Description
Craving a bold, comforting meal that delivers restaurant-quality flavor in under an hour? This Spicy Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken with Linguine in Four-Cheese Sauce is your new go-to. Juicy spiced chicken meets silky linguine coated in a luxurious four-cheese blend—making it one of the best easy dinner ideas when you want something rich and satisfying. Whether you’re after a quick weeknight dinner, an easy recipe to impress guests, or just some fresh food ideas, this dish delivers the flavor, heat, and creamy indulgence you’re craving. Great for those who love easy pasta dishes, cheesy comfort food, or elevated chicken dinners at home.
Ingredients
400g linguine
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
3 tablespoons butter (divided)
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup cream cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/3 cup crumbled gorgonzola or blue cheese
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. While pasta cooks, cut chicken into chunks. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and chili flakes.
3. In a skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and add half the minced garlic. Add chicken and cook until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and remaining garlic. Pour in heavy cream and let it warm.
5. Stir in cream cheese and melt until smooth. Add mozzarella, gorgonzola, and parmesan. Stir until fully melted and sauce becomes creamy.
6. Add cooked linguine into the sauce, tossing well to coat. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or chili flakes if desired.
8. Plate the pasta and top with spicy garlic butter chicken. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Use freshly grated cheeses for the smoothest sauce and best flavor.
Add the reserved pasta water gradually to control the sauce thickness.
If you’re not into spicy, swap chili flakes for sweet paprika or omit them entirely.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 760
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 48g
- Saturated Fat: 26g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 46g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
Keywords: easy pasta recipe, cheesy chicken linguine, garlic butter chicken, quick dinner idea