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Creamy Chicken Linguine Pasta

Category: Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion

This creamy chicken linguine features tender chicken tossed with al dente linguine in a rich, buttery garlic sauce brightened with lemon and fresh parsley. The sauce blends Parmesan, Dijon mustard, and a touch of cream for a comforting yet lively finish, while smoked paprika and a hint of cayenne add depth without overpowering. Perfect for a cozy dinner, it balances creamy textures with fresh lemony notes and a subtle kick from crushed red pepper flakes if desired. Easy to adapt with shrimp or tofu, and pairs well with a crisp green salad or garlic bread.

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A woman wearing a chef's hat and apron.
Created By Sarah
Last updated on Wed, 02 Jul 2025 23:41:59 GMT
A bowl of pasta with chicken and lemon. Save
A bowl of pasta with chicken and lemon. | sarahmeal.com

This creamy chicken linguine is my go to when I want something comforting but not heavy with tender chicken wrapped in buttery sauce and a bright lift from fresh lemon making it feel special without any fuss

I first made this for a last minute dinner with family and it quickly became a weeknight favorite the kids ask for it all the time and I never get tired of the fresh lemon finish

Ingredients

  • Chicken breasts cubed: for tender bites that absorb flavor easily
  • Linguine pasta: holds the sauce beautifully and gives the dish a hearty base
  • Olive oil: adds richness and helps sear the chicken for golden edges
  • Butter: deepens the sauce and brings a comforting finish
  • Garlic powder and onion powder: for layered savory notes without chopping fresh
  • Smoked paprika: for a hint of depth and color
  • Cayenne pepper: optional for a touch of heat without overpowering
  • Salt and black pepper: essential to bring out all flavors
  • Crushed red pepper flakes: optional for gentle warmth
  • Unsalted butter: for a creamy base in the sauce
  • Fresh parsley: for brightness and a fresh pop of color
  • Lemon juice: to lift and balance the richness
  • Grated Parmesan cheese: for salty umami that ties the sauce together
  • Chicken broth: adds moisture and depth to the sauce
  • Heavy cream: gives the sauce its luxurious texture
  • Dijon mustard: brings a subtle tang that sharpens the creamy sauce

Step-by-Step Instructions

Boil the Linguine:
Cook linguine in a pot of salted water until just al dente reserve a small cup of the cooking water to adjust the sauce later and drain the rest
Cook the Chicken:
Season the cubed chicken with garlic powder onion powder smoked paprika cayenne salt and black pepper heat olive oil in a skillet and cook the chicken until golden on all sides and fully cooked then set aside
Build the Sauce:
In the same skillet melt butter over medium heat add a pinch of garlic powder pour in chicken broth heavy cream Dijon mustard and crushed red pepper flakes simmer this mixture gently until it thickens into a silky sauce
Combine with Pasta and Chicken:
Return the cooked chicken and drained linguine to the skillet with the sauce toss everything together so each strand is coated evenly stir in grated Parmesan fresh parsley and lemon juice add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce
Finish and Serve:
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed sprinkle with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley before serving while warm
A plate of pasta with chicken and lemon. Save
A plate of pasta with chicken and lemon. | sarahmeal.com

The lemon juice is my favorite part of this dish because it brightens the buttery sauce and keeps it from feeling too heavy once when we made this for a family movie night it disappeared faster than the popcorn on the table

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days reheat gently with a splash of broth or water to bring the sauce back to life without drying the pasta

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different protein option and it still holds up well adding spinach or cherry tomatoes can increase nutrition without much extra prep

A bowl of pasta with chicken and lemon. Save
A bowl of pasta with chicken and lemon. | sarahmeal.com

Serving Suggestions

Serve this dish with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal a slice of garlic bread works well for mopping up any extra sauce

Cultural Context

This dish takes inspiration from classic Italian pasta methods but adapts it to a creamy American style sauce that is simple enough for busy evenings while keeping a touch of fresh lemon for a bright finish

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I use a different pasta for this dish?

Yes, you can use fettuccine, spaghetti, or tagliatelle if you prefer, ensuring you cook until al dente before tossing in the sauce.

→ How can I make the sauce creamier?

You can add extra heavy cream or a splash of reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency, making it creamier while still coating the pasta well.

→ What vegetables can I add to this dish?

Spinach, cherry tomatoes, or steamed broccoli work well, adding color and nutrients without overpowering the creamy garlic sauce.

→ Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?

Yes, shrimp or tofu are excellent substitutes, adjusting cooking time accordingly to avoid overcooking and to keep the dish tender.

→ How can I make this dish less spicy?

Omit the cayenne and red pepper flakes, and reduce black pepper if needed to keep the sauce mild while retaining its depth of flavor.

Creamy Chicken Linguine Pasta

Chicken with linguine in buttery garlic sauce with lemon and herbs for a comforting dinner.

Preparation Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Total Duration
30 minutes
Created By: Sarah

Recipe Category: Main Dishes

Level of Difficulty: Simple

Cuisine Style: Italian American

Servings Yield: 4 Portion Size (4 servings)

Diet Preferences: ~

What You'll Need

→ Main Ingredients

Ingredient 01 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
Ingredient 02 227 grams linguine pasta
Ingredient 03 1 tablespoon olive oil
Ingredient 04 1 tablespoon butter

→ Seasonings

Ingredient 05 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Ingredient 06 1 teaspoon onion powder
Ingredient 07 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
Ingredient 08 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
Ingredient 09 Salt and black pepper to taste
Ingredient 10 0.5 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional

→ Sauce Ingredients

Ingredient 11 113 grams unsalted butter, softened
Ingredient 12 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Ingredient 13 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Ingredient 14 25 grams grated Parmesan cheese
Ingredient 15 60 milliliters chicken broth
Ingredient 16 60 milliliters heavy cream
Ingredient 17 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

How to Make It

Instruction 01

Boil linguine in salted water until al dente. Reserve 60 milliliters of pasta water, then drain.

Instruction 02

Season chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Cook in olive oil until golden and cooked through. Set aside.

Instruction 03

Melt butter in the same skillet, then add garlic powder, chicken broth, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and crushed red pepper flakes. Simmer until thickened.

Instruction 04

Add chicken and linguine to the sauce, tossing to coat. Stir in Parmesan, parsley, and lemon juice. Adjust sauce consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.

Instruction 05

Garnish with additional parsley and Parmesan. Serve warm.

Additional Tips

  1. Add spinach or cherry tomatoes for extra nutrition, or substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu for variation.

Essential Tools

  • Large pot for boiling pasta
  • Skillet or sauté pan
  • Tongs or pasta fork

Allergy Details

Always review ingredient labels for allergens, and consult a professional if you're unsure.
  • Contains dairy and gluten

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)

These nutritional details are for informational purposes and shouldn't replace medical advice.
  • Calories: 620
  • Fat Content: 28 grams
  • Carbohydrate Content: 54 grams
  • Protein Content: 35 grams