If you are craving a meal that feels like a warm hug and comforts like your favorite restaurant dish made at home, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Indulgent Garlic Butter Chicken with Velvety Parmesan Linguine Recipe. This dish combines tender, juicy chicken bathed in luscious garlic butter sauce with creamy, cheesy pasta that is just too good to resist. It’s the perfect harmony of flavors and textures, guaranteed to elevate any dinner night into something truly special with ingredients that are simple yet incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Indulgent Garlic Butter Chicken with Velvety Parmesan Linguine Recipe lies in its approachable ingredients. Each one is thoughtfully chosen to build rich layers of flavor, from the aromatic garlic to the decadent cheeses that create that velvety sauce you’ll want to savor with every bite.
- 1 pound Chicken breast or thighs: Thighs bring a juicier, richer flavor if you want to go extra indulgent, but breasts work beautifully too.
- 2 tablespoons Butter: Adds creaminess and helps that golden sear on the chicken surface.
- 4 cloves Garlic: Fresh garlic delivers the perfect punch of aroma and depth.
- 1 cup Heavy cream: Creates that wonderfully rich, silky texture in the sauce.
- 1 cup Grated Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts best and makes the sauce irresistibly cheesy.
- ½ cup Shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds delightful gooeyness—feel free to swap or skip it if you want.
- 8 ounces Rigatoni pasta or linguine: Linguine offers a light, elegant touch, but rigatoni soaks up sauce beautifully too.
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil: Combines with butter to keep the chicken juicy and flavorful.
- Italian herbs, salt & pepper to taste: Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can take the flavor notes even higher.
- ¼ cup Chopped parsley: Adds a burst of freshness and color at the end.
How to Make Indulgent Garlic Butter Chicken with Velvety Parmesan Linguine Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken
Start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces to ensure every forkful is packed with delicious chicken. Season generously with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Letting it rest for 10 minutes will allow those flavors to infuse, guaranteeing every bite tastes just right.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection
Heat your olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. This combination gives you the best browning without drying out the chicken. Sear the pieces for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful golden crust. Once done, take the chicken off the heat and keep it warm while you prepare the pasta and sauce.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta Al Dente
In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook your pasta until it reaches that perfect al dente texture, tender but still with a slight bite, usually about 8 to 10 minutes. Before draining, don’t forget to reserve half a cup of the pasta water—this little trick is pure gold for adjusting the sauce consistency later.
Step 4: Sauté the Garlic and Create the Cream Sauce
Turn your skillet back on to a medium-low heat and add more butter. Sauté the minced garlic cloves until fragrant, around 30 seconds, taking care not to burn it. Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes to meld those flavors together beautifully.
Step 5: Melt in the Cheeses to Make it Velvety
Now comes the indulgence—stir in the freshly grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella until melted into a smooth, creamy sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, this is where your reserved pasta water shines; add it little by little until you reach your desired luscious consistency.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Finish the Dish
Toss your drained pasta into the skillet with the sauce, ensuring every strand is beautifully coated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Finally, top with the golden chicken pieces, sprinkle with chopped parsley and a bit of extra Parmesan for that perfect finishing touch.
How to Serve Indulgent Garlic Butter Chicken with Velvety Parmesan Linguine Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley not only adds a splash of vibrant green color but also lends a fresh contrast to the creamy sauce. A twist of cracked black pepper or an extra handful of grated Parmesan cheese can personalize each plate to your liking.
Side Dishes
This dish shines as the star of the meal, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables can provide a refreshing balance. Garlic bread or a warm baguette for dipping into the sauce can also be an irresistible companion.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special dinner, serve the pasta twirled neatly in the center of the plate with the chicken artfully arranged on top. Drizzle with a little extra sauce and garnish with whole basil leaves or edible flowers for elegance that impresses without stress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re fortunate enough to have leftovers from this indulgent feast, store the pasta and chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making for a delicious meal the next day.
Freezing
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the leftover chicken and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers for up to a month. The pasta, however, tends to lose its texture when frozen and reheated, so it’s best to cook fresh pasta when you’re ready to eat again.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to revive the silky sauce. Stir frequently to ensure even heating and to keep that sauce from breaking, and your Indulgent Garlic Butter Chicken with Velvety Parmesan Linguine Recipe will taste almost as good as new.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts are a leaner option and will still taste delicious. Just be careful not to overcook them to keep the meat moist and tender.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a little flour as a lighter alternative, though this will result in a slightly less rich sauce.
What pasta works best for this recipe?
Linguine and rigatoni are recommended because they hold onto the sauce beautifully, but feel free to use fettuccine, spaghetti, or even penne depending on what you have on hand.
Can I prepare any parts of this dish ahead of time?
Definitely! You can season the chicken earlier and refrigerate it before cooking. The sauce is best made fresh, but grinding your cheese and prepping garlic ahead saves you some time.
How do I prevent the sauce from separating?
Keep the heat moderate, stir constantly when adding cheese, and add reserved pasta water slowly to maintain a smooth, creamy texture without breaking the sauce.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly irresistible about this Indulgent Garlic Butter Chicken with Velvety Parmesan Linguine Recipe—a dish that’s rich without being complicated, comforting yet impressive. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or simply treating yourself, it promises to fill your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and your table with smiles. Trust me, once you make this, it’s going to be a go-to favorite in your recipe collection.
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Indulgent Garlic Butter Chicken with Velvety Parmesan Linguine Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Indulgent Garlic Butter Chicken with Velvety Parmesan Linguine is a rich and creamy pasta dish that combines tender, golden-seared chicken with a luscious garlic parmesan sauce tossed with perfectly cooked linguine. Ideal for a comforting dinner, this recipe features a harmonious blend of butter, garlic, heavy cream, and cheeses, creating a decadent yet approachable meal that can easily impress any palate.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 pound Chicken breast or thighs (Chicken thighs add richer flavor)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Italian herbs, to taste
Sauce and Pasta
- 2 tablespoons Butter (plus additional 2 tablespoons for sauce)
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 1 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup Shredded mozzarella cheese
- 8 ounces Rigatoni pasta or linguine
- ½ cup Reserved pasta water
- ¼ cup Chopped parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to enhance flavor absorption.
- Sear the chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and sear until golden brown on each side, approximately 4-5 minutes per side. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and keep warm.
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water for later use.
- Make the sauce: Reduce the heat on the skillet to medium-low and add 2 tablespoons of butter. Sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the heavy cream and allow it to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Incorporate cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheese until fully melted and the sauce is creamy. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat the pasta in the cheese sauce evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or Italian herbs as needed.
- Serve the dish: Plate the linguine coated in sauce and top with the sliced seared chicken. Garnish generously with chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese for extra flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Chicken thighs add a deeper, richer flavor compared to breast meat.
- For a lighter version, substitute butter with olive oil and heavy cream with half-and-half.
- Fresh garlic yields the best flavor; garlic powder can be used in a pinch but may reduce aroma.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is recommended for optimal taste and melting quality.
- Reserve pasta water to help loosen the sauce without adding extra cream.
- Optional garnishes include fresh basil or chives as substitutes for parsley.
- Other pasta shapes like fettuccine or spaghetti can be used if linguine or rigatoni is unavailable.
