Oh, you are going to LOVE this! If you’re looking for that ultimate comfort food, something that feels fancy enough for a date night but is totally doable on a Tuesday? Well, my Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Linguine in Alfredo Sauce is it. Seriously, after years of tweaking pasta recipes, this one has become our absolute go-to. It’s that perfect blend of rich, garlicky, buttery goodness that just screams “I’ve got this!” without any fuss. Get ready to impress yourself (and anyone lucky enough to be sharing your plate)!

What Makes This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Linguine in Alfredo Sauce So Special

Okay, so what makes this dish a total game-changer? It’s really about that perfect harmony of flavors and textures. You get these unbelievably tender chicken pieces bathed in a luscious garlic butter sauce, all tangled up with perfectly cooked linguine and then – BAM! – it’s all swimming in this incredibly rich, velvety Alfredo sauce. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, honestly.

Flavor Explosion: The garlic butter base just sings, and then the creamy Alfredo takes it to a whole new level. It’s decadent without being *too* heavy.
Tender Chicken: We cook the chicken just right so it’s super tender and juicy, soaking up all those amazing sauce flavors.
Effortless Elegance: Even though it tastes like you slaved away for hours, it’s surprisingly quick and easy to whip up. Perfect for busy nights!
Crowd-Pleaser: Seriously, I’ve never met anyone who didn’t devour this. It’s a guaranteed hit for family dinners or when friends come over.

It’s the kind of meal that makes everyone happy, and knowing how simple it is to achieve that restaurant-quality taste? That’s the real magic!

Gathering Your Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Linguine in Alfredo Sauce

Alright, let’s get our mise en place ready for this creamy dream! Having everything prepped makes the actual cooking part a breeze, trust me. For our delicious Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Linguine in Alfredo Sauce, we’ll need:

The Pasta: 1 pound of linguine is perfect. You can use fettuccine or even spaghetti if that’s what you have on hand.
The Star: 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breast. We’ll cut this into nice, bite-sized pieces.
The Foundation: 2 tablespoons of olive oil and a generous 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Butter is key here for that rich flavor!
The Aroma: 4 cloves of garlic, and I mean *minced* finely. Don’t skimp on the garlic!
The Creaminess: 1 cup of heavy cream. This is what makes the Alfredo sauce so dreamy.
The Cheesy Goodness: 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Please, please grate it yourself – it melts so much better than the pre-grated stuff!
The Freshness: 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, finely chopped. It adds a lovely pop of color and freshness at the end.
Seasoning: Salt and black pepper, just to taste. I always say start with a little and add more if needed.

Chicken Preparation for Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Linguine in Alfredo Sauce

First things first, let’s prep that chicken! Cut your chicken breast into nice, uniform bite-sized pieces – think about an inch or so. This helps them cook evenly. Then, just give them a good sprinkle of salt and pepper. Easy peasy!

Pasta and Sauce Base Ingredients

For the sauce base, we’re going with linguine, but feel free to swap if you prefer. And for that amazing aroma and flavor, we need garlic! Make sure you mince those 4 cloves really, really finely. The finer you mince it, the more flavor it releases into the butter.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Linguine in Alfredo Sauce

Alright, let’s get this deliciousness on the table! It’s a straightforward process, and before you know it, you’ll be digging into this amazing Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Linguine in Alfredo Sauce. Just follow these steps, and you’ll see how easy it is!

Cooking the Chicken to Perfection

First up, get a big skillet nice and hot over medium-high heat. Add your olive oil and 2 tablespoons of that lovely butter. Once it’s shimmering, carefully add your seasoned chicken pieces. Don’t crowd the pan – cook in batches if you need to! Let them get nicely browned on all sides and cook all the way through. Once they’re done, just scoop them out onto a plate and set them aside. Easy!

Crafting the Rich Alfredo Sauce

Now, to that same skillet (don’t wipe it out, all those chicken bits are flavor!), add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Let it melt, then toss in your minced garlic. Cook it for just about a minute until it smells amazing – be careful not to burn it! Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in that grated Parmesan cheese, and keep stirring until it’s all melted and the sauce is wonderfully smooth and creamy. This is the magic happening right before your eyes!

Bringing It All Together

Okay, time to combine everything! Gently return your cooked chicken to the skillet with that gorgeous Alfredo sauce. Now, add your drained linguine right into the skillet too. Toss everything together really well so every strand of pasta and every piece of chicken is coated in that luxurious sauce. If it looks a little too thick, don’t panic! Just add a splash of that reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until it reaches your perfect, dreamy consistency. Finally, stir in that fresh chopped parsley for a bright finish. Give it a final taste and add more salt or pepper if you think it needs it. Serve it up piping hot!

Tips for the Best Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Linguine in Alfredo Sauce

Want to make this dish absolutely perfect every single time? I’ve got a few little tricks up my sleeve that really make a difference. First off, for the chicken, don’t be afraid to give it a little pre-game pep talk! Marinating the chicken pieces for about 15-30 minutes in a little garlic powder, some Italian seasoning, and maybe a tiny splash of olive oil before you cook them adds an incredible depth of flavor. It’s totally optional, but wow, it’s worth it!

Flavor Enhancements

That little marinade step I mentioned? It really pumps up the chicken’s flavor before it even hits the pan. Another thing I love to do is add a pinch of nutmeg to the Alfredo sauce. It sounds weird, but it just makes the creamy flavors pop even more. And for an extra garlicky punch, you can even add a little more garlic when you’re making the sauce – just be careful not to burn it!

Customization Options

This recipe is so forgiving, which is why I love it! Feeling like adding some veggies? Toss in some steamed broccoli florets or a handful of fresh spinach right at the end with the parsley. They wilt beautifully and add a nice bit of color and nutrition. You could also swap the chicken for shrimp, or even just make it a veggie-loaded pasta if you’re going meatless. It’s all about making it your own!

Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Linguine in Alfredo Sauce

Got questions? I’ve got answers! This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Linguine in Alfredo Sauce is pretty foolproof, but I know sometimes you just need a little extra guidance.

Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely! While linguine is my favorite for this, fettuccine, spaghetti, or even penne would work wonderfully. Just cook your chosen pasta according to its package directions.
What if I don’t have heavy cream? If you’re out of heavy cream, you can try using half-and-half, but the sauce might not be quite as rich or thick. For a lighter version, some people have had success with evaporated milk, but it can sometimes curdle, so add it slowly and gently.
How can I make this dish spicier? Oh, easy! If you like a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when you sauté the garlic. You could also add a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the finished sauce.
How do I store leftovers? This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or water if the sauce seems a bit thick.

Hope that helps clear things up! This recipe is super adaptable, so don’t be afraid to experiment a little!

Nutritional Estimate for Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Linguine in Alfredo Sauce

Just a little heads-up, the nutritional info below is an estimate, okay? It can totally change depending on the exact brands you use and how big your portions are. But generally, for one serving of this glorious Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Linguine in Alfredo Sauce, you’re looking at roughly: Calories: 650, Fat: 35g, Protein: 30g, and Carbohydrates: 50g. It’s a hearty meal, for sure!

Amazing Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Linguine

Author: goforecipes.com
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A rich and creamy pasta dish featuring tender chicken breast coated in a decadent garlic butter sauce, tossed with linguine and smothered in a classic Alfredo sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb linguine
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Cook linguine according to package directions. Drain, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water.
While pasta cooks, heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
Add remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth.
Return chicken to the skillet. Add cooked linguine and toss to coat.
If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
Stir in fresh parsley. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Serve immediately.

Notes

For extra flavor, you can marinate the chicken in a little garlic powder and Italian seasoning before cooking.
Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like broccoli florets or spinach to the dish.
Adjust the amount of garlic to your preference.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 650
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 500mg
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 120mg

Keywords: chicken, pasta, linguine, alfredo, garlic butter, creamy, Italian