Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Linguine

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Linguine

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Golden, juicy chicken breasts coated in a rich garlic Parmesan cream sauce served over a bed of cheesy, herb-flecked linguine. This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Linguine is a hearty, indulgent dish perfect for comforting weeknight dinners or a show-stopping weekend meal. Each bite is layered with flavor—savory grilled chicken, velvety sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta kissed with melted cheese.

What makes this dish irresistible is how all the components come together in harmony: the smoky char on the chicken, the silky cream infused with garlic and cheese, and the cheesy linguine twirled up with herbs. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining friends, this plate is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.


What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work beautifully here. They sear evenly, soak up the garlic-Parmesan flavors well, and slice neatly for plating. You could also use boneless thighs for a juicier bite, though they may need a touch more cooking time.


Ingredients for the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Linguine

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless, and seasoned generously—this is the protein foundation that carries the flavor of the sauce.

Olive Oil & Butter: A mix of both for a rich, golden sear and depth of flavor in the sauce base.

Garlic: Freshly minced garlic sautéed until fragrant sets the tone for the sauce.

Heavy Cream: Adds that luxurious, creamy texture that clings to the chicken and pasta.

Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is best. It melts into the cream to form a savory, nutty sauce.

Linguine Pasta: Long and silky, perfect for holding onto the sauce and forming cheesy nests.

Mozzarella Cheese: Sprinkled on top of the linguine for that melt-in-your-mouth cheesy finish.

Italian Seasoning: A balanced blend of dried herbs to tie the dish together.

Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning both the chicken and the sauce for a well-rounded flavor.

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How To Make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Linguine

Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken

Pat your chicken breasts dry and season generously on both sides with salt, pepper, and a dash of Italian seasoning. Let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to help them cook evenly.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 5–7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add a bit more butter if needed. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly. Bring to a gentle simmer and add the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Cook the Linguine

Meanwhile, cook the linguine pasta according to package instructions in salted boiling water. Drain and toss with a drizzle of olive oil to keep it from sticking.

Step 5: Assemble the Cheesy Linguine

Place the linguine on a serving dish. Pour a bit of the Parmesan cream sauce over the pasta and toss to coat. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the top and pop under the broiler for 2–3 minutes, or until bubbly and melted.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

Slice the rested chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces. Arrange them alongside the cheesy linguine and drizzle with more of the garlic Parmesan sauce. Finish with a sprinkle of Italian seasoning or fresh herbs if desired.


Serving and Storing This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Linguine

Serve this dish hot and fresh right after assembling for the ultimate flavor and texture experience. It pairs beautifully with a side salad or roasted vegetables and a slice of crusty bread to soak up the extra sauce.

For storing, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen up the sauce.


Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

Yes, but freshly grated Parmesan and mozzarella melt smoother and give a richer flavor. Pre-shredded varieties contain anti-caking agents that can affect the texture.

Can I substitute the cream with something lighter?

You can use half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be thinner and less creamy. For a dairy-free option, try coconut cream.

What if I don’t have linguine?

Fettuccine, spaghetti, or even penne work just fine. Just make sure the pasta holds onto the sauce well.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer—the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Also, juices should run clear when you slice into the thickest part.

Can I bake this instead?

Yes, after searing the chicken and assembling the pasta, you can place it all in a baking dish, top with mozzarella, and bake at 375°F for about 10–15 minutes.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! You can cook the components ahead and store them separately. Just combine and reheat before serving.


Want More Chicken Pasta Ideas?

If you loved this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Linguine, you might also enjoy these rich and satisfying dishes:

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine
Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Pasta
Garlic Parmesan Beef Spaghetti Pasta
Cafeteria Noodles with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
One Skillet Cheesy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak Pasta

For more comfort food recipes with irresistible flavors, check out my daily shares on Pinterest at Life with Nina.


Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add mushrooms or a splash of wine to the sauce? Did you try it with a different pasta?

I love seeing how you make these recipes your own. If you have questions or tips, share them below—let’s make dinner better together!


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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Linguine

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Linguine

  • Author: Nina Johnson
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop + Broil
  • Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired

Description

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Linguine is the ultimate comfort food dinner. Juicy, pan-seared chicken breasts are bathed in a luscious garlic Parmesan cream sauce and served over buttery linguine topped with melted mozzarella and herbs. This rich, indulgent pasta dish is perfect for cozy family dinners or casual entertaining.


Ingredients

Scale

2 large chicken breasts, boneless and skinless

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 ½ cups heavy cream

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

8 oz linguine pasta

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste


Instructions

1. Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes.

2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 5–7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and rest.

3. In the same skillet, lower heat to medium. Add remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. Pour in the heavy cream and stir continuously. Simmer gently, then add Parmesan cheese. Stir until sauce is thick and creamy.

5. Meanwhile, cook linguine according to package instructions in salted boiling water. Drain and toss with a little olive oil.

6. Place linguine on a serving dish. Drizzle with some Parmesan sauce and mix gently. Sprinkle mozzarella on top and broil for 2–3 minutes until melted and bubbly.

7. Slice the rested chicken and arrange beside the pasta. Pour remaining sauce over the top. Garnish with extra herbs if desired.


Notes

Freshly grated Parmesan and mozzarella give the best melt and flavor—avoid pre-shredded if possible.

If sauce thickens too much on reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen it up.

For an extra punch, add a splash of white wine when sautéing the garlic.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate
  • Calories: 635
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 510mg
  • Fat: 39g
  • Saturated Fat: 22g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 34g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 38g
  • Cholesterol: 155mg

Keywords: chicken pasta, garlic parmesan, cheesy linguine

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