Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Linguine in Alfredo Sauce

Description

This dish combines tender, pan-seared chicken with silky linguine coated in a luscious Alfredo sauce made from butter, garlic, cream, and Parmesan. It’s indulgent yet balanced, with bold garlic flavor and a velvety texture that clings perfectly to the pasta.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Chicken:

• 2 large chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
• Salt & black pepper (to taste)
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Alfredo Sauce:

• 3 tbsp butter
• 4–5 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional, enhances flavor)

For Pasta:

• 300–350g linguine
• Water + salt (for boiling)

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley (chopped)
• Extra Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

• Boil salted water and cook linguine until al dente.
• Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.

2. Prepare the Chicken

• Season chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
• Heat butter + olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
• Cook chicken 5–7 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked.
• Remove, rest for 5 minutes, then slice.

3. Make the Alfredo Sauce

• In the same pan, melt butter and sauté garlic (30–60 seconds).
• Add heavy cream and simmer gently for 3–5 minutes.
• Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
• Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.

4. Combine

• Add cooked linguine to the sauce.
• Toss well, adding reserved pasta water if needed for consistency.
• Top with sliced chicken.

5. Serve

• Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan.
• Serve hot.

Notes

• Freshly grated Parmesan melts better than pre-packaged.
• Don’t boil the cream too hard—it can separate.
• Use pasta water to adjust sauce thickness—it helps emulsify.

Tips for Best Results

• Pound chicken evenly for consistent cooking.
• Use medium heat to avoid burning garlic.
• Add a squeeze of lemon for brightness (optional).
• For extra richness, mix in a little cream cheese.

Servings

• Serves: 4 people
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: ~40 minutes

Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)

• Calories: 650–750 kcal
• Protein: 35–40g
• Carbohydrates: 50–60g
• Fat: 35–45g
• Saturated Fat: High
• Calcium: ~20–25% daily value

Benefits

• High Protein: Supports muscle growth and satiety
• Energy-Rich: Great for active individuals
• Calcium Boost: From Parmesan cheese
• Comfort Food: Helps with mood and satisfaction

Q&A

Q1: Can I use another pasta?
Yes—fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne work well.

Q2: Can I make it lighter?
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce butter.

Q3: Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely—broccoli, mushrooms, or spinach are great additions.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk.

Q5: Can I make it ahead?
You can prep components, but it’s best served fresh for texture.