Spicy Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Linguine: Your New Weeknight Craving! 🍝🔥🧄🧈
1. Introduction
Welcome to a delightful journey into creating a Spicy Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken dish that will become your new favorite weeknight dinner. This Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe combines tender chicken with a bold, spicy garlic butter sauce and perfectly cooked linguine. Whether you’re looking for a quick meal or a comforting dish, this recipe is sure to impress with its rich flavors and easy preparation.
2. Ingredients for Spicy Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Linguine
- 12 oz linguine
- 1 lb chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for spice preference)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream or whole milk
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
3. Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Spicy Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Linguine
Preparing the Ingredients
Start by cooking the linguine in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside. While the pasta cooks, slice the chicken breasts and prepare all your ingredients for a smooth cooking process.
Cooking the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken strips with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Making the Spicy Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the butter and add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. This step creates the flavorful spicy garlic butter base that defines the dish.
Combining the Ingredients
Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet, then pour in the heavy cream. Stir continuously and bring to a gentle simmer. Mix in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Mixing with Pasta
Add the cooked linguine to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta evenly with the spicy cheesy garlic butter sauce. Let everything simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors beautifully.
4. Storage Tips for Leftover Spicy Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Linguine
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat or microwave until heated through. For best results, add a splash of milk or cream during reheating to maintain creaminess.
5. Serving Suggestions for Cheesy Chicken Pasta
Serve your cheesy garlic butter chicken linguine with a side of fresh garlic bread or a crisp green salad. Garnish with additional chopped parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
6. Frequently Asked Questions about Spicy Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken
Can I substitute chicken with another protein?
Yes, you can use shrimp, tofu, or sliced turkey as alternative proteins. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Not inherently, but you can use gluten-free pasta options to make it suitable for a gluten-free diet.
How spicy is this dish?
The spice level can be adjusted by reducing or increasing the amount of red pepper flakes. For milder flavor, use paprika or omit the spice altogether.
How long does this recipe take to prepare?
Typically, this Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe takes about 30-40 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for weeknights.
7. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
- CAROTE Premium 16pc Nonstick Cookware Set — This high-quality cookware set ensures your pasta and chicken cook evenly and release effortlessly.
- Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master — Make chopping garlic and herbs easier and quicker with this versatile prep tool.
- Ninja Smart Double Oven with FlexDoor Technology — Perfect for baking sides or finishing off dishes to serve.
Investing in these tools will elevate your cooking experience and help you create perfect pasta dishes every time.
8. Final Tips for Success
- Use fresh garlic for the most vibrant flavor.
- Adjust the spice level to suit your taste by adding more or less red pepper flakes.
- Grate your own Parmesan for a fresher, more flavorful cheese topping.
- Serve immediately for the best cheese melt and sauce consistency.
9. Conclusion
This Spicy Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Linguine is a flavorful, quick, and satisfying meal that combines the comforting elements of cheesy pasta with a spicy garlic butter kick. Ideal for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort, this dish is a must-try. Enjoy the rich flavors, creamy textures, and spicy notes in every bite!
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Spicy Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Linguine: Your New Weeknight Craving!
Enjoy a flavorful and spicy twist on classic chicken linguine with our Spicy Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Linguine. This quick and easy weeknight dinner combines tender chicken, rich cheeses, spicy garlic butter sauce, and perfectly cooked linguine, making it a satisfying meal that will impress your family and friends. Perfect for those who love bold flavors and creamy textures, this dish is a delicious way to elevate your weekly menu.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 12 oz linguine
- 1 lb chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for spice preference)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream or whole milk
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the linguine in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside. Prepare your chicken by slicing into strips.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté minced garlic and red pepper flakes for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet, then pour in heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer, then stir in mozzarella and Parmesan until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add cooked linguine to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes to meld flavors.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot, optionally with additional Parmesan cheese and garlic bread.
Notes
- Adjust the spice level by varying the amount of red pepper flakes.
- For a richer flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately for the best cheese melt and sauce consistency.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently, adding a splash of milk or cream if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Nut-Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 650 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 70 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 45 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg