Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Linguine in Alfredo Sauce
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Introduction
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Linguine in Alfredo Sauce is a comforting, restaurant-style dish that combines tender golden-seared chicken, rich Alfredo sauce, and perfectly cooked linguine. It’s indulgent, satisfying, and surprisingly simple to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for family, guests, or treating yourself, this dish delivers silky, garlicky goodness in every bite.
Ingredients & Quantities
For the Chicken
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
For the Alfredo Sauce
2 tablespoons butter
1 ½ cups heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon paprika (optional)
For the Pasta
12 ounces linguine
Water + salt for boiling
Instructions
1. Cook the Linguine
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add linguine and cook according to package directions until al dente.
3. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
2. Prepare the Chicken
1. Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add chicken and cook until golden brown and fully cooked (6–8 minutes).
4. Add 2 tablespoons butter and minced garlic; sauté until fragrant (1 minute).
5. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Alfredo Sauce
1. In the same pan, melt 2 tablespoons butter.
2. Pour in heavy cream, stirring gently.
3. Lower heat and simmer for 3–4 minutes.
4. Add grated Parmesan and stir until smooth and creamy.
5. Season with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
6. If sauce becomes too thick, add the reserved pasta water, a little at a time.
4. Combine
1. Add cooked chicken back into the pan with the sauce.
2. Add linguine and toss until everything is coated evenly.
3. Let simmer 1–2 minutes so flavors marry.
5. Serve
Plate warm and garnish with additional Parmesan, parsley, or red pepper flakes.
Origin
This dish is inspired by classic Italian-American cuisine, combining the beloved Alfredo sauce that became famous in the U.S. with the European tradition of sautéing flavorful garlic-butter chicken. While not traditional Italian, it has become a staple comfort dish in North America.
Cultural Significance
Creamy Alfredo pasta is often associated with family gatherings, celebrations, and cozy homemade meals. It symbolizes comfort, indulgence, and togetherness. Adding garlic butter chicken modernizes the dish and makes it a heartier, protein-rich meal.
Description
This meal features tender chicken coated in a luscious garlic butter glaze, paired with silky linguine enveloped in velvety Alfredo sauce. The combination of garlic, Parmesan, and butter creates a luxurious flavor profile that feels comforting and gourmet at the same time.
Optional Additions
Spinach: add during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
Mushrooms: sauté with garlic for a deeper umami profile.
Sun-dried tomatoes: add tang and richness.
Broccoli: steam or pan-roast for color and nutrients.
Red pepper flakes: for a spicy kick.
Grilled shrimp: swap out or add to chicken for surf-and-turf vibes.
Tips for Success
Use freshly grated Parmesan—it melts smoother than pre-shredded.
Don’t boil the Alfredo sauce; simmer gently for best creaminess.
Taste as you go and adjust seasoning.
Reserve pasta water to thin the sauce perfectly.
Cook chicken in batches for best browning (avoid overcrowding).
Nutritional Information (approx. per serving, 4 servings)
Calories: ~780
Protein: ~40g
Carbs: ~60g
Fat: ~40g
Fiber: 2–3g
Sodium: Moderate–high (depends on seasoning & cheese)
Conclusion
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Linguine in Alfredo Sauce is a comforting, indulgent dish that blends rich flavors with easy cooking steps. It’s ideal for family dinners, romantic nights in, or anytime you want a satisfying meal without complicated techniques.
Recommendation
Pair this dish with:
A fresh green salad
Garlic bread or roasted vegetables
A crisp white wine (like Pinot Grigio) or sparkling water with lemon
Embracing Healthful Indulgence
You can enjoy this indulgent meal more often by making mindful tweaks without sacrificing flavor—use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, add vegetables for fiber, or swap linguine for whole-grain or chickpea pasta. Balance and enjoyment can happily coexist in one delicious bowl.
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