Juicy chicken, perfectly cooked linguine, and a rich, buttery cheese sauce come together in this comforting, restaurant-style meal that’s surprisingly easy to make at home.
Garlic Parmesan Cheddar Chicken Linguine
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Linguine pasta | 8 oz |
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces | 1 lb |
Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
Garlic, minced | 4 cloves |
Heavy cream | 1 cup |
Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded | 1 cup |
Parmesan cheese, grated | ½ cup |
Unsalted butter | ¼ cup |
Italian seasoning | 1 tsp |
Salt and pepper | To taste |
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) | As desired |
Instructions
Cook the Linguine:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine according to package directions until al dente. Drain well, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta water for later, and set the pasta aside.
Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the minced garlic. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Italian seasoning, then gradually add the shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheese, mixing until the sauce turns smooth and creamy.
Combine Everything:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then add the linguine. Toss everything together until well coated in the sauce. Add a little of the reserved pasta water as needed to reach your desired sauce consistency.
Season and Serve:
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Plate the pasta and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a bright, flavorful finish.
This dish is the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and garlicky goodness—ideal for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or whenever you want a pasta night that feels extra indulgent.