Imagine tender, juicy chicken seared to perfection in a fragrant garlic butter sauce, paired with silky strands of linguine coated in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce. This dish is the kind of comfort food that wraps you in warmth with every bite, bringing together the savory depth of garlic, the luxuriousness of butter, and the nutty creaminess of Parmesan cheese.
It’s the ultimate weeknight indulgence that looks like it came from a restaurant but is easy enough to make in your own kitchen. The best part? It all comes together in less than 40 minutes, making it ideal for both busy evenings and special date nights at home.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Chicken with Velvety Parmesan Linguine
The combination of golden, flavorful chicken and the luscious Parmesan sauce creates a harmony of textures and flavors. The garlic butter gives the chicken a caramelized edge while infusing the pasta with a deep, aromatic richness. Plus, it’s versatile — you can dress it up with fresh herbs or keep it simple and classic.
What Kind of Pasta Works Best for This Dish?
While this recipe is made with linguine to give you that lovely silky texture and just the right bite, you could easily substitute fettuccine, spaghetti, or even pappardelle if that’s what you have on hand. The key is to use a pasta shape that can hold onto the sauce so every bite is creamy and flavorful.
Ingredients for the Garlic Butter Chicken with Velvety Parmesan Linguine
The magic of this dish comes from a handful of simple yet powerful ingredients. Each one plays a role in building layers of flavor and creating that irresistible, creamy texture.
- Chicken breasts — Lean, tender, and perfect for soaking up all that garlicky butter goodness.
- Butter — The base of our sauce, giving richness and a silky mouthfeel.
- Garlic cloves — Freshly minced to release their bold, savory aroma into every bite.
- Olive oil — Helps sear the chicken to golden perfection without burning the butter.
- Linguine — Long, flat pasta that carries the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Parmesan cheese — Freshly grated for the best melt and nutty flavor.
- Heavy cream — Brings the luscious creaminess to the pasta sauce.
- Chicken broth — Enhances the savory depth of the sauce.
- Salt and pepper — Essential seasonings to balance and highlight the flavors.
- Fresh parsley — Adds a pop of color and freshness before serving.


How To Make the Garlic Butter Chicken with Velvety Parmesan Linguine
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry, then season generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil and a tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Build the Garlic Butter Base
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining butter. Stir in the minced garlic, cooking just until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer, then whisk in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Meanwhile, boil the linguine in salted water according to package instructions. Reserve a cup of pasta water, then drain.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet with the sauce. Add the cooked linguine, tossing to coat. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Serving and Storing Garlic Butter Chicken with Velvety Parmesan Linguine
This hearty dish serves about 4 people generously, making it perfect for a family dinner or to impress guests. Serve it hot, straight from the skillet, so the pasta remains silky and the chicken stays tender.
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to revive the sauce’s creaminess.
What to Serve With Garlic Butter Chicken with Velvety Parmesan Linguine?
Garlic Bread with Herbs
Crispy on the outside, buttery on the inside, this is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.
Roasted Asparagus
Its fresh, slightly crisp texture balances the richness of the pasta.
Classic Caesar Salad
Crisp romaine, tangy dressing, and crunchy croutons add a refreshing contrast.
Caprese Salad
Fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze for a bright side.
Steamed Broccoli with Lemon Zest
Adds color, freshness, and a hint of citrus to the plate.
Antipasto Platter
Olives, cured meats, and marinated vegetables for a flavorful starter.
Creamy Tomato Soup
A warm and tangy pairing that complements the richness of the chicken and pasta.
Want More Chicken Pasta Ideas?
If you love this Garlic Butter Chicken with Velvety Parmesan Linguine, you’ll probably enjoy these other comforting favorites:
• Tuscan Chicken Pasta for a sun-drenched Italian twist.
• Creamy Lemon Butter Salmon when you want seafood with a similar luxurious sauce.
• Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta for a spicy, flavorful alternative.
• One-Pot Creamy Sausage Rigatoni if you’re craving a heartier, meaty pasta.
• Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna for an elegant dinner party dish.
Save This Recipe For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can revisit it anytime.
I’d love to know how yours turns out. Did you add extra garlic? Maybe a sprinkle of chili flakes? Or perhaps you swapped the linguine for fettuccine? Share your tweaks and tips in the comments so we can all cook smarter.
Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and comforting dishes on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and find your next favorite recipe.
Conclusion
This Garlic Butter Chicken with Velvety Parmesan Linguine is the perfect balance of elegance and comfort. With its rich sauce, tender chicken, and pasta that clings to every drop of flavor, it’s a dish you’ll return to again and again.
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Garlic Butter Chicken with Velvety Parmesan Linguine
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Garlic Butter Chicken with Velvety Parmesan Linguine is a cozy weeknight dinner that pairs juicy skillet-seared chicken with creamy Parmesan linguine. This easy garlic butter chicken pasta brings restaurant-style flavor home with a rich cream sauce, fresh garlic, and buttery herbs. Perfect for busy nights or date night in, this linguine alfredo–style recipe uses simple ingredients and delivers big comfort.
Ingredients
2 large chicken breasts
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
12 ounces linguine
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 1/4 cups heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 to 1/2 cup reserved pasta water, as needed
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
1 tablespoon lemon juice, optional
Instructions
1. Pat the chicken dry and season with salt and pepper.
2. Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 5 to 6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through; transfer to a plate and tent with foil.
3. Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining 3 tablespoons butter to the skillet. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
5. Whisk in Parmesan until smooth. Keep the sauce at a low simmer, stirring, 2 to 3 minutes to slightly thicken.
6. Meanwhile, cook linguine in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
7. Slice the chicken. Add linguine to the skillet and toss in the sauce, loosening with splashes of pasta water as needed until glossy and silky.
8. Fold in the sliced chicken, parsley, and red pepper flakes. Add lemon juice if using. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
9. Serve hot with extra Parmesan and parsley.
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan so it melts smoothly and does not turn grainy.
Keep the cream at a gentle simmer; boiling can split the sauce.
Salt your pasta water well so the linguine brings flavor to the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 780
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 39 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 67 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 41 g
- Cholesterol: 165 mg