Craving something rich, cheesy, and downright comforting? This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Linguine is a dream combo of golden seared chicken breasts paired with a luscious linguine smothered in a garlic cream sauce and melted cheese. It brings together two crowd-pleasers: juicy herb-seasoned chicken and ultra-creamy pasta that begs to be twirled.

Whether you’re making it for a weekend dinner or looking to impress at your next get-together, this dish balances ease with indulgence. It’s the kind of meal that turns a regular night into something a little more special without turning your kitchen into chaos.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make this recipe smoothly, gather your essentials ahead of time:

Cast Iron Skillet or Heavy Pan: Essential for achieving that golden-brown sear on your chicken. Cast iron distributes heat evenly and locks in flavor.
Large Pot: Needed for boiling linguine to al dente perfection without crowding the noodles.
Colander: For draining your pasta swiftly without overcooking.
Box Grater: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and brings stronger flavor than pre-shredded.
Tongs or Silicone Spatula: These let you flip chicken cleanly and toss pasta with sauce efficiently.
Whisk: Crucial for making sure your garlic cream sauce turns out smooth and lump-free.

Get these lined up, and you’re set for a dinner that tastes restaurant-quality without the stress.

Ingredients for the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Linguine

Chicken Breasts: The main protein star. Lean, juicy, and perfect for pan-searing with herbs.
Olive Oil & Butter: A flavor-boosting duo for both the chicken sear and garlic sauce base.
Garlic (Minced): Essential for depth of flavor in the cream sauce.
Heavy Cream: Provides that rich, velvety base to coat the pasta.
Parmesan Cheese (Freshly Grated): The sharp, nutty core of the cheesy profile.
Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into gooey perfection on top of the linguine.
Linguine Pasta: Its flat strands hold creamy sauces beautifully.
Dried Italian Herbs (like oregano, basil): Brings that rustic, comforting aroma.
Salt & Black Pepper: To enhance and balance the entire dish.

How To Make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Linguine

Step 1: Sear and Season the Chicken

Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet, then sear chicken until golden-brown on both sides and cooked through. Remove and let rest.

Step 2: Boil the Linguine

In a large pot, boil salted water and cook linguine until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and whisk until it simmers. Stir in freshly grated Parmesan until melted and smooth. Season to taste.

Step 4: Combine Pasta with Sauce

Add the cooked linguine into the sauce and toss to coat well. Layer mozzarella over the top and let it melt in the warm skillet, creating a cheesy blanket.

Step 5: Slice Chicken and Serve

Slice the rested chicken into strips. Plate the linguine, top with chicken, sprinkle extra herbs if desired, and serve hot.

Serving & Storing Tips for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Linguine

Serve this dish fresh while the cheese is perfectly gooey and the chicken is warm and juicy. It’s best paired with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables to balance out the richness.

To store leftovers, place them in 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 revive the sauce’s smooth texture.

Avoid freezing this dish, as the cream sauce can split and the cheese may become grainy after thawing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this recipe lighter?

Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or evaporated milk. You can also use reduced-fat cheese or grilled chicken breast with minimal oil.

Can I use a different pasta?

Absolutely! Fettuccine, tagliatelle, or even spaghetti work well. Just aim for a pasta that holds creamy sauces nicely.

How do I avoid the sauce from curdling?

Cook the cream sauce over low to medium heat and avoid boiling. Whisk constantly while adding cheese for a silky consistency.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes! Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes blend beautifully into the garlic Parmesan sauce.

Is this recipe spicy?

Nope, not at all. But you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you prefer a little heat.

What’s the best way to reheat it?

Add a splash of cream or milk when reheating on the stovetop to bring the sauce back to life without drying out the pasta.

Want More Cheesy Chicken Pasta Ideas?

You might also like the Best Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti, where a baked finish brings extra comfort. Or explore Buffalo Chicken Lasagna if you love bold flavors wrapped in creamy layers.

For a one-pan variation, try One Skillet Smoky Cajun BBQ Chicken Pasta. It’s spicy, cheesy, and made for weeknights. You might also enjoy the cozy Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce, packed with creamy indulgence.

If you’re looking for a unique twist, Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a fun alternative that still delivers that same garlic-Parmesan bliss.

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

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If you end up making it, I’d love to hear how yours turned out. Did you go heavy on the cheese? Did you sneak in a veggie or two? Share your tweaks in the comments – and check out more of my daily recipes on Pinterest @LadyPlate.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Linguine

Author: Julia Koch
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Linguine combines tender, herb-seared chicken breasts with a rich, velvety garlic-Parmesan cream sauce tossed with linguine and topped with melty mozzarella. This dish is a comforting and satisfying dinner that looks impressive but is surprisingly easy to prepare.

Instructions

1. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs.

2. Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken breasts until golden-brown and fully cooked, about 6–7 minutes per side. Remove and let rest.

3. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook linguine to al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

4. In the same skillet used for chicken, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).

5. Pour in the heavy cream and whisk to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer.

6. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and whisk until fully melted and smooth. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper if needed.

7. Add the drained linguine into the sauce. Toss to fully coat.

8. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the pasta. Let it melt gently over low heat or broil briefly if using an oven-safe pan.

9. Slice the rested chicken into strips. Serve over the cheesy linguine. Garnish with extra herbs or Parmesan as desired.

Notes

Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melt and depth of flavor—avoid the pre-shredded kind that doesn’t melt well.

Don’t overcook the sauce; keep it on a gentle simmer to prevent it from splitting.

Let the chicken rest before slicing to retain its juices and tenderness.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate (¼ recipe)
Calories: 670
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 530 mg
Fat: 42 g
Saturated Fat: 22 g
Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
Trans Fat: 0.5 g
Carbohydrates: 42 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 37 g
Cholesterol: 140 mg

Keywords: creamy chicken pasta, garlic parmesan chicken, cheesy linguine