chicken cooked to perfection, combined with a rich and velvety Parmesan cream sauce, sautéed mushrooms, garlic, and onions. Tossed with al dente linguine and garnished with fresh parsley, it’s an easy yet elegant Italian-American main course perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces linguine pasta
Chicken
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips
- Salt and pepper, to season
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Extra Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken strips with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 5–6 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, finely diced onion, and sliced mushrooms. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Make the Cream Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium, then pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Let the mixture simmer gently for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce begins to thicken slightly.
- Season the Sauce: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Mix well until the cheese has melted into the sauce.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken strips to the skillet and toss them with the creamy sauce to coat evenly.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked linguine to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is thoroughly coated with the sauce and chicken is evenly distributed.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese over the top before serving warm.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and color.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best melting and flavor.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and pepper, depending on the saltiness of the chicken broth.
