If you crave a dish that wraps you in warm, comforting flavors with every forkful, then this Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Linguine in Alfredo Sauce Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. With tender chicken breasts, silky linguine pasta, and a luxurious homemade Alfredo sauce bursting with garlicky richness, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal. It’s perfect for weeknights when you want something special but straightforward, and it’s sure to impress anyone lucky enough to share the table with you.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Linguine in Alfredo Sauce Recipe plays a key role in building depth of flavor, richness, and texture. They come together easily yet deliver a dish that feels indulgent and satisfying without fuss.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Lean and tender, these provide the hearty protein center of the dish.
- 8 oz linguine pasta: Perfectly shaped to catch the creamy sauce on every strand.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided): Essential for rich, silky sauce and sautéing the chicken to golden perfection.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced: Bright and fragrant, garlic infuses the sauce with that classic aromatic punch.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy and smooth, coating the pasta beautifully.
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor and smooth melted texture.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Simple seasoning that enhances every ingredient without overpowering.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: A fresh, herby contrast to the richness, plus a pop of green color.
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water (as needed): Helps loosen the sauce to the perfect consistency and allows it to cling beautifully to the linguine.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Linguine in Alfredo Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Chicken
Start by patting your chicken breasts dry to ensure a nice sear. Season both sides well with salt and black pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside to rest. This step creates a flavorful crust and locks in juicy tenderness—an essential base for our dish.
Step 2: Cook the Linguine Pasta
While the chicken is resting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine until al dente, usually around 8 to 10 minutes. Before draining, scoop out and reserve half a cup of the starchy pasta water—this is magic liquid for our sauce later. Drain the pasta and set it aside, ready to be tossed with the creamy garlic butter sauce.
Step 3: Create the Garlic Butter Alfredo Sauce
In the same skillet used for the chicken (no need to wash—those flavorful browned bits add depth), melt the remaining tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté quickly for about 30 seconds until fragrant—don’t let it burn! Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring now and then, so it thickens slightly and captures that buttery garlic essence.
Step 4: Finish the Sauce and Combine
Gradually stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into a silky, luscious sauce. If the mixture feels too thick, add small amounts of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up to your preferred creamy consistency. Taste the sauce and season with salt and pepper as needed. Now, slice your rested chicken into strips, toss the linguine gently in the Alfredo sauce to ensure every strand is enveloped in creaminess, and plate it with the chicken beautifully arranged on top.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Linguine in Alfredo Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley brightens this dish with a splash of green and a fresh herbal note that cuts through the richness. For a little extra shine and flavor, you can add a light dusting of more Parmesan. These simple touches elevate your plate from home-cooked comfort to something truly special.
Side Dishes
This dish stands well on its own, but pairing it with crisp green vegetables like roasted asparagus or a fresh garden salad adds a lovely contrast, refreshing your palate between bites. Garlic bread on the side also works beautifully for mopping up every last bit of the creamy sauce—it’s a classic for a reason!
Creative Ways to Present
Try twisting the linguine into neat nests for a playful presentation, topping each with a fan of the sliced chicken and a sprig of parsley. For dinner parties, serve it in individual shallow bowls to showcase the rich sauce pooling around the pasta and chicken, inviting your guests to dive right in. Adding a drizzle of truffle oil or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can add exciting new dimensions if you want to switch things up.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers of this Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Linguine in Alfredo Sauce Recipe, store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 3 to 4 days, making for speedy, comforting meals later in the week.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, the texture of the cream sauce and pasta may change slightly after thawing. If you want to freeze, place portions in a freezer-safe container and consume within 1 to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results before reheating gently to preserve flavor and texture.
Reheating
When reheating, do it slowly on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to revive creaminess and prevent the sauce from breaking. Take care not to overheat rapidly as the sauce can separate. A gentle warm-up in the microwave, stirring halfway through, also works for convenience.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great option if you prefer a more tender and juicy result. Just adjust your cooking time slightly to ensure they are cooked through, and enjoy the richer flavor they bring to the dish.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and use coconut cream or a dairy-free cream substitute. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan to keep that cheesy flavor. The final dish will be delicious with a slightly different twist.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Linguine is perfect because of its width and texture, but fettuccine, tagliatelle, or even spaghetti can work wonderfully. The key is choosing a pasta that holds creamy sauces well.
Can I prepare this recipe for more servings?
Definitely. Simply multiply the ingredients accordingly, but be mindful when cooking the chicken to maintain proper searing and doneness. Large batches may require cooking in batches for best results.
What wine pairs well with this dish?
A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay complements the richness of the cream sauce and garlic butter beautifully. Their acidity balances the dish and refreshes the palate.
Final Thoughts
Cooking and enjoying this Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Linguine in Alfredo Sauce Recipe is like giving yourself a warm hug on a plate. It’s comfort food that feels fancy enough for guests but simple enough for any night of the week. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe whenever you want an easy dinner that still feels special. So, grab your skillet and pasta pot—deliciousness awaits!
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Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Linguine in Alfredo Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Linguine in Alfredo Sauce is a rich and comforting dish perfect for a satisfying dinner. Tender seared chicken breasts are paired with al dente linguine pasta and a luscious homemade Alfredo sauce made with garlic, butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, then garnished with fresh parsley for a delightful finish.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for cooking chicken)
Pasta
- 8 oz linguine pasta
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare and Season Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel and season both sides generously with salt and black pepper to enhance the flavor and help form a golden crust during cooking.
- Sear Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken breasts in the hot pan and cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.
- Cook Linguine: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta well.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet used for the chicken, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Sauté the minced garlic over medium heat for about 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Make Alfredo Sauce: Pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the garlic. Allow it to simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes so it thickens slightly, stirring occasionally.
- Add Parmesan and Adjust Sauce: Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until fully melted and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce becomes too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine and Serve: Slice the cooked chicken breasts into strips. Toss the cooked linguine in the Alfredo sauce until well coated. Plate the pasta and arrange the sliced chicken on top. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken briefly with garlic powder and Italian herbs before cooking.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best melting and taste; pre-grated cheese may not melt as smoothly.
- If the sauce thickens too much upon standing, add a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to loosen it before serving.
- Feel free to add steamed vegetables like broccoli or peas for added nutrition and color.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or water to maintain sauce consistency.
