Cheesy Alfredo Linguine with Golden Garlic Butter Chicken in Creamy Sauce

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Rich, velvety, and indulgent—this Cheesy Alfredo Linguine with Golden Garlic Butter Chicken is the ultimate comfort food for pasta lovers. The silky Alfredo sauce hugs every strand of linguine, while tender chicken pieces are pan-seared to golden perfection in a fragrant garlic butter bath. Each bite is a beautiful balance of creamy, cheesy decadence and savory, herby goodness.

This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something hearty yet easy, but it’s also elegant enough to serve at a dinner party. The buttery garlic aroma will fill your kitchen, and that first twirl of pasta with a forkful of juicy chicken will have everyone asking for seconds.

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What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

For this recipe, I recommend linguine for its perfect balance between thickness and tenderness, allowing the sauce to cling beautifully. However, fettuccine, spaghetti, or even tagliatelle would work well. If you want an extra layer of indulgence, opt for fresh pasta—it absorbs the sauce in the most luxurious way.

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Ingredients for the Cheesy Alfredo Linguine with Golden Garlic Butter Chicken

• Linguine pasta – The foundation of the dish, ideal for catching the creamy sauce.
• Chicken breast or thighs – Lean yet tender protein that pairs perfectly with Alfredo.
• Butter – Essential for creating that rich garlic butter base.
• Fresh garlic – Infuses the chicken with savory depth.
• Heavy cream – The key to a luscious, creamy Alfredo sauce.
• Parmesan cheese – Adds a salty, nutty flavor that defines Alfredo.
• Mozzarella cheese – For that extra gooey, stretchy texture.
• Italian seasoning – Brings a warm, herby balance to the flavors.
• Fresh parsley – Adds color and freshness to the finished dish.
• Olive oil – Helps achieve a golden sear on the chicken.
• Salt & pepper – To season and enhance all the flavors.

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How To Make the Cheesy Alfredo Linguine with Golden Garlic Butter Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta Base

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add linguine and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining, then set pasta aside.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken to Perfection

Season chicken breasts or thighs generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil and a tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear for 4–5 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and let rest before slicing into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Base

In the same skillet, add the remaining butter. Once melted, stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant—do not burn! The garlic butter base will capture all the browned bits from the chicken for maximum flavor.

Step 4: Create the Alfredo Sauce

Lower the heat to medium and pour in heavy cream, stirring continuously. Gradually whisk in Parmesan and mozzarella until smooth and creamy. Adjust thickness with reserved pasta water as needed.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add cooked linguine to the skillet, tossing well so every strand is coated. Return sliced chicken to the pan and mix gently into the pasta.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with fresh parsley and a final dusting of Parmesan. Serve hot, with garlic bread or a crisp side salad for the perfect Italian-inspired meal.

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Serving and Storing Cheesy Alfredo Linguine with Golden Garlic Butter Chicken

Serve this dish immediately while the sauce is silky and the chicken is juicy. It pairs beautifully with crusty garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a light Caesar salad. For a restaurant-style touch, warm your serving plates before plating the pasta.

To store leftovers, allow the pasta to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s creamy texture.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different protein?

Yes! Shrimp, salmon, or even seared tofu work wonderfully with Alfredo sauce.

How can I make it lighter?

Swap heavy cream for half-and-half and use less cheese. You can also add more vegetables like spinach or broccoli.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, but Alfredo is best enjoyed fresh. If making ahead, store the sauce separately and reheat gently before tossing with pasta.

What’s the best way to reheat this pasta?

Gently warm it in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or cream. Avoid microwaving on high, which can cause the sauce to separate.

Can I freeze Alfredo pasta?

Not recommended. The cream-based sauce can split after freezing, losing its creamy texture.

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Want More Pasta Ideas with a Twist?

If you love this Cheesy Alfredo Linguine with Golden Garlic Butter Chicken, you’ll enjoy these other pasta favorites from my kitchen:

• One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta for a hearty, all-in-one comfort meal.
• Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli for a cozy, veggie-packed dinner.
• Rattlesnake Pasta if you’re craving a little spice in your creamy pasta.
• Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce for a bold twist on classic flavors.
• Skillet Ricotta Pasta with Roasted Broccoli for a lighter, wholesome option.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can revisit it anytime: Life with Jam on Pinterest

When you try it, let me know how yours turned out! Did you stick with chicken or experiment with shrimp? Maybe you added extra garlic (because there’s no such thing as too much). I love hearing your creative twists—share them in the comments so we can all cook smarter and tastier together.

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