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Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Linguine in Alfredo Sauce

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Linguine in Alfredo Sauce

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Juicy, pan-seared chicken bites and a rich, creamy Alfredo linguine come together in this soul-warming comfort dish that’s perfect for family dinners or cozy weekends in. The golden-browned garlic butter chicken packs savory flavor into every bite, while the Alfredo sauce clings to every strand of linguine with luscious, cheesy perfection.

This dish feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple to pull off—even on a weeknight. It’s a versatile crowd-pleaser that pairs well with roasted veggies, garlic bread, or even a fresh green salad. Once you try it, it may just become your new go-to dinner favorite.


What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

For this recipe, boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs both work well. Thighs offer more flavor and moisture, while breasts are lean and cook quickly. Just be sure to cut the chicken into bite-sized chunks for even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.


Ingredients for the Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Linguine in Alfredo Sauce

Chicken Breasts or Thighs – Tender chunks are seared to golden perfection, adding texture and flavor.

Linguine Pasta – The flat, wide noodles hold onto the creamy Alfredo sauce like a dream.

Garlic – Freshly minced garlic gives the butter sauce that bold, aromatic punch.

Butter – The base of both the chicken and the Alfredo sauce, creating a rich, velvety mouthfeel.

Heavy Cream – For a silky smooth Alfredo that’s indulgently creamy.

Parmesan Cheese – Freshly grated is best for a nutty, salty bite in every forkful.

Olive Oil – Helps sear the chicken while adding a subtle depth.

Salt & Pepper – Simple seasoning that enhances all the natural flavors.

Italian Seasoning & Parsley – Brings herby freshness and visual flair.

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How To Make the Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Linguine in Alfredo Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken chunks, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until golden and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant—about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and stir, letting it gently simmer.

Step 4: Add the Cheese

Gradually whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce thickens slightly. Add a bit of reserved pasta water to adjust consistency, if needed.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Add the cooked linguine to the Alfredo sauce, tossing to coat thoroughly. Return the seared chicken to the pan and gently mix everything together. Garnish with chopped parsley and more Parmesan if desired.


How to Serve and Store Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Linguine

Serve this dish hot and fresh, with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and fresh parsley on top. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

To store leftovers, let them cool completely and transfer to an airtight container. Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. Freezing is not ideal, as cream sauces can separate.


Frequently Asked Questions

How can I keep the chicken juicy?

Don’t overcook the chicken! Sear on medium-high heat just until the pieces are golden and fully cooked.

Can I use another type of pasta?

Absolutely! Fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti all work well—just use what you have on hand.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half, but the sauce won’t be as rich. Avoid using milk alone—it can curdle.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes! Spinach, mushrooms, or steamed broccoli are great add-ins for color and nutrition.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Only if you use gluten-free pasta. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free.


Want More Chicken Pasta Ideas?

If you love this Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Linguine, try out these delicious comfort-food favorites:


Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go with chicken thighs or breasts? Maybe added spinach or a pinch of chili flakes?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter.

Find more daily recipes on my Pinterest: Life with Jam


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Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Linguine in Alfredo Sauce

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Linguine in Alfredo Sauce


  • Author: Jam Scott
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Linguine in Alfredo Sauce is a dreamy, indulgent dinner that combines golden seared chicken bites with a rich, homemade Alfredo sauce over perfectly cooked linguine. Comforting, flavorful, and easy enough for a weeknight!


Ingredients

1 lb chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

8 oz linguine pasta

3 cloves garlic, minced

3 tbsp butter

1 tbsp olive oil

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1 tsp Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tbsp fresh chopped parsley (optional garnish)


Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook linguine until al dente, according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.

2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and 1 tbsp butter. Add chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and sear for 6–8 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

3. In the same skillet, melt remaining butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).

4. Pour in heavy cream and let simmer gently for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

5. Gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until fully melted and sauce thickens. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen sauce as needed.

6. Toss cooked linguine into the Alfredo sauce. Add the seared chicken back in and stir to combine.

7. Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce—it melts better and avoids clumps.

Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken; give it space to brown.

Add a splash of pasta water when reheating leftovers to keep the sauce creamy.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate
  • Calories: 620
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 520mg
  • Fat: 35g
  • Saturated Fat: 20g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 36g
  • Cholesterol: 140mg

Keywords: creamy chicken pasta, garlic butter linguine, Alfredo chicken pasta

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