Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Linguine in Alfredo Sauce is the perfect balance of rich, comforting flavors and simple, satisfying preparation. Tender, pan-seared chicken is coated in a luxurious garlic butter Alfredo sauce, then tossed with perfectly cooked linguine for a meal that’s as elegant as it is easy to make. Every bite is velvety, savory, and full of cheesy, garlicky goodness.
What I love most about this dish is how versatile it is. I once added a handful of sautéed spinach and sun-dried tomatoes, and it turned the meal into a restaurant-worthy dinner. Whether you’re cooking for a special date night or indulging in a cozy family meal, this recipe is pure comfort on a plate.
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Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Linguine in Alfredo Sauce
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Linguine in Alfredo Sauce is an indulgent, restaurant-quality pasta dish featuring juicy seared chicken tossed with linguine in a rich, homemade Alfredo sauce. The combination of garlic, butter, and Parmesan makes every bite silky, savory, and comforting.
Ingredients
- 12 oz linguine pasta
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook linguine according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Season chicken with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter over medium-high heat. Sear chicken breasts for 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C). Remove from skillet and let rest, then slice thinly.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt remaining 2 tbsp butter. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and milk, stirring to combine. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, whisking until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
- Add cooked linguine to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen if needed.
- Top with sliced chicken and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve warm with extra Parmesan on the side.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan — pre-shredded cheese can make the sauce grainy.
- For added flavor, deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine before adding cream.
- Pair with garlic bread or a fresh Caesar salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken breasts (or thighs)
Boneless and skinless, sliced thinly for quick, even cooking.
Linguine pasta
The ideal pasta for creamy sauces—it holds the Alfredo perfectly.
Butter
Creates the rich base of the sauce and enhances the garlic flavor.
Olive oil
Used to sear the chicken and prevent the butter from burning.
Garlic
Freshly minced for that irresistible aroma and deep flavor.
Heavy cream
Gives the Alfredo sauce its signature creaminess.
Parmesan cheese
Freshly grated for authentic flavor and smooth texture.
Cream cheese (optional)
Adds body and helps stabilize the sauce.
Salt and black pepper
Essential for balancing the flavors.
Italian seasoning (optional)
Adds a touch of herbal warmth.
Parsley
Freshly chopped for garnish and color.
Directions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, drain, and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add remaining butter and minced garlic, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese (and cream cheese if using) until smooth and creamy.
Add the cooked linguine and a splash of pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed. Toss well to coat. Return the chicken to the pan, letting it soak in the creamy sauce for 2–3 minutes.
Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
- Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
- large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
- Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
- Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
- Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
- 9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
- knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
- Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation takes 10 minutes, cooking requires 20 minutes, making the total time about 30 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore the sauce’s consistency. Avoid microwaving for too long, as it can cause the sauce to separate.
Variations and Customizations
Spinach & Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Alfredo
Add fresh spinach and chopped sun-dried tomatoes for an Italian twist.
Mushroom Garlic Alfredo
Sauté mushrooms with the garlic for an earthy, umami flavor.
Lemon Garlic Alfredo
Add a squeeze of lemon juice and zest for brightness.
Cajun Chicken Alfredo
Season chicken with Cajun spice for a smoky, spicy variation.
Shrimp Alfredo Linguine
Replace chicken with shrimp for a seafood version.
Broccoli Alfredo
Add steamed or roasted broccoli for extra texture and nutrients.
Four-Cheese Alfredo
Mix in mozzarella, asiago, or Romano cheese for a richer sauce.
Herb Garlic Alfredo
Use fresh basil, thyme, or rosemary for added fragrance.
Bacon Chicken Alfredo
Stir in crispy bacon pieces for a salty, smoky twist.
Low-Carb Option
Serve over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of linguine.
FAQs
Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
Yes, though the sauce will be slightly lighter—add a bit of cream cheese for thickness.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free linguine or your favorite pasta substitute.
How do I keep the sauce from separating?
Avoid boiling once you add the cheese; stir gently over low heat.
Can I use pre-shredded Parmesan?
Freshly grated melts better and gives a smoother sauce.
Can I make this ahead of time?
It’s best fresh, but you can prep the chicken and sauce separately and combine before serving.
What’s the best chicken cut for this recipe?
Thinly sliced breasts or boneless thighs both work beautifully.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes—broccoli, asparagus, or spinach are all great choices.
Can I substitute milk for cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be thinner; simmer longer to reduce.
How do I thicken the sauce?
Add more Parmesan or a spoonful of cream cheese.
What wine pairs best with this dish?
A crisp white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio complements it perfectly.
Conclusion
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Linguine in Alfredo Sauce is a luxurious yet approachable dish that brings together tender chicken, silky pasta, and a rich, buttery sauce infused with garlic and Parmesan. With its restaurant-quality flavor and comforting texture, it’s a timeless recipe that’s sure to become a favorite in your home. Whether served for a casual dinner or a special occasion, this dish delivers pure, creamy perfection every time.
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