Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Linguine in Alfredo Sauce
Introduction
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Linguine in Alfredo Sauce is a luxurious, restaurant-quality dish that combines tender chicken, rich Alfredo sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. This comforting recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, offering a harmonious balance of savory flavors and creamy textures.
Ingredients and Quantities
For the Chicken & Pasta:
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
For the Alfredo Sauce:
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper, to taste
8 ounces linguine (or pasta of your choice)
Optional Additions:
Chopped parsley, for garnish
Red pepper flakes, for a subtle kick
Mushrooms or spinach for extra vegetables
Instructions
Cook the pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup pasta water.
Cook the chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until golden brown and fully cooked (about 5–7 minutes). Remove chicken and set aside.
Make the Alfredo sauce:
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute). Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Slowly whisk in Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
Combine:
Add cooked chicken and linguine to the sauce. Toss to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
Serve:
Garnish with chopped parsley and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately for best results.
Origin
Alfredo sauce originated in Rome, Italy, in the early 20th century. While traditional Fettuccine Alfredo is simpler, this variation with garlic butter chicken has become a popular Italian-American favorite, blending creamy richness with protein for a hearty meal.
Cultural Significance
This dish reflects the Italian-American love for creamy, indulgent pasta meals. It’s often served in celebratory settings and has become a comfort food staple in many households around the world, symbolizing family gatherings and special dinners.
Description
Tender, juicy chicken pieces are enveloped in a rich, garlicky Alfredo sauce, coating every strand of linguine. The sauce is silky, cheesy, and perfectly balanced with a hint of Italian herbs. This dish is both indulgent and comforting, offering a restaurant-quality experience at home.
Optional Additions
Vegetables: Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes add color and nutrition.
Herbs: Fresh basil or thyme can elevate the flavor profile.
Heat: Red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for spice lovers.
Tips for Success
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the creamiest sauce.
Do not overcook the pasta; al dente ensures perfect texture.
Let the chicken rest for a minute before adding to the sauce to retain juiciness.
Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving, serves 4)
Calories: 650 kcal
Protein: 38 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fat: 36 g
Fiber: 2 g
Sodium: 550 mg
Conclusion
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Linguine in Alfredo Sauce is a comforting, indulgent dish that brings the flavors of Italian cuisine to your kitchen. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet elegant enough for guests.
Recommendation
Pair with a crisp green salad or garlic bread to balance the richness. For a lighter version, swap half the heavy cream with milk or use whole wheat pasta.
Embracing Healthful Indulgence
This dish proves that indulgence can be mindful. By controlling portion size and adding vegetables, you can enjoy creamy, cheesy comfort food without overdoing it. Treat yourself—it’s all about balance!
If you want, I can also create a quick “5-minute prep visual chart” for this recipe so it’s super easy to follow while cooking. That would make it almost impossible to mess up! Do you want me to do that?
