Here’s a detailed, step-by-step recipe for Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Linguine in Alfredo Sauce. I’ll break it down into ingredients, preparation, and directions so it’s easy to follow.
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Linguine in Alfredo Sauce
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
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2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into bite-sized pieces
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1 tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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½ tsp paprika (optional, for color and flavor)
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1–2 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
For the Sauce:
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3 tbsp unsalted butter
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4–5 garlic cloves, minced
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1 cup heavy cream
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½ cup chicken broth (or water if unavailable)
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish)
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¼ tsp nutmeg (optional, for depth)
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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1 tsp Italian seasoning or dried parsley
For the Pasta:
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12 oz (about 340 g) linguine
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Water and salt for boiling
Optional Garnish:
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Fresh parsley, chopped
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Extra Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
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Add the linguine and cook according to package instructions (usually 9–11 minutes) until al dente.
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Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken
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While pasta is cooking, season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
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Heat 1–2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add the chicken in a single layer (don’t overcrowd). Cook 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and fully cooked.
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Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Alfredo Sauce
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In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 3 tbsp butter.
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Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 30–45 seconds until fragrant (don’t burn it!).
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Slowly pour in 1 cup heavy cream and ½ cup chicken broth, stirring continuously.
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Bring to a gentle simmer for 3–5 minutes, letting it thicken slightly.
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Add ½ cup Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of nutmeg (if using). Stir until cheese melts completely and the sauce is creamy.
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Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
4. Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce
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Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the sauce.
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Toss in the cooked linguine, gently mixing until pasta is coated with the creamy sauce.
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Cook together for 1–2 minutes to let flavors combine.
5. Serve
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Plate the creamy garlic butter chicken linguine.
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Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
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Serve immediately while hot.
Tips for Best Results
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Use freshly grated Parmesan—it melts better than pre-grated.
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Don’t overcook the chicken; it should remain juicy.
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Reserve some pasta water; it helps loosen the sauce if needed.
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For extra flavor, you can add a splash of white wine when making the sauce.