Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Linguine in Alfredo Sauce

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🧄🍗 Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Linguine in Alfredo Sauce

A rich, comforting Italian-inspired dish featuring tender garlic-butter chicken tossed with silky Alfredo sauce and perfectly cooked linguine. This meal is indulgent yet simple—ideal for family dinners, date nights, or when you want restaurant-quality pasta at home.

📝 Description

This dish combines pan-seared chicken breasts infused with garlic butter and luxuriously creamy Alfredo sauce made from butter, cream, and Parmesan cheese. The linguine absorbs the sauce beautifully, creating a smooth, flavorful bite every time. Balanced with herbs and optional vegetables, it’s both hearty and satisfying.

⏱️ Prep & Cook Time

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes

  • Cook Time: 25 minutes

  • Total Time: 40 minutes

🍽️ Servings

Serves: 4 people

🛒 Ingredients

For the Chicken

  • 2 large chicken breasts, sliced lengthwise

  • 1 tsp salt

  • ½ tsp black pepper

  • ½ tsp paprika

  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning

  • 2 tbsp butter

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

For the Pasta

  • 12 oz (340 g) linguine

  • Water & salt for boiling

For the Alfredo Sauce

  • 2 tbsp butter

  • 1 cup heavy cream

  • ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

  • ½ tsp garlic powder

  • ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional)

  • Salt & pepper, to taste

Optional Add-ins

  • Fresh parsley or basil

  • Spinach or mushrooms

  • Red chili flakes

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

  • Boil linguine in salted water until al dente.

  • Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.

2. Prepare the Chicken

  • Season chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.

  • Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat.

  • Sauté chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.

  • Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

  • Remove chicken and set aside.

3. Make the Alfredo Sauce

  • In the same skillet, melt butter over low-medium heat.

  • Add heavy cream and simmer gently (do not boil).

  • Stir in Parmesan cheese gradually until smooth.

  • Season with garlic powder, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.

4. Combine

  • Add cooked linguine and sliced chicken back to the skillet.

  • Toss gently, adding pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.

  • Garnish with parsley or basil.

💡 Tips & Notes

  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for best texture—pre-shredded cheese may clump.

  • Keep heat low when making Alfredo sauce to avoid separation.

  • Add grilled shrimp or broccoli for variation.

  • If sauce thickens too much, add warm milk or pasta water.

🥗 Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)

  • Calories: 680 kcal

  • Protein: 38 g

  • Carbohydrates: 52 g

  • Fat: 38 g

  • Saturated Fat: 20 g

  • Cholesterol: 160 mg

  • Sodium: 720 mg

  • Calcium: 280 mg

🌟 Health Benefits

  • High Protein: Supports muscle repair and satiety.

  • Calcium-Rich: Parmesan and cream support bone health.

  • Energy Boosting: Carbohydrates from pasta provide sustained energy.

  • Customizable: Can be made lighter with milk or whole-wheat pasta.

❓ Q & A

Q: Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
A: Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. Add a teaspoon of flour or cornstarch to thicken.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: It’s best fresh, but you can store it refrigerated for up to 2 days.

Q: What protein alternatives work well?
A: Shrimp, salmon, or tofu are excellent substitutes.

Q: Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
A: Cream-based sauces don’t freeze well; texture may change.

🍷 Serving Suggestions

  • Garlic bread or focaccia

  • Caesar salad or roasted vegetables

  • Sparkling water or white wine (like Chardonnay)

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