Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Linguine in Alfredo Sauce

🍝 Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Linguine in Alfredo Sauce

A rich, comforting pasta dish with tender garlic-butter chicken and silky homemade Alfredo sauce—perfect for a cozy dinner.

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🧾 Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Chicken

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced lengthwise into cutlets

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• ½ tsp paprika

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter

• 5–6 cloves garlic, minced

For the Pasta

• 12 oz (340 g) linguine

• Water + salt (for boiling)

For the Alfredo Sauce

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced

• 1½ cups heavy cream

• ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (not pre-shredded)

• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional, but recommended)

Optional Garnish

• Fresh parsley, chopped

• Extra Parmesan, grated

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🔪 Prep Tips (Before You Start)

• Bring chicken to room temp for 10 minutes so it cooks evenly.

• Grate Parmesan fresh—it melts smoothly and prevents grainy sauce.

• Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining (important for sauce texture).

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👩‍🍳 Directions

1️⃣ Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil.

2. Salt generously (it should taste like the sea).

3. Add linguine and cook 1 minute less than package directions (al dente).

4. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.

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2️⃣ Season & Cook the Chicken

1. Pat chicken dry with paper towels.

2. Season both sides with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.

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

4. Add chicken and cook 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (165°F / 74°C).

5. Remove chicken to a plate and tent loosely with foil.

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3️⃣ Make the Garlic Butter Base

1. Reduce heat to medium.

2. In the same skillet, add 3 tbsp butter.

3. Once melted, add minced garlic.

4. Sauté 30–45 seconds, just until fragrant (do not brown).

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4️⃣ Prepare the Alfredo Sauce

1. Add 2 tbsp butter and let melt.

2. Pour in heavy cream, stirring gently.

3. Simmer on low heat for 3–4 minutes, stirring often.

4. Gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until smooth.

5. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.

6. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water 1–2 tbsp at a time.

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5️⃣ Combine Everything

1. Slice chicken into strips.

2. Add linguine directly to the sauce, tossing gently to coat.

3. Add chicken back into the skillet.

4. Toss everything together for 1–2 minutes until heated through and glossy.

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🍽️ Serve

• Plate immediately while hot.

• Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan.

• Serve with garlic bread or a fresh green salad.

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⭐ Pro Tips

• Cream control: Keep heat low when adding cheese to avoid curdling.

• Extra flavor: Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach right before combining.

• Lighter version: Substitute half-and-half for cream (sauce will be thinner).