When I think about the meals that meant the most, it’s not the fancy restaurants or even the big holiday spreads that stand out. It’s the cozy dinners at home when the smell of garlic butter fills the kitchen and something creamy is simmering on the stove. Those nights felt warm and special without trying too hard.
This garlic butter chicken with creamy linguine pasta is exactly that kind of meal. Juicy chicken seared in garlic butter, tender pasta coated in a silky sauce made from cream cheese, Parmesan, and cream, and then finished with a layer of gooey mozzarella. It’s rich, comforting, and the kind of dish that makes you proud when you set it on the table.
Best of all? It looks restaurant-worthy but comes together with simple steps you can handle on a weeknight.
Essential Elements and Equipment
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless breasts cook quickly, stay tender, and soak up all the flavors.
- Seasoning: A blend of Cajun spice and paprika adds smoky heat that balances the creamy sauce.
- Garlic Butter: The real flavor hero; garlic sizzling in butter creates that cozy, mouthwatering aroma.
- Linguine Pasta: Flat noodles that hold onto every bit of sauce, giving you a creamy bite every time.
- Cheese Blend: Cream cheese for silkiness, Parmesan for tang, mozzarella for melty richness, and heavy cream to tie it all together.
- Basic Equipment: A heavy-bottomed skillet for searing, a pot for pasta, a whisk for the sauce, and an oven-safe dish to finish the chicken perfectly.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are plenty of pasta and chicken recipes out there, but this one is something truly memorable. Here’s why it stands out:
- Balanced Comfort: The Cajun spices bring a gentle kick that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce. It’s indulgent without being overwhelming.
- Restaurant-Worthy at Home: The seared chicken with its golden crust looks and tastes like something you’d order out, but it’s simple enough for a weeknight.
- Cheese Lovers’ Dream: With mozzarella for stretch, Parmesan for sharpness, and cream cheese for creaminess, this dish layers flavors in every bite.
- Flexible: You can swap linguine for fettuccine, use chicken thighs instead of breasts, or even add vegetables like spinach or broccoli for extra texture and color.
- Family-Friendly: The flavors appeal to both kids and adults. It’s indulgent enough for a date night yet approachable enough for a casual family dinner.
If you’ve been searching for a pasta dish that feels indulgent but is doable on a busy night, this one hits the sweet spot.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll want to gather before you start cooking.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 tablespoons garlic butter, divided
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Pasta and Sauce:
- 1 pound linguine pasta
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Preparation
Step 2: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with Cajun, paprika, salt, and pepper. Melt 2 tablespoons garlic butter in a hot skillet, then sear the chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden. Transfer the pan to the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, until fully cooked. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Step 2: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté the garlic for 1 minute. Whisk in cream cheese, heavy cream, and chicken broth until smooth. Stir in half the mozzarella and all the Parmesan. Simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 4: Add the pasta straight into the skillet. Toss until every strand is coated in the creamy sauce.
Step 5: Plate the pasta, top with sliced chicken, and finish with the remaining mozzarella so it melts from the heat. Garnish with parsley if you like.
Easy Variations to Try
One of the things I love most about this dish is how adaptable it is. Here are a few ways you can switch it up depending on what you have in your kitchen or what your family prefers:
- Protein Options: Swap chicken breasts for chicken thighs, shrimp, or even salmon fillets for a new twist.
- Veggie Boost: Add sautéed spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted broccoli to the pasta for extra nutrients and color.
- Spice Level: If you like things spicier, increase the Cajun seasoning or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. For a milder version, reduce the Cajun seasoning and stick to just paprika and garlic butter.
- Cheese Lovers’ Upgrade: Try blending mozzarella with provolone or fontina for even more melt and depth of flavor.
- Pasta Swap: Fettuccine, penne, or even rigatoni work just as well if you don’t have linguine on hand.
How to Serve
- Family Style: Place everything on a large platter in the center of the table. The golden chicken and creamy linguine look inviting and encourage everyone to dig in.
- With Salad: A simple green salad with olive oil and lemon juice cuts through the richness and keeps the meal balanced.
- Garlic Bread: Buttery slices are perfect for scooping up the extra sauce you won’t want to waste a drop.
- Everyday Option: On weeknights, sparkling water with lime makes a refreshing and family-friendly pairing.
- Serve Hot: The mozzarella melts perfectly when the pasta and chicken are warm, giving you that gooey, cheesy finish everyone loves.
Recipe Tips
Every good recipe comes with little tricks that make the cooking process smoother and the final dish even more satisfying. Here are a few tips to help you perfect your garlic butter chicken with creamy linguine:
- Rest the Chicken: After baking, always let your chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This keeps the juices inside, making each bite tender.
- Save Pasta Water: A splash of starchy pasta water works wonders for loosening a sauce if it feels too thick. It also helps the sauce cling to the pasta.
- Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese blends more easily into the sauce, giving it a smooth texture without lumps.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When searing chicken, give the pieces space. Overcrowding steams the chicken instead of browning it.
- Taste as You Go: Cream sauces can sometimes need extra seasoning. Always taste before serving and adjust with salt, pepper, or more Cajun spice as needed.
These small details make a noticeable difference and elevate the dish from good to unforgettable.
Cooking Note
- Chicken Doneness: The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe eating. Use a meat thermometer if you’re unsure.
- Cheese Choice: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better than pre-shredded, which can contain anti-caking agents.
- Make-Ahead: You can cook the chicken a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Reheat gently in the skillet while making the sauce.
- Reheating: If you have leftovers, reheat on the stove with a splash of milk or broth to bring the sauce back to life.
- Serving Size: This recipe makes 4 generous portions but can be stretched to 5 if paired with hearty sides.
Nutritional Information
(Per serving, based on 4 servings)
- Calories: ~850
- Protein: 52g
- Carbohydrates: 62g
- Fat: 43g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
This is a hearty dish, packed with protein from the chicken and cheese, carbs from the pasta, and satisfying fats from the butter and cream. It’s rich, indulgent, and filling, exactly what comfort food should be.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
FAQs
1. Can I make this recipe lighter without losing flavor?
Yes! You can swap the heavy cream for half-and-half, reduce the amount of butter, and use light cream cheese. The sauce will still be creamy but a bit less rich. Adding vegetables like spinach or zucchini also makes it feel lighter while boosting nutrition.
2. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Parts of it, yes. You can cook the chicken in advance and store it in the fridge. The pasta and sauce are best made fresh, as cream-based sauces can thicken too much when reheated. If you must reheat, do so gently on the stove with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
3. What other cheeses can I use instead of mozzarella?
Mozzarella is perfect for its melty stretch, but you can easily mix things up. Try provolone for sharpness, fontina for creaminess, or even a bit of cheddar for extra bite. A blend of cheeses gives the sauce more depth and character.
Conclusion
Making garlic butter chicken with creamy linguine and mozzarella is about more than feeding yourself or your family; it’s about creating a little moment that feels special. The juicy, golden chicken, silky sauce, and cheesy pasta come together in a way that feels indulgent without being fussy. It’s the kind of dish that invites you to slow down, sit at the table, and really enjoy the flavors.
What I love most is how simple it is. You don’t need fancy tools or complicated steps, just everyday ingredients that turn into something extraordinary. The Cajun seasoning adds warmth and depth, the garlic butter makes everything irresistible, and the mozzarella brings that gooey finish everyone craves.
This is the recipe you’ll want to reach for when you need comfort, when you want to impress, or simply when you’re craving a cozy dinner. Share it, savor it, and let it become part of your own dinner traditions.
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Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Linguine Pasta and Mozzarella Cheese
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll want to gather before you start cooking.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 tablespoons garlic butter, divided
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Pasta and Sauce:
- 1 pound linguine pasta
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 2: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with Cajun, paprika, salt, and pepper. Melt 2 tablespoons garlic butter in a hot skillet, then sear the chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden. Transfer the pan to the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, until fully cooked. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Step 2: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté the garlic for 1 minute. Whisk in cream cheese, heavy cream, and chicken broth until smooth. Stir in half the mozzarella and all the Parmesan. Simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 4: Add the pasta straight into the skillet. Toss until every strand is coated in the creamy sauce.
Step 5: Plate the pasta, top with sliced chicken, and finish with the remaining mozzarella so it melts from the heat. Garnish with parsley if you like.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 850
- Fat: 43
- Protein: 53