Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Linguine in Alfredo Sauce

If you’re craving a rich, comforting, and absolutely indulgent meal, this Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Linguine in Alfredo Sauce is your perfect dinner companion. Succulent chicken seared in garlic butter, nestled on a bed of perfectly cooked linguine, and coated in a luscious homemade Alfredo sauce — this dish combines restaurant-quality flavor with the comfort of a home-cooked meal.

Whether you’re planning a special date night at home, a family dinner, or just want a satisfying one-pan pasta dish, this recipe will hit all the right notes. Best of all, it uses simple, everyday ingredients and can be made in under an hour!

Ingredients

Before we dive into the steps, here’s a full list of ingredients you’ll need. This dish breaks down into three main parts: the chicken, the Alfredo sauce, and the pasta.

For the Garlic Butter Chicken:

2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 4 small)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon paprika (optional – for color and mild flavor)
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 garlic cloves, minced

For the Alfredo Sauce:

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups heavy cream (or double cream)
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (more for garnish)
1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, but adds depth)
1/2 cup reserved pasta water (optional – for thinning the sauce)

For the Pasta:

12 oz (340 g) linguine pasta
Salted water (for boiling)

Optional Garnishes:

Fresh chopped parsley
Grated Parmesan cheese
Crushed red pepper flakes (for heat)

🍽️ Yield

Serves: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken

Start by preparing your chicken breasts. If using large chicken breasts, slice them in half horizontally to create thin cutlets. This helps them cook evenly and more quickly.

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels — this helps with browning.
Season both sides of each piece with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.

Paprika adds a subtle smokiness and beautiful golden color once seared.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken in Garlic Butter

In a large skillet (preferably stainless steel or cast iron), heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter over medium-high heat.

Once hot and shimmering:

Add the seasoned chicken cutlets in a single layer.
Sear each side for about 4–5 minutes or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
In the last minute of cooking, add the minced garlic to the pan and spoon the melted garlic butter over the chicken to infuse it with flavor.

Pro tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan. If needed, cook the chicken in batches to maintain a good sear.

Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm.

Step 3: Cook the Linguine

While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Add the linguine and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (firm to the bite).
Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water — this starchy water can help thin out the sauce if needed.

Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Alfredo Sauce

Using the same pan used for cooking the chicken (don’t wipe it out — the fond adds flavor), reduce the heat to medium.

Add 4 tablespoons of butter and let it melt.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute, until fragrant (don’t let it brown).
Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer (don’t boil), then add the grated Parmesan cheese gradually, whisking constantly until melted and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.

Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and nutmeg.

If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.

Step 5: Combine Pasta, Sauce & Chicken

Add the drained linguine into the Alfredo sauce and toss well to coat every strand in creamy goodness.

If needed, add more pasta water to loosen the sauce.
Slice the garlic butter chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces.
Either mix the chicken into the pasta or serve it over the top for a beautiful presentation.

Let everything sit in the pan on low heat for 1–2 minutes so the flavors can marry.

🌿 Serving Suggestions

Plate the creamy linguine onto warm dishes, topping each portion with a generous amount of sliced chicken. Sprinkle with:

Freshly chopped parsley
Extra Parmesan
Crushed red pepper flakes for a touch of heat

Serve with garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus.

✅ Recipe Tips for Best Results

1. Use Freshly Grated Parmesan

Pre-shredded Parmesan doesn’t melt as smoothly and can cause your Alfredo sauce to turn grainy. Always go for a block and grate it fresh.

2. Don’t Boil the Sauce

Alfredo sauce is delicate. Boiling can cause it to separate or become oily. Simmer gently and whisk continuously.

3. Reserve Pasta Water

It’s liquid gold when it comes to pasta sauces. The starch in pasta water helps emulsify and thicken sauces without adding extra cream.

4. Cut Chicken Evenly

To ensure even cooking and prevent dryness, slice the chicken breasts into equal thickness. Pounding them slightly helps too.

🔁 Variations and Add-Ons

This recipe is versatile! Here are some delicious ways to customize it:

🥬 Add Vegetables:

Spinach (stir into the sauce at the end)
Mushrooms (sauté with garlic before adding cream)
Sun-dried tomatoes
Peas or broccoli florets

🧀 Use Other Cheeses:

Try mixing Parmesan with Pecorino Romano, Asiago, or Fontina for different flavor profiles.

🍗 Swap the Protein:

Use shrimp, salmon, or even grilled tofu for a pescatarian or vegetarian option.
Leftover rotisserie chicken works in a pinch!

🧊 Storage and Reheating

Storage:

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating:

Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat.
Add a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.
Avoid microwaving for too long, as Alfredo can separate when overheated.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavor-packed: Garlic butter seared chicken brings rich flavor that perfectly complements the creamy Alfredo sauce.
Quick & Easy: From stovetop to table in under 45 minutes.
Restaurant quality: Impress guests or loved ones with minimal effort.
Customizable: Adapt it to suit your taste or whatever’s in your fridge.

🧾 Nutrition Information (Estimated Per Serving)

Note: Values may vary based on ingredients used.

Calories: 680 kcal
Protein: 36g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fat: 40g
Saturated Fat: 24g
Cholesterol: 155mg
Sodium: 420mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 2g

⭐ Final Thoughts

This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Linguine in Alfredo Sauce is a dish that brings together comfort, flavor, and simplicity in one pot. With a decadent homemade Alfredo sauce and perfectly seared chicken, this pasta dinner is a crowd-pleaser that works for both weeknights and special occasions