Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Linguine in Alfredo Sauce

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Linguine in Alfredo Sauce

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Craving a dinner that tastes like it came straight from a cozy Italian trattoria? This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Linguine in Alfredo Sauce is a luscious combination of juicy, golden-seared chicken bites and silky pasta coated in a rich, cheesy Alfredo. It’s the kind of dish that makes you close your eyes on the first bite.

Imagine tender chicken pieces infused with garlic butter, paired with delicate strands of linguine swimming in a velvety Parmesan cream sauce. The balance of savory, creamy, and herby notes makes this meal perfect for both weeknight indulgence and special occasions.


Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

  • Large Skillet – For searing the chicken to golden perfection while locking in the juices.
  • Saucepan – To prepare the Alfredo sauce gently, preventing the cream from scorching.
  • Pasta Pot with Strainer – Ensures your linguine cooks evenly and is easy to drain.
  • Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula – Perfect for stirring without scratching your pans.
  • Sharp Chef’s Knife – For dicing chicken into even, bite-sized pieces.

Ingredients for the Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Linguine in Alfredo Sauce

  • Chicken Breast – Lean and tender, it’s the star protein of this dish.
  • Garlic – Adds deep, aromatic flavor to both the chicken and the sauce.
  • Butter – Provides richness and a silky mouthfeel.
  • Olive Oil – Helps sear the chicken while preventing the butter from burning.
  • Linguine Pasta – Perfect for holding creamy sauce.
  • Heavy Cream – Creates the luxurious Alfredo texture.
  • Parmesan Cheese – Salty and nutty, it gives the sauce its signature flavor.
  • Salt & Pepper – Balances and enhances all other flavors.
  • Parsley – Adds color and freshness.
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How To Make the Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Linguine in Alfredo Sauce

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Season diced chicken breast with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and butter. Sear chicken until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Boil linguine in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan until smooth.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Add cooked linguine to the sauce, tossing to coat. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually. Top with seared chicken.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.


Serving and Storing Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Linguine in Alfredo Sauce

Serve immediately while the sauce is silky and the chicken juicy. Pair with a crisp salad and garlic bread. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, reheating gently with a splash of milk or cream.


Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this recipe lighter? Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or evaporated milk.

Can I use a different pasta? Yes! Fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne work well.

Can I make it ahead? Cook chicken and sauce ahead, then boil pasta fresh before serving.

How do I prevent the sauce from separating? Keep heat moderate and stir constantly while adding cheese.

Can I add vegetables? Broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms are great additions.


Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If this recipe has you craving more comfort food, you might enjoy the Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni for a hearty twist, the Easy Cajun Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli for a spicy kick, or the Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce for a fun variation. For a richer sauce base, try the Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta.

For more recipes, check my Pinterest LadyPlate.


Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

Save this recipe to your pasta boards and let me know if you tried any creative twists!


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Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Linguine in Alfredo Sauce

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Linguine in Alfredo Sauce


  • Author: Julia Koch
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

A comforting Italian-inspired dinner featuring golden-seared garlic butter chicken served alongside tender linguine tossed in a creamy Parmesan Alfredo sauce. Perfect for both weeknight indulgence and special occasions, this dish balances richness with freshness for a truly satisfying bite.


Ingredients

500g chicken breast, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

4 tablespoons butter, divided

2 tablespoons olive oil

350g linguine pasta

1 ½ cups heavy cream

1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon black pepper

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped


Instructions

1. Season diced chicken breast with salt and pepper.

2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter. Sear chicken until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

3. Boil linguine in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain.

4. In a saucepan, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.

5. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese until smooth.

6. Toss linguine into the Alfredo sauce, adding pasta water as needed to reach desired consistency.

7. Add chicken on top, garnish with parsley, and serve immediately.

Notes

Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce.

Reserve pasta water before draining — it’s the secret to adjusting sauce texture.

Avoid boiling the sauce after adding cheese to prevent separation.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Pasta Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate
  • Calories: 720
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 620mg
  • Fat: 40g
  • Saturated Fat: 23g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 54g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 42g
  • Cholesterol: 155mg

Keywords: creamy garlic butter chicken, Alfredo pasta, linguine recipes

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