A rich and easy pasta dish with chicken, garlic, and lots of cheese.
introduction
This recipe makes a creamy, garlicky pasta with tender chicken and melted mozzarella. It cooks fast and tastes like a restaurant meal. If you like simple weeknight dinners, this is for you. For another chicken pasta idea, try this Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine for a different butter-forward flavor.
why make this recipe
- It is quick and fills the family.
- The sauce is rich and creamy but easy to make.
- You use everyday ingredients you likely already have.
- It pairs well with a salad or steamed vegetables.
how to make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Linguine with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce
Follow the steps below in order. Work on the pasta while you cook the chicken and sauce to save time.
Ingredients :
- 1.25 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 12 oz linguine pasta
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a mild kick)
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water (if needed to adjust sauce consistency)
- Fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)
- Extra Parmesan (for garnish)
Directions :
Step 1: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Pat chicken strips dry and season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken strips for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Add heavy cream and cream cheese, stirring until smooth. Stir in mozzarella, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Step 4: Add cooked linguine to the sauce, tossing to coat. Return chicken to the skillet, folding gently into the pasta. Use reserved pasta water to thin the sauce if necessary.
Step 5: Plate creamy garlic Parmesan linguine with chicken strips on top. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan for a finishing touch.
how to serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Linguine with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce
Serve hot on warm plates. Add a simple green salad or garlic bread on the side. A light vinaigrette salad balances the rich sauce well — for a bright salad idea try a grilled chicken salad with a citrus dressing like this Grilled Chicken Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing. Sprinkle more Parmesan and fresh herbs on top before serving.
how to store Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Linguine with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce
- Cool to room temperature within two hours.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days.
- Reheat gently on low heat in a skillet or microwave. Add a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if it gets thick.
tips to make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Linguine with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce
- Use room-temperature cream cheese so it melts smoothly.
- Do not overcook the pasta; al dente holds up in the sauce.
- Save some pasta water to fix the sauce texture.
- Slice chicken evenly so it cooks at the same rate.
- For extra flavor, sear chicken a bit longer for a crisp edge, then finish in the sauce. For another tasty chicken pasta twist, see a one-pan option for garlic Parmesan chicken and pasta in many recipes online.
variation (if any)
- Make it spicy: add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Add vegetables: spinach, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes work well.
- Swap proteins: use shrimp or turkey strips instead of chicken.
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce (sauce will be less thick).
FAQs
Q: Can I make this ahead and reheat?
A: Yes. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat slowly and add a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce.
Q: Can I swap linguine for another pasta?
A: Yes. Fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne all work well.
Q: How can I keep the sauce from splitting?
A: Heat gently on low, stir often, and do not boil the sauce after adding the cheese.
Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: You can freeze, but cheese texture may change. Freeze in portions and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Conclusion
If you want another simple garlic Parmesan chicken and pasta idea, try this one-pan version: Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta (One-Pan).
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Linguine with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce
Ingredients
Method
- Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Pat chicken strips dry and season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken strips for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Add heavy cream and cream cheese, stirring until smooth.
- Stir in mozzarella, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Add cooked linguine to the sauce, tossing to coat.
- Return chicken to the skillet, folding gently into the pasta. Use reserved pasta water to thin the sauce if necessary.
- Plate creamy garlic Parmesan linguine with chicken strips on top.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan for a finishing touch.