Name: Garlic Herb Butter Chicken Linguine
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz linguine pasta – cooked al dente; 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast – sliced thin; 4 tbsp unsalted butter – divided; 5 cloves garlic – minced; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 tsp dried basil; 1 tsp dried parsley; ½ tsp onion powder; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp black pepper; 1 cup chicken broth; ¾ cup heavy cream; ½ cup grated parmesan cheese; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp lemon juice – optional; Fresh parsley – garnish

Garlic Herb Butter Chicken Linguine is a one-pan wonder that transforms simple ingredients into a creamy, rich, and satisfying pasta dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners. This comfort food pasta delivers buttery garlic flavor wrapped around tender chicken and silky linguine, all tossed in a savory herb sauce.

Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or prepping for leftovers, this creamy chicken linguine will quickly earn a spot in your rotation. It’s fast, flexible, and endlessly flavorful, using pantry staples and fresh ingredients for a recipe that’s easy to recreate and hard to forget.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Herb Butter Chicken Linguine

This garlic butter chicken pasta has everything a cozy dinner needs. It’s creamy, garlicky, and deeply savory, without needing hours in the kitchen.

Ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish
Made in one pan with easy cleanup
Full of garlic, herbs, and rich butter flavor
Customizable with veggies or protein swaps
Family friendly and great for picky eaters

Whether you’re serving it with a crisp salad or enjoying it solo, this is a simple chicken pasta recipe you’ll turn to often. It’s comforting without being too heavy, and it tastes even better the next day.

Garlic Herb Butter Chicken Linguine Ingredients

Using fresh, high-quality ingredients makes this dish shine. Here’s everything you need to make a Pinterest-worthy garlic herb butter chicken linguine at home.

12 oz linguine pasta – cooked al dente for the best texture
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast – cut into thin strips
4 tbsp unsalted butter – divided, for cooking and sauce
5 cloves garlic – minced finely for strong flavor
1 tsp dried thyme – earthy base herb
1 tsp dried basil – sweet, peppery undertone
1 tsp dried parsley – adds balance to the blend
½ tsp onion powder – rounds out the flavor
½ tsp salt – or to taste
¼ tsp black pepper – freshly ground if possible
1 cup chicken broth – for creating the sauce base
¾ cup heavy cream – brings richness and creaminess
½ cup grated parmesan cheese – thickens the sauce and adds a nutty note
1 tbsp olive oil – for searing chicken
1 tbsp lemon juice – optional but brightens the final dish
Fresh chopped parsley – garnish for color and freshness

If you enjoy creamy, one-dish meals, this recipe is in the same flavor-forward family as our One Pan Chicken and Rice Bake, where juicy chicken cooks with seasoned rice in a single dish.

How to Make Garlic Herb Butter Chicken Linguine

This easy pasta dinner comes together quickly in one pan. Here’s how to make garlic herb butter chicken linguine step-by-step.

Cook linguine according to package instructions until just al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced chicken, season with salt, pepper, and onion powder. Sear for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
In the same pan, add remaining butter and minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in thyme, basil, and parsley.
Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add heavy cream and parmesan cheese. Stir until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3 to 4 minutes.
Return chicken to the pan along with cooked linguine. Toss to coat everything in the garlic herb butter sauce. If needed, loosen with a splash of reserved pasta water. Finish with lemon juice and garnish with parsley.

Creamy chicken linguine is a cousin to rich dishes like Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice, where butter and garlic take center stage.

Serving Suggestions for Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta

This one pan chicken pasta is satisfying on its own but pairs well with a few simple sides for a complete dinner.

Serve with a Caesar salad or mixed greens tossed in lemon vinaigrette
Add roasted asparagus, sautéed zucchini, or steamed broccoli
Top each plate with extra parmesan or red chili flakes for a kick
Pair with warm crusty bread to mop up the extra sauce
Finish the plate with a drizzle of olive oil for richness

The creaminess and bold garlic flavor in this flavorful pasta meal balance nicely with light, fresh sides. For an easy weeknight starter, serve a bowl of soup like our Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup to round out the comfort.

Variations and Customization Ideas

This garlic herb butter chicken linguine can be customized to match your pantry, diet, or mood. Here are some easy twists:

Use rotini, penne, or fettuccine instead of linguine
Swap chicken breast with boneless chicken thighs for deeper flavor
Add spinach, mushrooms, or halved cherry tomatoes for more veggies
Make it spicy with red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño
For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream

Whether you’re craving a richer dish or watching your dairy intake, this simple chicken pasta recipe adjusts easily to your needs. You’ll love how flexible it is, just like Easy Chicken Pot Pie with Pie Crust, another dinner hero that adapts to whatever’s in your fridge.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftovers of creamy chicken linguine keep well and make for an excellent next-day lunch or dinner.

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream
Microwave individual portions on medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring halfway
Avoid high heat to prevent the sauce from separating

If the pasta sauce thickens too much after chilling, just stir in a tablespoon or two of warm broth to bring it back to its original texture.

Pro Tips for the Best Garlic Herb Butter Chicken Linguine

To get the most flavor and perfect texture from this easy pasta dinner, follow these tips:

Don’t overcook the pasta; drain it just before al dente so it finishes in the sauce
Cook the garlic gently to avoid bitterness and get the full butter aroma
Let the chicken rest after searing so it stays juicy when mixed back in
Use freshly grated parmesan for a smoother, more meltable sauce
Finish the dish with lemon juice off the heat for a bright contrast to the butter

Little steps like seasoning in layers, using pasta water to adjust the sauce, and letting the ingredients rest can make a big difference in the outcome of this creamy chicken linguine.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta

Even a simple chicken pasta recipe can go wrong with a few missteps. Here are some to watch out for:

Using cold cream straight from the fridge can cause the sauce to break
Skipping the pasta water makes it harder to get a silky sauce texture
Overcooking chicken makes it tough and dry instead of tender
Not seasoning each component results in a bland final dish
Crowding the pan while searing chicken leads to steaming instead of browning

Stay mindful of these common errors and your garlic butter chicken pasta will come out smooth, flavorful, and beautifully creamy every time.

Conclusion

Garlic Herb Butter Chicken Linguine is the kind of recipe that blends comfort, convenience, and big flavor in one skillet. It’s a weeknight winner that comes together quickly with everyday ingredients.

Whether you stick to the classic version or experiment with add-ins, the creamy herb butter sauce and juicy chicken will keep everyone coming back for seconds. This is a dinner worth repeating.

FAQs About Garlic Herb Butter Chicken Linguine

What herbs are best in garlic herb butter chicken linguine?

Dried thyme, basil, and parsley work beautifully in this dish. You can also add a pinch of rosemary or oregano if desired, but keep the blend balanced so garlic remains the star.

Can I use rotisserie or leftover chicken in garlic butter chicken pasta?

Yes, pre-cooked chicken works well. Add it in Step 5 when combining pasta with sauce to warm it through without drying it out.

How do I keep creamy chicken linguine from clumping or drying?

Reserve pasta water before draining and use it to loosen the sauce if needed. Reheat gently with a splash of broth to keep the cream sauce smooth.

Can I make garlic herb butter chicken linguine ahead of time?

You can make the full dish ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. For the best texture, add a little extra cream or broth when reheating and stir often.