Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Linguine in Alfredo Sauce

Rich, velvety, and utterly comforting — this dish brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your table!

Description

This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Linguine in Alfredo Sauce is an indulgent meal that combines juicy, pan-seared chicken with tender linguine tossed in a luxuriously creamy, garlicky Alfredo sauce. The butter and Parmesan create a smooth richness, while hints of garlic and herbs elevate the entire dish. Perfect for a cozy dinner or special occasion, this recipe is comfort food at its finest — simple to make yet impressive enough for guests.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

2 large chicken breasts, halved horizontally
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp Italian seasoning
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp butter

For the Alfredo Sauce:

3 tbsp unsalted butter
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 ½ cups heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup chicken broth (optional, for lighter sauce)
Salt and pepper, to taste
¼ tsp nutmeg (optional, for warmth)

For the Pasta:

12 oz linguine
1 tbsp salt (for pasta water)

Optional Garnish:

Fresh parsley, chopped
Extra grated Parmesan

Instructions

Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
Prepare the Chicken:
Season both sides of the chicken cutlets with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden and fully cooked. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt 3 tablespoons butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30–45 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring gently. Bring to a simmer.
Add Parmesan cheese, whisking until the sauce becomes thick and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using).
Combine Everything:
Slice the chicken and return it to the skillet. Add the cooked linguine and toss everything in the creamy sauce.
Add a splash of pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce to your liking.
Serve:
Plate the creamy linguine topped with slices of chicken. Garnish with parsley and more Parmesan. Serve warm.

Notes

For an even richer sauce, substitute half the cream with cream cheese or mascarpone.
Use freshly grated Parmesan — pre-shredded varieties don’t melt as smoothly.
Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and texture.
Don’t overheat the sauce after adding cheese — it can separate.

Tips

Pound the chicken breasts for even cooking.
If you like spice, sprinkle in red pepper flakes.
For extra silkiness, stir in 1 egg yolk at the end (off the heat).
Reserve pasta water — it’s liquid gold for adjusting sauce consistency!

Servings

Serves: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 680 kcal
Protein: 45 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fat: 35 g
Saturated Fat: 19 g
Fiber: 2 g
Sodium: 520 mg
Sugar: 2 g

Health Benefits

Protein-rich: Chicken provides lean, high-quality protein for muscle repair.
Calcium boost: Parmesan and cream contribute to bone health.
Heart-healthy fats: Olive oil adds beneficial monounsaturated fats.
Mood booster: Garlic and butter enhance serotonin-linked comfort through aroma and taste.

Q & A

Q: Can I use a different pasta?
A: Yes! Fettuccine, penne, or tagliatelle also work beautifully with Alfredo sauce.

Q: How can I make it lighter?
A: Replace heavy cream with half-and-half and use grilled chicken instead of pan-fried.

Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: You can prepare the sauce and chicken earlier, but combine with pasta just before serving for best texture.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Keep refrigerated in an airtight container up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream.

Q: Can I add vegetables?
A: Definitely — broccoli, spinach, peas, or bell peppers make excellent additions.