Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Linguine in Alfredo Sauce

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🍝 Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Linguine in Alfredo Sauce

Introduction

This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Linguine is the ultimate comfort meal — tender, juicy chicken tossed with perfectly cooked pasta in a rich, velvety Alfredo sauce. Infused with garlic, butter, and Parmesan, this dish combines simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal you can make at home. It’s creamy, cozy, and perfect for both weeknights and special occasions.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 1 pound (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

For the Alfredo Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
  • Âľ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • ÂĽ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • ÂĽ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional for extra flavor)
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

For the Pasta:

  • 12 ounces (340 g) linguine (or fettuccine)
  • Salt, for pasta water

For Garnish (optional):

  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Extra grated Parmesan

Optional Additions

  • Vegetables: Add steamed broccoli, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for color and nutrition.
  • Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with shrimp or sliced Italian sausage.
  • Heat: Sprinkle red pepper flakes for a mild spicy kick.
  • Citrus Twist: A squeeze of lemon juice at the end brightens the sauce.

Tips for Success

  1. Use freshly grated Parmesan: It melts better and gives the sauce a smoother texture.
  2. Don’t overcook the chicken: Bite-sized pieces cook quickly — remove once golden.
  3. Reserve pasta water: Adding a splash to the sauce helps it cling perfectly to the pasta.
  4. Stir continuously: To prevent the sauce from curdling, don’t let it boil — just gently simmer.
  5. Serve immediately: Alfredo sauce thickens as it cools, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Cook linguine according to package directions until al dente.
  3. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.

2. Cook the Chicken:

  1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil.
  2. Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  3. Add chicken to the skillet and cook for 6–8 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.

3. Make the Garlic Butter:

  1. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium.
  2. Add butter and minced garlic; cook for 30 seconds, stirring until fragrant.

4. Make the Alfredo Sauce:

  1. Stir in another 2 tablespoons of butter and pour in the heavy cream.
  2. Whisk gently and bring to a low simmer (do not boil).
  3. Add Parmesan, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
  4. Stir until cheese melts and sauce becomes smooth and creamy (about 2–3 minutes).

5. Combine:

  1. Add cooked linguine and chicken to the skillet.
  2. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the sauce.
  3. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.

6. Serve:

  • Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
  • Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Description

This dish features tender, flavorful chicken coated in a luscious garlic butter Alfredo sauce. The sauce clings perfectly to every strand of linguine, offering a rich, cheesy flavor balanced by the buttery, garlicky aroma. Each bite is creamy, savory, and comforting — the kind of pasta that feels both indulgent and homemade.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – about 4 servings)

NutrientAmount
Calories~620 kcal
Protein38 g
Total Fat32 g
Saturated Fat18 g
Carbohydrates40 g
Sugars2 g
Fiber2 g
Sodium680 mg
Cholesterol160 mg

(Values may vary depending on ingredients and portion sizes.)

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Linguine Alfredo is the definition of classic comfort. With its rich sauce, tender chicken, and silky pasta, it’s a satisfying, crowd-pleasing dish that brings the warmth of a fine Italian meal to your home kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for family or impressing guests, it’s sure to become a favorite.

Recommendation

Serve this pasta with:

  • Garlic bread or crusty baguette for soaking up the sauce
  • A crisp Caesar or garden salad for freshness
  • A glass of chardonnay or sparkling water with lemon

Leftovers can be reheated gently with a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce’s silky texture.

Embracing Healthful Indulgence

While creamy pastas are indulgent, they can still fit into a balanced lifestyle. Use half-and-half or low-fat milk instead of cream, swap in whole-grain or chickpea pasta for added fiber, and include vegetables like spinach or broccoli for extra nutrients.

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