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.