Description
Craving something rich, comforting, and loaded with flavor? This *Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Linguine in Alfredo Sauce* is your next must-try dish. It’s the perfect easy dinner idea that combines golden-seared chicken with a velvety Alfredo pasta. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner, a cozy comfort meal, or food ideas that impress without the stress, this creamy, cheesy, and garlicky recipe has it all. Ideal for weeknights or special occasions, it’s a foolproof option that fits right into your healthy-ish indulgence list.
Ingredients
1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
12 ounces linguine pasta
3 tablespoons butter (divided)
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 garlic cloves minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt (plus more for pasta water)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
Instructions
1. Cut the chicken into bite-sized cubes or strips. Pat dry and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add chicken in a single layer and sear until golden and cooked through, about 8–10 minutes. Set aside.
4. Cook the linguine in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
5. In the same skillet, melt remaining butter. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
6. Pour in heavy cream and simmer for 3–4 minutes, scraping the pan for flavor.
7. Gradually stir in Parmesan until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Add salt and pepper to taste.
8. Add drained linguine to the sauce, tossing to coat. If needed, use pasta water to thin the sauce.
9. Return chicken to the pan or plate it on top of the pasta.
10. Garnish with parsley, more cheese, and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest, creamiest sauce.
Don’t skip reserving pasta water—it’s essential to balance the sauce consistency.
Let the chicken rest a few minutes before serving to keep it juicy and flavorful.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 165mg
Keywords: easy recipe, creamy chicken pasta, dinner ideas, Alfredo linguine, garlic butter chicken