Description
A spicy, creamy, cheesy comfort dish that brings the heat and the indulgence in every bite. Spicy Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken with Linguine in Four-Cheese Sauce is the ultimate dinner idea when you’re craving something rich yet balanced. Seared chicken coated in garlic butter and bold spices meets perfectly al dente linguine bathed in a silky four-cheese sauce—this easy recipe is a dream for any food lover. Whether you’re looking for quick dinner ideas, a satisfying meal for guests, or an easy comfort food option, this dish delivers flavor and texture at every level.
Ingredients
1.5 lbs chicken breast or thighs
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp unsalted butter
4 garlic cloves minced
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp chili powder
0.5 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
0.5 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
12 oz linguine pasta
2 tbsp butter
3 garlic cloves minced
1.5 cups heavy cream
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
0.5 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
0.5 cup shredded provolone cheese
2 oz cream cheese softened
Salt and black pepper to taste
0.25 tsp nutmeg
0.25 cup pasta water reserved
Chopped parsley
Extra grated Parmesan
Crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
1. Fill a large pot with water, bring it to a boil, and salt it generously.
2. Add the linguine and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water, then drain.
3. In a bowl, toss chicken with olive oil, paprika, chili powder, cayenne, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
4. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter, and sear the chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook 4–5 minutes per side.
5. In the final minute, add minced garlic and stir to coat the chicken. Remove chicken from pan and keep warm.
6. In the same pan, melt 2 tbsp butter, then add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
7. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Lower heat and whisk in all four cheeses gradually.
8. Stir until the sauce is smooth. Add nutmeg, salt, pepper, and a splash of reserved pasta water if too thick.
9. Toss drained linguine into the cheese sauce and cook 1–2 minutes to absorb flavor.
10. Plate the pasta and top with or surround with spicy chicken.
11. Garnish with parsley, Parmesan, and red pepper flakes.
12. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Notes
For the smoothest cheese sauce, use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded.
Keep the heat low while melting cheese to avoid curdling.
Store leftovers in separate containers for easier reheating and texture preservation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 41g
- Saturated Fat: 21g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 43g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
Keywords: spicy chicken pasta, creamy linguine, garlic butter chicken, four cheese pasta, easy dinner, comfort food, cheesy pasta