There’s something incredibly comforting about a big bowl of creamy pasta, especially when it’s infused with garlic and butter. This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Linguine in Alfredo Sauce is one of those recipes that brings back warm memories of family dinners and cozy nights in. It’s not just easy to prepare; it also comes together quickly, making it perfect for any night of the week when you want something delicious without a lot of fuss.
Why You’ll Love Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Linguine in Alfredo Sauce
- Fast
- Easy
- Giftable
- Crowd-pleasing
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the dish, providing protein and flavor.
- 8 ounces linguine pasta: A perfect pasta choice that complements the creamy sauce.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: For that rich, buttery flavor.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a punch of flavor that makes this dish unforgettable.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The base of our luscious Alfredo sauce.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: For that cheesy goodness that ties everything together.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for bringing out the flavors.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Linguine in Alfredo Sauce
Ready to dig in? Let’s get cooking!
- Cook the linguine according to package instructions. Drain and set aside. This step is super easy, and the pasta can just hang out while we prepare the rest.
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside. I like to use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; it should read 165°F.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. You’ll love how your kitchen smells right now!
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with additional salt and pepper, if desired. This is where the magic happens!
- Slice the cooked chicken and add it to the sauce along with the cooked linguine. Toss until well combined and heated through. Don’t be shy—make sure every noodle is coated in that creamy goodness!
- Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley. A little sprinkle of green makes everything look fancy!
Substitutions & Additions
Feel free to get creative! Here are some ideas:
- For a healthier twist, swap out the heavy cream for half-and-half or a non-dairy cream alternative.
- Add steamed broccoli or spinach for some extra veggies.
- If you’re a fan of spice, toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick!
Tips for Success
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken; it can become dry.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining to thin the sauce if needed.
- If you want to prep ahead, you can cook the chicken and pasta in advance. Just reheat them gently before combining.
How to Store Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Linguine in Alfredo Sauce
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth if it seems too thick.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Any pasta shape you love will work well with this creamy sauce.
Is this recipe easy to double?
Yes, it’s super easy to double the recipe for a larger crowd. Just make sure to use a larger skillet!
Can I freeze this dish?
While it’s best fresh, you can freeze the chicken in the sauce. Just remember the pasta may not be as good once thawed.
What can I serve with this dish?
A simple side salad or some garlic bread would pair beautifully with this creamy pasta.
For more delicious recipes, check out Tasty with Lara or Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes for treats you will love!
If you love this recipe, I encourage you to follow us on Pinterest for more mouthwatering ideas!
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Linguine in Alfredo Sauce
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Large pot
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter For that rich, buttery flavor.
- 4 cloves garlic minced, adds a punch of flavor.
- 1 cup heavy cream The base of our luscious Alfredo sauce.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese For that cheesy goodness that ties everything together.
For the Pasta
- 8 oz linguine A perfect pasta choice that complements the creamy sauce.
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the linguine according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Step 4: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with additional salt and pepper, if desired.
- Step 5: Slice the cooked chicken and add it to the sauce along with the cooked linguine. Toss until well combined and heated through.
- Step 6: Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley.