Are you ready to indulge in a meal that combines all the aspects of comfort food with a spicy twist? If you’re looking to impress your friends, satisfy your cravings, or simply whip up an easy yet luxurious dinner, look no further! Our Spicy Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken with Linguine in Four-Cheese Sauce is the solution. This dish highlights juicy, well-seasoned chicken, perfectly cooked linguine, and a decadent four-cheese sauce that ties everything together. It’s a match made in heaven!
This delightful creation not only brings a plethora of flavors to your plate but also offers the richness of a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your kitchen. Imagine digging into tender chunks of garlic butter chicken paired harmoniously with silky linguine wrapped in a creamy sauce that will leave you craving a second serving! Whether it’s a weeknight dinner for the family or a special gathering with friends, this recipe has all the elements to make your culinary experience satisfying and memorable.
Why You’ll Love This Spicy Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken with Linguine in Four-Cheese Sauce
- Flavor Bomb: The combination of spicy chicken and a rich four-cheese sauce creates an explosion of flavor with every bite.
- Quick Preparation: With a total cooking time of just 40 minutes, this recipe fits perfectly into any busy schedule, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
- Luxurious Texture: The creamy sauce clings beautifully to the linguine, and the juicy chicken enhances the overall experience.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether a comfy family meal or an elegant dinner party, this recipe is versatile enough for any event.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before you dive into making this amazing dish, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen and gather the necessary tools. Here’s a checklist to get you started:
- Two large pots: One for boiling the pasta, and another for the chicken and sauce.
- Skillet: A non-stick skillet works best for sautéing the chicken and combining the sauce.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measuring will help you get the flavors just right.
- Sharp knife and cutting board: You’ll need these for chopping the chicken and herbs.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: Useful for mixing the sauce and ensuring everything is blended perfectly.
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
Step 1: Boil the Linguine
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. This is crucial as it enhances the flavor of the linguine. Once boiling, cook the linguine according to package instructions until it’s al dente. Don’t forget to reserve a cup of pasta water before draining, as you’ll use it to adjust the sauce later!
Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken
While the pasta is cooking, cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks. Season them generously with salt, pepper, paprika, and red chili flakes for that spicy kick. In a skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Once it’s melted, add half of the minced garlic, letting it infuse the butter before adding the chicken. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 3: Create the Sauce
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of butter along with the rest of the minced garlic. Allow the garlic to become fragrant and slightly golden. Then, pour in the heavy cream and let it warm through. As the cream heats up, stir in the cream cheese until it’s fully melted and combined. Gradually add the mozzarella, gorgonzola, and parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce becomes creamy and all the cheeses have melted beautifully.
Step 4: Combine with Linguine
Now it’s time to combine everything! Add the cooked linguine directly into the cheese sauce, tossing gently to coat each strand evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Taste the pasta and add more salt or chili flakes according to your preference.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
To serve, plate the cheesy linguine and top it with the spicy garlic butter chicken. Finish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy a flavor-packed meal with your loved ones!
Variations
- Protein: Swap chicken for shrimp, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Vegetables: Add steamed broccoli, spinach, or peppers to boost the nutrients and colors.
- Spices: Experiment with different spices like Cajun seasoning for a different flavor profile.
Cooking Notes
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta; it should remain firm to the bite as it will cook a little more when mixed with the hot sauce.
- Feel free to adjust the spices according to your heat preference—more chili flakes can raise the heat significantly!
Serving Suggestions
- Pair this dish with a light salad for a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.
- Serve with garlic bread or crusty baguette to soak up any leftover sauce.
Tips
- For a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative.
- Prepping all your ingredients beforehand can cut down on cooking time and keep your workspace organized.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 720 per serving
- Protein: 38g
- Sodium: 1050mg
FAQs
Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Yes, gluten-free pasta works well in this recipe; just be mindful of the cooking time as it may vary.
How can I make this dish less spicy?
To reduce the spice level, simply decrease the amount of red chili flakes and choose a mild paprika.
What can I use instead of gorgonzola cheese?
If you don’t have gorgonzola, crumbled feta or another blue cheese can work as an alternative.
Can I make this in advance?
While best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and reheat when ready to serve.
Conclusion
Our Spicy Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken with Linguine in Four-Cheese Sauce isn’t just a recipe; it’s an experience that brings together flavors, comfort, and satisfaction. It’s rich and decadent, yet simple enough for anyone to recreate, making it a staple in your dinner rotation. So whether you’re treating yourself after a long day or hosting a dinner party, this dish hits all the right notes. Don’t hesitate to share your thoughts, variations, or experiences in the comments, and happy cooking!
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Spicy Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken with Linguine in Four-Cheese Sauce
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A flavor-packed dish combining spicy chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked linguine.
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
- Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. This is crucial as it enhances the flavor of the linguine. Once boiling, cook the linguine according to package instructions until it’s al dente. Don’t forget to reserve a cup of pasta water before draining, as you’ll use it to adjust the sauce later!
- While the pasta is cooking, cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks. Season them generously with salt, pepper, paprika, and red chili flakes for that spicy kick. In a skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Once it’s melted, add half of the minced garlic, letting it infuse the butter before adding the chicken. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of butter along with the rest of the minced garlic. Allow the garlic to become fragrant and slightly golden. Then, pour in the heavy cream and let it warm through. As the cream heats up, stir in the cream cheese until it’s fully melted and combined. Gradually add the mozzarella, gorgonzola, and parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce becomes creamy and all the cheeses have melted beautifully.
- Now it’s time to combine everything! Add the cooked linguine directly into the cheese sauce, tossing gently to coat each strand evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Taste the pasta and add more salt or chili flakes according to your preference.
- To serve, plate the cheesy linguine and top it with the spicy garlic butter chicken. Finish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy a flavor-packed meal with your loved ones!
Notes
For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 720 kcal
- Sodium: 1050 mg
- Protein: 38 g