Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Linguine in Alfredo Sauce
Posted by: Authentic Flavors Made Easy
Tender, golden-seared chicken served over perfectly cooked linguine and coated in a rich, creamy garlic Parmesan Alfredo sauce. This restaurant-quality pasta dish is comforting, flavorful, and ready in about 40 minutes—perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 4 small breasts), sliced in half horizontally
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Linguine
- 12 ounces (340 g) linguine
- Water, for boiling
- 1 tablespoon salt
For the Alfredo Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups (480 ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (100 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup (50 g) grated Romano cheese (optional)
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain.
- Season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Transfer to a plate and cover loosely with foil.
- In the same skillet, melt the remaining 4 tablespoons butter. Add the garlic and sauté for 30–60 seconds, until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese, Romano cheese (if using), Italian seasoning, and nutmeg. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste. If the sauce becomes too thick, stir in a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Add the cooked linguine to the skillet and toss until evenly coated in the Alfredo sauce.
- Slice the chicken and arrange it over the pasta.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Steamed broccoli
- Roasted asparagus
- Sautéed mushrooms
- A glass of chilled lemonade or iced tea
Tips
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
- Avoid boiling the Alfredo sauce after adding the cheese to prevent it from becoming grainy.
- Add spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and color.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s creamy texture.