Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Linguine in Alfredo Sauce

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Introduction
This dish brings together tender chicken pieces seared in garlic butter and tossed with silky, rich Alfredo sauce and perfectly cooked linguine. It is a comforting, creamy, restaurant-style pasta that is easy enough for weeknights but elegant enough for entertaining.

Ingredients
For the Chicken

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)

For the Alfredo Sauce

  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 ½ cups grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional, traditional in Alfredo)

For the Pasta

  • 12 ounces linguine
  • Water + 1 tablespoon salt for boiling

For Garnish

  • Extra Parmesan
  • Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add linguine and cook until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
  2. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
  3. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and sauté 30 seconds.
  4. Add chicken pieces and cook 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and fully cooked. Remove chicken and set aside.
  5. In the same skillet, melt butter for the sauce. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
  6. Add heavy cream and milk. Simmer 3–4 minutes.
  7. Whisk in Parmesan cheese until smooth and thick. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
  8. Add cooked chicken back into the skillet and stir to coat in the sauce.
  9. Add drained linguine and toss everything together. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
  10. Let everything simmer 1 minute so the flavors blend.

Methods

  • Browning the chicken first adds flavor and gives the sauce a savory base.
  • Using heavy cream creates a stable, rich Alfredo sauce.
  • Adding pasta water helps bind the sauce to the pasta.
  • Tossing everything in the same pan ensures full flavor absorption.

History
Alfredo sauce originated in Rome in the early 1900s, created by Alfredo di Lelio. The original version used butter and Parmigiano-Reggiano to create a creamy texture without cream. The American version evolved to include heavy cream for a richer, silkier consistency, becoming a staple in Italian-American kitchens.

Benefits

  • High-protein meal because of the chicken.
  • Satisfying, creamy comfort food.
  • Easy, one-pan method.
  • Great for batch cooking and family meals.

Formation (How the dish comes together)
The dish forms through three main stages:

  1. Searing chicken for flavor.
  2. Making the creamy Alfredo base.
  3. Combining pasta, chicken, and sauce for a cohesive, velvety finish.

Conclusion
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Linguine in Alfredo Sauce is a rich and satisfying dish that brings together classic flavors with simple techniques. Perfect for cozy evenings or sharing with guests.

Lovers (Who will love this dish?)

  • Pasta lovers
  • Creamy sauce lovers
  • Chicken lovers
  • Comfort-food fans
  • Families and guests who enjoy restaurant-style meals at home

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