Golden, juicy chicken breast seasoned with garlic, herbs, and a hint of spice is seared to perfection, then served alongside buttery linguine tossed in a creamy, cheesy sauce. This dish is comfort food elevated—simple enough for a weeknight, but impressive enough for guests.

The richness of the parmesan sauce clings beautifully to each strand of pasta, while the herbaceous chicken provides a savory counterbalance. It’s a dish that tastes like indulgence but comes together with everyday ingredients and under an hour of your time.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken?

Linguine is the perfect match here because its flat, wide shape catches all the cheesy, garlicky sauce. You could swap it for fettuccine, tagliatelle, or even spaghetti, but linguine has the right balance of bite and surface area for this creamy combo.

Ingredients for the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Linguine

Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless breasts are ideal for a quick sear and juicy bite.

Olive Oil & Butter: A mix of both brings richness and helps with a golden, flavorful sear.

Garlic: Essential for that deep, savory aroma that defines the dish.

Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated for melt-in-your-mouth creaminess and salty depth.

Heavy Cream: The base of the sauce, giving it that luxurious, velvety texture.

Linguine: This pasta hugs the sauce in all the right ways.

Italian Seasoning & Paprika: Layers of flavor that bring the chicken to life.

Mozzarella (optional topping): For extra cheesiness baked right on top before serving.

Parsley: Fresh or dried to garnish and balance the richness.

How To Make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Linguine

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken

Slice the chicken breasts in half horizontally for quicker, even cooking. Rub them with olive oil, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat a skillet with olive oil and butter over medium-high. Add the chicken and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Set aside and let it rest.

Step 3: Cook the Linguine

Boil salted water and cook the linguine to al dente according to package directions. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add a tablespoon of butter. Sauté the garlic until fragrant, then pour in the heavy cream. Stir and let it simmer. Slowly whisk in the grated parmesan until melted and smooth.

Step 5: Toss the Pasta in Sauce

Add the drained linguine into the sauce and toss to coat. If needed, use the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.

Step 6: Assemble and Garnish

Slice the rested chicken and arrange over the cheesy linguine. Top with shredded mozzarella if desired, and broil for a minute until bubbly. Sprinkle with parsley before serving.

Serving and Storing Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Linguine

This dish is best served hot, right after it’s assembled, so the cheese is melty and the sauce perfectly clings to the pasta. Pair it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

To store leftovers, let everything cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce’s creamy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the chicken juicy?

Searing the chicken on medium-high heat and not overcooking it is key. Letting it rest before slicing helps retain its juices.

Can I use milk instead of cream?

Yes, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich. You can thicken it slightly with a bit of flour or cornstarch if needed.

Is there a substitute for parmesan?

Pecorino Romano is a good alternative with a saltier, sharper flavor. Grana Padano also works well.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prep the chicken and sauce ahead, but cook the pasta fresh for best texture. Store each component separately and reheat just before serving.

What if I don’t have mozzarella?

You can skip it or swap with shredded provolone or even cheddar—just enough to give that bubbly topping if broiling.

Will gluten-free pasta work?

Absolutely! Just be sure to monitor the cook time as gluten-free noodles can get mushy quickly.

Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Linguine hit the spot, here are some more comforting and creative chicken recipes to explore:

Grilled Chicken Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce for a wholesome twist on creamy classics.
Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet if you’re craving bold and buttery flavors.
Creamy Cajun Steak Alfredo when you want to mix it up with spice and steak.
One Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta for another easy, creamy dinner.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli for those pasta lovers who want even more cheesy comfort.

📌 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 try it with mozzarella on top or skip it? Did you pair it with veggies or a salad?

I love hearing your twists and tips. Share your version and tag me—let’s cook and inspire together!

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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Linguine

Author: Jam Scott
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Linguine is the ultimate cozy dinner. Tender, seasoned chicken is pan-seared and served over buttery linguine tossed in a creamy parmesan-garlic sauce. Finished with melty mozzarella and fresh parsley, it’s a dish that’s both simple and indulgent.