Juicy, golden-seared chicken bathed in a buttery garlic sauce is the kind of dinner that feels indulgent without being fussy. When paired with creamy Parmesan linguine, this meal becomes a satisfying plate of comfort with a touch of elegance. Whether you’re serving it up for a family dinner or trying to impress guests, this recipe nails that balance of cozy and refined.

The buttery richness of the sauce, softened by garlic and a touch of cream, soaks beautifully into every bite of linguine. As the pasta wraps around fork-tender chicken slices, the flavors come together in harmony. It’s one of those dishes where every component earns its place on the plate. You’ll find yourself coming back for seconds—and maybe thirds.

Why You’ll Love This Golden Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Linguine

If you’re into low-effort meals with restaurant-quality results, this one is going to become a fast favorite. The garlic butter sauce is intensely flavorful but not overpowering, while the chicken stays juicy thanks to a quick pan-sear. And that linguine? It’s creamy, cheesy, and incredibly comforting without being too heavy. This is the kind of weeknight meal that feels like a treat.

It’s also easy to customize. Want to add spinach or mushrooms? Go ahead. Craving extra spice? A pinch of crushed red pepper does wonders. You can dress it up or down depending on the occasion, and it still delivers every single time.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs both work well here. Breasts will give you leaner slices, while thighs offer a slightly richer taste. The key is to cut them evenly and sear them in a hot pan until golden and cooked through. For extra flavor, marinate the chicken briefly in olive oil, garlic, and a bit of lemon juice before cooking. If you’re in a hurry, simply season well with salt, pepper, and paprika—the garlic butter sauce will do the rest.

Ingredients for the Golden Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Linguine

Every component in this dish has a purpose, combining flavor and texture in the most comforting way. The garlic butter sauce, creamy pasta, and juicy chicken come together thanks to a few humble ingredients you likely already have on hand.

Chicken breasts or thighs: These form the hearty, protein-rich base of the dish. Choose boneless and skinless cuts for easy slicing and even cooking.
Salt and pepper: Essential for bringing out the natural flavors in both the chicken and sauce.
Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic infuses the butter with irresistible aroma and depth.
Unsalted butter: Creates the rich foundation of the sauce and helps sear the chicken to golden perfection.
Olive oil: Used alongside butter to prevent burning and to give the chicken a crisp finish.
Paprika: Adds subtle warmth and color to the chicken.
Heavy cream: Blends into the sauce to give it that luscious, velvety texture.
Parmesan cheese: The star of the linguine, providing a salty, umami punch that melts beautifully.
Linguine pasta: Holds the creamy sauce well and complements the chicken with its tender bite.
Fresh parsley: Offers a fresh pop of color and flavor to finish the dish.

Golden Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Linguine 2

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

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Start by seasoning your chicken breasts or thighs with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat a mixture of olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the chicken on both sides until golden and fully cooked. Set aside and let rest.

Step 2: Cook the Linguine

While the chicken cooks, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine according to package instructions. Reserve some pasta water before draining.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet used for the chicken, lower the heat and add more butter along with minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, allowing the sauce to simmer and thicken. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water for consistency.

Step 4: Combine and Finish

Add the drained linguine to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce. Slice the chicken and lay it over the pasta. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm.

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

This comforting recipe serves four generous portions, making it perfect for a family dinner or a cozy meal with friends. To serve, plate a bed of the creamy Parmesan linguine and arrange golden slices of chicken on top. Spoon over extra sauce from the pan and garnish with fresh parsley or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little heat.

For storage, allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or milk to loosen up the sauce and revive the silky texture. The flavors deepen beautifully after a day, so leftovers are a win.

What to Serve With Golden Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Linguine?

Garlic Bread

Warm, crusty garlic bread is the perfect match for mopping up any extra sauce.

Roasted Asparagus

The light bitterness and crunch of asparagus balance out the creamy richness of the pasta.

Simple Side Salad

A green salad with lemon vinaigrette keeps the meal fresh and bright.

Steamed Broccoli

Soft broccoli florets soak up the sauce nicely while adding nutritional value.

Sautéed Mushrooms

Earthy and buttery, mushrooms bring another savory layer to the plate.

Grilled Zucchini

Charred zucchini slices add a smoky, light counterpoint.

Parmesan-Crusted Cauliflower

Crispy cauliflower complements the flavors and adds a little extra crunch.

A Glass of White Wine

A dry white like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with garlic and cream-based sauces.

Want More Chicken Pasta Ideas?

If you’re craving more comforting pasta dishes with hearty protein and bold flavors, you’ll love exploring these next:

Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta for a savory twist on Alfredo night.
Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce brings a Philly favorite to pasta form.
One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta if you’re looking for an easy and smoky dinner.
Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe for nostalgic flavors in a creamy sauce.
Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta for a one-pan meal that’s both rich and fast.

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And let me know in the comments how it turned out for you. Did you swap in spinach or mushrooms? Maybe tried a different kind of pasta?

I love hearing your spins on these dishes. Questions are always welcome too—let’s make dinner even better together.

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