Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken And Linguine in Alfredo Sauce

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes hold a candle to the rich, indulgent pairing of tender chicken, silky pasta, and creamy Alfredo sauce. This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Linguine in Alfredo Sauce recipe is everything you crave in a weeknight dinner or a special family meal: juicy chicken bites seared in garlic butter, tossed with perfectly cooked linguine, and coated in a velvety Parmesan Alfredo sauce that clings to every strand of pasta.

It’s a dish that feels like it belongs on the menu of your favorite Italian restaurant, yet it’s simple enough to prepare at home. The flavors are luxurious, but the process is straightforward—making it the perfect go-to for busy evenings when you still want something hearty and satisfying.

Let’s dive into the magic of why this dish works, how to make it, and how to serve it like a pro.

Why This Recipe Works

Juicy chicken bites – Cutting chicken into small, even pieces allows it to cook quickly while staying tender. The garlic butter sear adds flavor right from the start.

Linguine is the perfect pasta – Long, flat noodles hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is indulgent.

Homemade Alfredo sauce – Forget the jarred stuff. A simple sauce of butter, cream, garlic, and Parmesan makes all the difference.

Balanced flavors – The richness of Alfredo is balanced by garlic, seasoning, and just enough salt and pepper to keep it savory and not heavy.

Restaurant-quality at home – With minimal effort, you get a dish that tastes like fine dining without the price tag.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Chicken

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Cut into bite-sized cubes.

2 tablespoons olive oil – For searing.

Salt and black pepper, to taste – Essential seasoning.

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – A blend of herbs that complements the creamy sauce.

For the Sauce

4 tablespoons unsalted butter – The base of the Alfredo.

4 garlic cloves, minced – Fresh garlic deepens flavor.

2 cups heavy cream – For richness and creaminess.

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese – Salty, nutty, and melty goodness.

Salt and pepper, to taste – Adjust to balance the sauce.

For the Pasta

12 ounces linguine – Cooked al dente for the perfect bite.

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional) – For garnish and freshness.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Linguine in Alfredo Sauce

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Add linguine and cook according to package directions until al dente.

Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining (this can help loosen the sauce later if needed).

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

Add chicken to skillet and cook 6–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.

Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.

Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.

Reduce heat and slowly whisk in Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce thickens.

Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Add cooked chicken back into the sauce.

Toss in linguine, using tongs to coat pasta evenly.

If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until desired consistency.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve

Sprinkle with chopped parsley.

Serve hot, with extra Parmesan on the side for cheese lovers.

Tips + Tricks for Recipe Success

Use fresh Parmesan – Pre-grated cheese won’t melt as smoothly and can make the sauce grainy.

Don’t overcook chicken – Remove it from heat as soon as it hits 165°F internal temp to keep it juicy.

Reserve pasta water – A splash of starchy water is the secret to silky sauces that cling to pasta.

Work in layers of flavor – Searing chicken first, then building the sauce in the same skillet, makes the flavors deeper.

Add veggies for balance – Broccoli, spinach, or peas can be tossed in to lighten the richness.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is filling on its own, but you can elevate it into a complete Italian-inspired feast:

Garlic Bread or Breadsticks – Perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.

Side Salad – A crisp Caesar or simple mixed greens with vinaigrette balances the creaminess.

Roasted Vegetables – Asparagus, zucchini, or mushrooms pair beautifully.

Wine Pairing – A chilled glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio complements the creamy sauce.

Variations to Try

Shrimp Alfredo – Swap chicken for shrimp, cooking them quickly in garlic butter.

Spicy Kick – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for gentle heat.

Mushroom Alfredo – Sauté sliced mushrooms in butter before adding the cream.

Low-Carb Option – Serve over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.

Extra Cheesy – Blend in mozzarella or Asiago for a richer cheese pull.

Storing & Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.

Freezer: Not recommended—cream sauces can separate when frozen.

The Comfort of Creamy Pasta Dishes

There’s a reason Alfredo pasta remains one of the most popular Italian-American dishes: it’s cozy, satisfying, and endlessly adaptable. Pairing it with garlic butter chicken makes it a complete meal in one pot, satisfying both pasta lovers and protein seekers. It’s a dish that works for date nights, family dinners, or even as leftovers for lunch the next day.

Cooking this recipe at home also gives you control over the flavors, creaminess, and richness. You can make it lighter, spicier, cheesier, or packed with vegetables—whatever suits your mood.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Linguine in Alfredo Sauce recipe proves that you don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen to create something indulgent and memorable. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you’ll serve up a dish that looks and tastes like it came straight out of a restaurant kitchen.

Whether you’re cooking for your family, entertaining friends, or simply treating yourself after a long day, this recipe delivers pure comfort with every bite. The golden chicken, the velvety Alfredo, and the perfectly coated linguine make this one a guaranteed repeat in your meal rotation.

So grab your skillet, boil that pasta, and get ready to enjoy the creamy, garlicky, cheesy goodness of this timeless classic.

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