Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Mozzarella Linguine
If you’re looking for a cozy yet elegant dish, this recipe is the perfect choice. Tender chicken is sautéed in garlic butter and paired with silky linguine coated in a creamy mozzarella and Parmesan sauce. The result is a restaurant-style meal ready in under 45 minutes.
Ingredients
For the Garlic Butter Chicken
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips or cubes
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp butter
3 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, rosemary, thyme mix)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Creamy Linguine
12 oz linguine pasta (or spaghetti/fettuccine)
2 tbsp butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
½ cup reserved pasta water
Optional Garnish
Fresh parsley, chopped
Extra Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add linguine and cook until al dente, following package directions.
- Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set pasta aside.
Step 2: Cook the Garlic Butter Chicken
- Pat chicken dry with paper towels, then season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken in a single layer and cook 5–7 minutes until golden and fully cooked.
- Stir in minced garlic during the last minute of cooking.
- Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, whisking together.
- Reduce heat, add Parmesan and mozzarella, and stir until smooth and creamy.
- Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (optional).
- Add reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Chicken
- Add cooked linguine into the skillet with the sauce.
- Toss until the pasta is well coated.
- Return chicken to the skillet and mix gently.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
- Serve on plates or in a large dish for family-style dining.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley.
- Add extra Parmesan on top if desired.
Tips for Best Results
Cut chicken evenly: This ensures uniform cooking.
Use pasta water: Helps the sauce stick to the pasta.
Variations: Try provolone instead of mozzarella, or add spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes.
Reheating: Add a splash of cream or milk when warming leftovers.
⏱ Prep Time: 15 minutes
🔥 Cook Time: 25 minutes
🍽 Servings: 4