Garlic Parmesan Cheddar Chicken Linguine in Creamy Butter Sauce
Garlic Parmesan Cheddar Chicken Linguine in Creamy Butter Sauce is a rich and comforting dinner featuring tender chicken breasts, al dente linguine pasta, and a velvety buttery garlic sauce blended with melted Parmesan and cheddar cheeses. Ready in under 30 minutes, this family-friendly dish combines simple ingredients to deliver indulgent, cheesy flavor perfect for weeknights or special occasions.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Contains Gluten and Dairy
Protein
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Pasta
Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Garnish (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Additional grated Parmesan cheese
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter, and cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest before slicing into strips.
- Cook the Linguine: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of pasta water, and set aside.
- Make the Creamy Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and golden, being careful not to burn it. Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer while stirring.
- Add the Cheeses: Reduce heat to low and stir in the grated Parmesan and cheddar cheeses until fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce becomes too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
- Combine All Ingredients: Return the sliced chicken to the skillet, then add the cooked linguine. Toss everything together to evenly coat the pasta and chicken with the creamy garlic butter sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley and extra grated Parmesan on top, if desired. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Use freshly grated cheeses for the best melting and flavor.
- Do not overcook garlic to avoid bitterness.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency without diluting flavor.
- Let chicken rest after cooking to retain juiciness.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the sauce’s creamy texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 40 g
- Saturated Fat: 22 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 135 mg
Keywords: Garlic Parmesan chicken pasta, creamy chicken linguine, cheesy butter sauce pasta, comfort food chicken linguine, quick chicken dinner