Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Linguine in Alfredo Sauce
Rich, silky Alfredo sauce coating tender garlic butter chicken and perfectly cooked linguine. This is a restaurant-style comfort pasta with deep garlic flavor and a smooth creamy finish.
Servings
4 generous servings
Time
- Prep: 15 minutes
- Cook: 25 minutes
- Total: ~40 minutes
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 large chicken breasts (or 1½ lbs boneless thighs)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
Pasta
- 12 oz (340g) linguine
- Water for boiling
- 1 tbsp salt for pasta water
Creamy Alfredo Sauce
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp butter
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese (optional for extra creaminess)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt (adjust carefully)
- ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional but excellent)
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
Optional Add-Ins
- Spinach
- Mushrooms
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Broccoli
- Chili flakes
Garnish
- Fresh parsley
- Extra parmesan
- Cracked black pepper
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook linguine until:
- al dente
- usually 1 minute less than package instructions
Reserve:
- 1 cup pasta water
Drain pasta but do not rinse.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Pat chicken dry.
Season both sides with:
- salt
- pepper
- paprika
- Italian seasoning
Step 3: Cook the Garlic Butter Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add chicken and cook:
- 5–6 minutes per side
Cook until internal temperature reaches:
165∘F165^\circ\mathrm{F}
During the last minute:
- add 2 tbsp butter
- spoon melted butter over chicken
- add a little garlic if desired
Remove chicken and rest 5 minutes.
Slice into strips.
Step 4: Make the Alfredo Sauce
In the same skillet:
- Reduce heat to medium.
- Add butter.
- Add minced garlic.
Cook:
- 30–60 seconds
- until fragrant only
Do not brown heavily.
Add Cream
Pour in heavy cream and stir gently.
Simmer:
- 3–4 minutes
Do not boil aggressively.
Add Cheese
Whisk in:
- parmesan
- mozzarella
Stir until smooth and velvety.
Add:
- black pepper
- salt
- nutmeg
- Italian seasoning
Step 5: Combine Pasta & Sauce
Add linguine directly into the sauce.
Toss thoroughly until coated.
If sauce becomes too thick:
- add reserved pasta water a little at a time
The starch helps create glossy restaurant-style sauce.
Step 6: Finish the Dish
Top with sliced garlic butter chicken.
Garnish with:
- parsley
- parmesan
- cracked pepper
Serve immediately while creamy and hot.
Optional Upgrades
Mushroom Alfredo
Sauté sliced mushrooms before making the sauce.
Spinach Version
Add fresh spinach during final mixing.
Spicy Version
Add:
- chili flakes
- cayenne
- Cajun seasoning
Pro Tips for Best Alfredo
Use Fresh Parmesan
Pre-shredded cheese can make sauce grainy.
Don’t Boil After Cheese
High heat can split the sauce.
Reserve Pasta Water
It transforms the texture of the sauce.
Slice Chicken After Resting
Keeps juices inside.
Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~820
- Protein: ~42g
- Carbs: ~52g
- Fat: ~48g
Varies by cheese and cream used.
Make-Ahead Tips
Reheating
Reheat gently with:
- splash of milk
- cream
- or pasta water
Avoid high microwave heat or sauce may separate.
Best Side Dishes
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Roasted asparagus
- Mediterranean salad
- Steamed broccoli
