Description

Spicy Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken with Linguine in Four-Cheese Sauce brings together golden-seared chicken, velvety cheese sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta in a comforting, flavor-packed dinner. With just the right kick of spice balanced by creamy richness, it’s the ideal meal for nights when you want indulgence without the fuss.

Ingredients

4 boneless skinless chicken thighs

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

4 cloves garlic, minced

4 tablespoons butter, divided

1 tablespoon olive oil

8 ounces linguine pasta

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup four-cheese blend (Parmesan, Mozzarella, Fontina, Asiago), grated

1 cup spinach (optional), chopped

Instructions

1. Pat dry chicken thighs and season with paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper.

2. Heat 2 tablespoons butter with olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

3. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook linguine until al dente. Drain and reserve some pasta water.

4. In the same skillet, melt 2 more tablespoons of butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.

5. Pour in heavy cream, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Slowly whisk in the cheese blend until smooth and melted. Add reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.

6. Stir in spinach if using, and let it wilt.

7. Add drained linguine to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.

8. Slice the rested chicken and place it over the pasta. Serve hot with extra cheese or red pepper flakes if desired.

Notes

Use freshly grated cheese to ensure the sauce melts smoothly and stays creamy.

Don’t skip resting the chicken—it helps retain the juices for a more flavorful bite.

For extra spice, add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the cream sauce.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Pasta
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate
Calories: 670
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 670mg
Fat: 44g
Saturated Fat: 23g
Unsaturated Fat: 19g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 38g
Cholesterol: 160mg

Keywords: spicy pasta, creamy chicken pasta, garlic butter linguine