What makes a perfect weeknight dinner? A homemade garlic parmesan sauce served with tender chicken and linguini, of course. This easy recipe is a quick fix for busy nights, thanks to simple ingredients like parmesan cheese and fresh garlic. Save this idea for a delicious family favorite meal to make soon.

two plates of chicken linguini with garlic parmesan sauce

Introduction

Imagine a dish that combines the simplicity of everyday ingredients with the elegance of a fine dining experience. Two plates of chicken linguini with garlic parmesan sauce is just that – a culinary masterpiece that is both easy to make and bursting with flavor. With its rich, creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked linguini, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to prepare, requiring minimal effort for a dish that’s sure to impress even the most discerning palates. Whether you’re a busy weeknight cook or an entertaining enthusiast, this recipe is a must-try.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of garlic, parmesan, and chicken creates a harmonious balance of flavors that is both rich and refreshing. Plus, the ingredients are readily available in most supermarkets, making it easy to whip up this dish on a moment’s notice.
• Ease of preparation: With a simple sauce made from just a few ingredients and a quick cooking time, this recipe is perfect for those short on time. You can have a delicious, restaurant-quality meal on the table in under 30 minutes.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: Despite its ease of preparation, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends with its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s the perfect recipe for a special occasion or a cozy night in.

Key Ingredients

The star of the show in this recipe is undoubtedly the garlic parmesan sauce. Made with a combination of butter, garlic, parmesan cheese, and heavy cream, this sauce is rich, creamy, and utterly delicious. The chicken breasts are cooked to perfection and sliced into thin strips, adding protein and texture to the dish. Finally, the linguini pasta provides a perfect base for the sauce and chicken, soaking up all the flavorful goodness. Some practical substitutions to keep in mind include using gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option, or swapping out the heavy cream for a non-dairy alternative to make the dish more accessible to those with dietary restrictions.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguini pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, then reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the linguini. While the pasta is cooking, slice the chicken breasts into thin strips and season with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add 2 cloves of minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Sprinkle 1/2 cup of parmesan cheese over the garlic and butter in the skillet, stirring to combine. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream, stirring to combine, and bring the sauce to a simmer. Let cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly, then stir in the reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.
4. Step 4: Add the cooked linguini pasta to the skillet with the garlic parmesan sauce, tossing to combine. Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet, tossing to combine with the pasta and sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs to taste. Serve hot, garnished with additional parmesan cheese and parsley if desired.

Handy Tips

• When cooking the pasta, be sure to reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the linguini. This starchy water helps to create a smooth and creamy sauce, and can be added in small increments to achieve the desired consistency.
• To prevent the sauce from becoming too thick, be sure to stir constantly when adding the heavy cream and parmesan cheese. You can also add a little more pasta water if needed to thin out the sauce.
• Don’t overcook the chicken or pasta – both should be cooked until just done, then removed from the heat to prevent overcooking. This will help to preserve the texture and flavor of the dish.

Heat Control

When cooking the chicken and sauce, it’s essential to maintain a medium heat to prevent burning or scorching. You want the sauce to simmer gently, reducing slightly as it cooks, to create a rich and creamy texture. To achieve this, stir the sauce constantly and adjust the heat as needed to maintain a gentle simmer. For the chicken, cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes, then remove from the heat to prevent overcooking.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor in this dish comes from the perfectly cooked linguini pasta, which should be al dente and still have a bit of bite. To achieve this, be sure to cook the pasta until just done, then reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the linguini. You can also add some toasted breadcrumbs or chopped nuts to the dish for added crunch, if desired.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• Use high-quality ingredients: The quality of your ingredients can make or break the dish, so be sure to use the best you can find. Fresh parmesan cheese, real butter, and farm-fresh herbs will all contribute to a richer and more complex flavor profile.
• Don’t overcomplicate the sauce: The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity, so don’t be tempted to add too many ingredients or overcomplicate the sauce. A few high-quality! ingredients, cooked with love and care, are all you need to create a truly exceptional dish.
• Pay attention to texture: The texture of the dish is just as important as the flavor, so be sure to pay attention to the cooking time and technique. Al dente pasta, tender chicken, and a smooth and creamy sauce all contribute to a dish that’s both satisfying and delicious.

Storage Tips

• Leftover storage: Cooked pasta and sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a little more cream or pasta water if needed to restore the sauce to its former glory.
• Reheating tips: To reheat the dish, simply place it in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can also add a little more cream or pasta water if needed to thin out the sauce.
• Shelf life: Cooked pasta and sauce will keep for up to 3 days in the fridge, or can be frozen for up to 2 months. To freeze, simply place the cooked pasta and sauce in an airtight container or freezer bag, then thaw and reheat as needed.

Gift Packaging Ideas

This dish is perfect for gifting to friends and family, especially during the holiday season. To package, simply place the cooked pasta and sauce in a decorative jar or container, then top with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese and a few fresh herbs. You can also add a ribbon or gift tag to make it extra special. For a more substantial gift, consider adding a bottle of wine or a loaf of crusty bread to round out the meal.

Flavor Variations

• Different spices: Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick, or a sprinkle of dried basil for a more Italian-inspired flavor.
• Creative toppings: Consider adding some toasted breadcrumbs or chopped nuts to the dish for added crunch, or a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
• Ingredient swaps: Swap out the heavy cream for a non-dairy alternative, such as almond or soy milk, to make the dish more accessible to those with dietary restrictions. You can also use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If the sauce becomes too thick, simply add a little more pasta water or cream to thin it out. If the pasta becomes overcooked, try adding a little more sauce to mask the texture.
• Ingredient replacements: If you don’t have parmesan cheese, try using another hard cheese, such as pecorino or romano, as a substitute. If you don’t have heavy cream, try using half-and-half or whole milk as a substitute.
• Over/undercooking signs: If the chicken is overcooked, it will be dry and tough. If the pasta is undercooked, it will be hard and crunchy. Be sure to cook both until just done, then remove from the heat to prevent overcooking.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, cooked pasta and sauce can be frozen for up to 2 months. Simply place the cooked pasta and sauce in an airtight container or freezer bag, then thaw and reheat as needed.
• Is it gluten-free? No, this recipe contains gluten in the form of pasta. However, you can easily make it gluten-free by swapping out the traditional pasta for a gluten-free alternative.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, this recipe can be easily doubled or tripled to feed a larger crowd. Simply multiply the ingredients as needed, and adjust the cooking time and technique accordingly.

Conclusion

In conclusion, two plates of chicken linguini with garlic parmesan sauce is a dish that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. With its rich, creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta, this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their weeknight cooking. Whether you’re a busy professional or an entertaining enthusiast, this dish is sure to impress even the most discerning palates. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the delicious flavors and satisfying texture of this incredible dish!