If you are craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than this Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Linguine in Alfredo Sauce Recipe. It’s a luscious blend of tender chicken, perfectly cooked linguine, and a rich, velvety Alfredo sauce that boasts the perfect balance of garlic, butter, and parmesan. Every bite melts in your mouth, offering a satisfyingly creamy texture and a depth of flavor that will have you coming back for seconds. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe delivers comfort and elegance effortlessly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients, while simple and easy to find, each play a crucial role in making this dish truly special. The combination of fresh garlic and butter creates a fragrant base, while the heavy cream and parmesan develop the signature richness of the Alfredo sauce. Meanwhile, tender chicken and perfectly cooked linguine complete the harmony of flavors and textures.
- Chicken thighs or breasts (1.5 lbs, cut into bite-sized cubes): Use whichever you prefer, but thighs add extra juiciness to your chicken.
- Butter (3 tbsp, divided): Essential for richness and that irresistible garlic butter flavor.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Adds a punchy aroma and depth that elevates the sauce.
- Heavy cream (1 ½ cups): Provides the silky, creamy texture for the Alfredo sauce.
- Grated parmesan cheese (1 cup): The cheese that melts perfectly into the sauce, giving it a savory tang.
- Italian seasoning (1 tsp): A subtle mix of herbs to season the chicken with a Mediterranean flair.
- Fresh parsley (2 tbsp, chopped): Brightens the dish with color and a fresh herbal note.
- Linguine pasta (12 oz): Ideal for holding the creamy sauce and chicken in every forkful.
- Salt (1 tsp): Enhances all flavors without overpowering.
- Black pepper (½ tsp): Adds just the right amount of spice to balance the richness.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Linguine in Alfredo Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Start by cutting your chicken into bite-sized cubes for quick, even cooking. Season generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Letting the chicken sit for about 10 minutes allows those flavors to soak in, so every piece is infused with deliciousness.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken to Golden Perfection
Heat 1.5 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and sear it until it develops a beautiful golden crust and is fully cooked through, roughly 6 to 8 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside so we can build the sauce in the same pan.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic in Butter
With the skillet still warm, melt the remaining 1.5 tablespoons of butter. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for just 30 seconds until the aroma fills your kitchen. This quick step unlocks the garlic’s natural sweetness without burning it, creating a fragrant base for your sauce.
Step 4: Build the Alfredo Sauce
Next, pour in the heavy cream and let it gently simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, letting it thicken slightly. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese bit by bit until the sauce becomes smooth, creamy, and irresistibly cheesy. This is where the magic of the Alfredo sauce truly comes alive.
Step 5: Cook the Linguine to Al Dente
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine until al dente, which usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Remember to save about ¼ cup of the pasta cooking water before draining; this starchy liquid will be helpful to loosen the sauce if needed.
Step 6: Combine Chicken, Pasta, and Sauce
Add the cooked chicken and drained linguine straight into the Alfredo sauce. Toss everything together carefully so that every strand of linguine and every piece of chicken is drenched in that luscious, creamy sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, gradually stir in the reserved pasta water until you reach your preferred consistency.
Step 7: The Finishing Touches
Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley and a little extra parmesan cheese on top for a pop of color and added flavor. These final touches bring brightness and a hint of freshness to your warm, creamy dish, making it ready to serve.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Linguine in Alfredo Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley not only enhances the visual appeal with a touch of green but also adds a subtle herbal lift that cuts through the richness. A light dusting of extra parmesan cheese on top invites cheese lovers to indulge a little more with every bite.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with crisp green vegetables like steamed broccoli or a fresh Caesar salad to balance the creaminess. Garlic bread or a warm baguette also complements the flavors nicely, perfect for soaking up any leftover Alfredo sauce on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special touch, serve the creamy chicken and linguine in individual shallow bowls with a drizzle of olive oil and a few capers or sun-dried tomatoes on the side for an extra layer of flavor complexity. Alternatively, serve it family-style on a large platter garnished with parsley sprigs to make any gathering feel cozy and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Linguine in Alfredo Sauce Recipe stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep leftovers in an airtight container to preserve the creaminess of the sauce and the tenderness of the chicken.
Freezing
While freezing Alfredo sauce is a bit tricky due to its dairy content, you can freeze the chicken and pasta separately in portioned freezer-safe containers. When ready to eat, defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat gently to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, stirring in a splash of milk or cream if necessary to bring the sauce back to its silky smooth consistency. Avoid high heat as it can cause the sauce to separate. Alternatively, reheat in a microwave in short bursts, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While linguine is excellent for holding the creamy Alfredo sauce, you can swap it for fettuccine, penne, or even spaghetti to suit your preference. Just make sure to cook it to al dente for the best texture.
Is it okay to use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat. Just be careful not to overcook, as breasts can dry out faster than thighs. Cutting them into small cubes helps cook them evenly and quickly.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with olive oil or a vegan butter, use coconut cream or a dairy-free heavy cream alternative, and replace parmesan cheese with a dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast. The flavor will be different but still delicious.
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you love a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic or sprinkle some on top before serving. You can also marinate the chicken with a little cayenne pepper alongside the Italian seasoning for a subtle kick.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe in advance?
Definitely! You can season the chicken ahead of time, and even cook it partially, then finish cooking when you’re ready. You can also prepare the sauce and reheat gently before tossing in freshly cooked linguine to serve it warm and fresh.
Final Thoughts
The Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Linguine in Alfredo Sauce Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like pure comfort wrapped in elegance. It’s straightforward to make, uses familiar ingredients, and results in a truly indulgent meal that never fails to impress. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience just how wonderfully creamy, garlicky, and buttery chicken and pasta can be together.
Print
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Linguine in Alfredo Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Linguine in Alfredo Sauce offers juicy bite-sized chicken pieces simmered in a rich, buttery garlic cream sauce with parmesan cheese, served over perfectly cooked linguine. This comforting Italian-inspired dish is easy to prepare and ideal for a family dinner or cozy night in.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1.5 lbs chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Sauce
- 3 tbsp butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
Pasta and Garnish
- 12 oz linguine pasta
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Allow it to sit for 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Sear Chicken: Heat 1.5 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and sear them until golden brown and fully cooked, about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same pan, melt the remaining 1.5 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Make Alfredo Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Cook Pasta: Meanwhile, cook the linguine in a pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
- Combine: Add the cooked chicken and linguine to the Alfredo sauce in the skillet. Toss everything together to coat the pasta and chicken evenly with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water gradually to loosen it to your preferred consistency.
- Serve: Garnish the dish with chopped fresh parsley and extra grated parmesan cheese before serving warm.
Notes
- Using both chicken thighs and breasts is fine depending on your preference; thighs tend to be juicier.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency as needed.
- You can substitute linguine with fettuccine or spaghetti if preferred.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce while simmering.
- This dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; reheat gently to avoid breaking the sauce.
