Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken (Printer-Friendly Version)

Tender spiced chicken served over creamy four-cheese linguine with garlic butter and a hint of heat.

# Required Ingredients:

→ Chicken

01 - 500 grams boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
02 - 5 grams smoked paprika
03 - 2 grams red pepper flakes
04 - 3 grams salt
05 - 2 grams black pepper
06 - 15 milliliters olive oil
07 - 30 grams unsalted butter
08 - 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced

→ Pasta

09 - 250 grams linguine pasta
10 - 15 grams salt for pasta water

→ Four-Cheese Sauce

11 - 240 milliliters heavy cream
12 - 60 grams cream cheese
13 - 40 grams grated Parmesan cheese
14 - 40 grams shredded mozzarella cheese
15 - 40 grams shredded fontina cheese
16 - 40 grams shredded asiago cheese
17 - Salt and black pepper to taste

→ Garnish

18 - 15 grams fresh parsley, chopped
19 - Optional pinch of red pepper flakes

# Step-by-Step Instructions:

01 - Combine salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Rub the seasoning evenly over chicken. Heat olive oil and butter in a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Place chicken in skillet and sear until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove chicken and set aside.
02 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook linguine until al dente according to package instructions, approximately 9-11 minutes. Drain pasta, reserving some cooking water, and set aside.
03 - Reduce heat to low in the same skillet. Pour in heavy cream and whisk in cream cheese until completely melted and smooth. Gradually add Parmesan, mozzarella, fontina, and asiago cheeses, stirring continuously until fully incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
04 - Add drained linguine directly into the cheese sauce. Toss gently to coat each strand evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon of reserved pasta water to loosen.
05 - Slice the cooked chicken and arrange it atop the linguine coated in four-cheese sauce. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and an optional pinch of red pepper flakes for added heat.

# Handy Cooking Tips:

01 - For best results, reheat leftovers gently in a skillet with a splash of cream or broth to restore the sauce's creamy texture.
02 - Substitute cheeses like gouda, provolone, or cheddar while maintaining balance between meltiness and flavor.
03 - Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free without sacrificing taste.

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