Craving a meal that hits the sweet spot between indulgent and satisfying? This Golden Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Linguine is your perfect answer. Picture tender, golden-seared chicken bathed in garlic butter and paired with silky linguine swirled in a luscious parmesan cream sauce. It’s the kind of meal that makes any night feel a little more special.

This dish brings together the best of comfort and elegance: juicy bites of herbed chicken, roasted cherry tomatoes, and a rich pasta that clings to every strand. Whether you’re hosting or just treating yourself, this is the kind of recipe that gets people asking for seconds—and then asking for the recipe.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To bring this recipe to life, you’ll want to prep with the right tools that make every step easier and more effective:

Cast Iron Skillet or Heavy-Bottomed Pan: Crucial for achieving that golden sear on the chicken. It distributes heat evenly and holds the temperature needed for the perfect caramelization.
Large Pasta Pot: You’ll need plenty of space for boiling linguine, allowing the pasta to cook evenly without sticking.
Microplane or Fine Grater: Essential for finely shredding parmesan so it melts seamlessly into the creamy sauce.
Garlic Press (Optional but Recommended): Helps extract maximum flavor from fresh garlic cloves, perfect for infusing the butter quickly.
Tongs: Useful for turning chicken without piercing the meat, and for tossing the pasta with the sauce for even coating.

Having these tools on hand will streamline your cooking process and help you achieve that restaurant-quality finish.

Ingredients for the Golden Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Linguine

Every ingredient in this dish plays a flavorful role. Here’s a look at what makes this recipe shine:

Boneless Chicken Thighs or Breasts: The main protein—juicy and tender, these pieces soak up all the garlic butter and herbs.
Cherry Tomatoes: Roasted alongside the chicken, they add a pop of sweetness and color that cuts through the richness.
Fresh Garlic Cloves: The star of the butter sauce. Fresh garlic delivers depth and fragrance that’s irreplaceable.
Unsalted Butter: Forms the luscious base for the garlic sauce, giving it richness and silkiness.
Olive Oil: Helps sear the chicken evenly while adding a hint of fruitiness.
Linguine: This pasta is ideal for soaking up the creamy parmesan sauce and pairing with the buttery chicken.
Heavy Cream: For that luxurious, velvety texture in the parmesan sauce.
Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese: It melts into the cream, thickening the sauce and adding sharp, nutty flavor.
Parsley (Fresh or Dried): Adds a bright, herby finish to balance the richness.
Salt and Cracked Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring all the ingredients into harmony.

How To Make the Golden Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Linguine

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Season your chicken generously with salt, pepper, and a bit of parsley. In a hot cast iron skillet, sear each piece in olive oil until golden brown on both sides. Add the cherry tomatoes halfway through to roast alongside. Once cooked, remove and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, lower the heat and add unsalted butter. Once melted, stir in minced garlic and sauté until fragrant—about 1 minute. Be careful not to brown the garlic.

Step 3: Cook the Linguine

Boil the linguine in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain.

Step 4: Build the Parmesan Cream Sauce

Add heavy cream to the garlic butter sauce. Let it simmer gently, then stir in freshly grated parmesan. Whisk until smooth and slightly thickened. Use reserved pasta water to adjust consistency if needed.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Add the cooked linguine to the sauce and toss until evenly coated. Plate the pasta alongside or under the garlic butter chicken and roasted tomatoes. Finish with extra parmesan and a sprinkle of parsley.

How to Serve and Store Golden Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Linguine

This dish is best served fresh, with the pasta hot and creamy and the chicken still glistening from the garlic butter. For a lovely presentation, swirl the linguine into nests and top with chicken pieces and cherry tomatoes. Finish with a shower of parmesan and chopped parsley for color and flavor.

Pair it with a simple green salad or roasted asparagus for contrast, and perhaps some warm garlic bread to soak up the leftover sauce.

If you’re storing leftovers, let everything cool first. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce without drying out the chicken or pasta.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the chicken juicy?

Searing over medium-high heat without overcooking is key. Also, letting the chicken rest before slicing locks in moisture.

Can I use another pasta instead of linguine?

Absolutely. Fettuccine, tagliatelle, or even spaghetti work well. Choose a pasta that holds onto the creamy sauce.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half, though the sauce will be lighter. A mix of milk and a spoon of cream cheese can also mimic the texture.

Is this dish spicy?

No, but you can add crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce if you want a kick.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance, but cook the pasta fresh for best results. Reheat sauce slowly and toss with fresh pasta before serving.

Is it okay to use pre-grated parmesan?

Freshly grated is best for melting smoothly. Pre-grated may result in a grainy sauce due to anti-caking agents.

Want More Creamy Chicken Pasta Ideas?

If you love the richness of Golden Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Linguine, you might also want to check out a few other crowd-pleasers:

Try the Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, which layers spice over a similar velvety sauce. For a twist with baked comfort, the Buffalo Chicken Lasagna brings a bold and cheesy balance.

You could also enjoy the bite-sized delight of Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta, or go for a different creamy direction with Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce.

Another baked option? Don’t miss the Best Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti, perfect for weeknight comfort with a creamy twist.

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your pasta boards for later. Just click the Pin button.

And if you make it, I’d love to hear how it went. Did you go extra garlicky? Swap in a different pasta? Drop a comment below and let’s swap ideas.

Want more daily recipes? Visit my Pinterest for delicious inspiration: LadyPlate on Pinterest.

Golden Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Linguine

Author: Julia Koch
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Golden Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Linguine is a luxurious yet simple dish that blends juicy seared chicken, roasted cherry tomatoes, and silky linguine bathed in a velvety garlic-parmesan cream sauce. It’s an easy showstopper perfect for a cozy dinner or an impressive date-night meal.

Instructions

1. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and parsley. Sear in hot skillet with olive oil until golden brown. Add cherry tomatoes to roast alongside. Remove and set aside.

2. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.

3. Boil linguine in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water. Drain.

4. Stir heavy cream into garlic butter. Simmer, then add parmesan. Whisk until creamy. Add pasta water to loosen if needed.

5. Toss linguine in the sauce until fully coated. Serve with chicken and tomatoes. Garnish with more parmesan and parsley.