Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Linguine in Alfredo Sauce

🧄✨ Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Linguine in Alfredo Sauce

Description

This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Linguine is the ultimate comfort meal — juicy golden chicken bites tossed in a rich, velvety Alfredo sauce infused with garlic, butter, and Parmesan. It’s indulgent yet simple enough for weeknights, and elegant enough for guests. Each bite bursts with creamy, garlicky flavor that clings perfectly to every strand of pasta.

🍗 Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional for mild heat)
• 8 ounces linguine pasta
• ¼ cup chopped parsley (for garnish)
• Extra Parmesan for serving

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Cook the linguine
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
   • Add linguine and cook according to package directions until al dente.
   • Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Cook the chicken
   • Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
   • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Add chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.
3. Make the garlic butter sauce
   • In the same pan, melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
   • Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
   • Stir in Parmesan cheese and whisk until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
   • Add chili flakes if desired.
4. Combine everything
   • Return the cooked chicken to the pan.
   • Add linguine and toss well to coat in the creamy sauce.
   • If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
5. Serve
   • Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan.
   • Serve hot with garlic bread or a crisp salad.

📝 Notes

• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with evaporated milk or Greek yogurt.
• You can use shrimp or mushrooms instead of chicken for variation.
• Freshly grated Parmesan makes a big difference — avoid pre-shredded ones for best creaminess.

💡 Tips

• Don’t overcook the chicken — it should stay juicy.
• Stir continuously while adding Parmesan to avoid clumping.
• Add a squeeze of lemon juice for a slight tang to balance the richness.
• Use fettuccine, penne, or tagliatelle as alternatives to linguine.

🍽️ Servings

Serves 4 people
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total: 30 minutes

🔢 Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: ~580 kcal
• Protein: 36g
• Fat: 34g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 620mg

(Values may vary based on ingredients used.)

🌿 Health Benefits

• High protein from chicken helps muscle repair and energy.
• Garlic supports heart health and immunity.
• Olive oil provides healthy fats.
• Parmesan and cream offer calcium and vitamin D for strong bones.

❓ Q&A

Q1: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Cook everything except pasta. Store sauce and chicken separately. Reheat gently and toss with fresh pasta before serving.

Q2: How can I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free linguine or zucchini noodles (zoodles).

Q3: What can I use instead of heavy cream?
Half-and-half, coconut cream, or cashew cream for a dairy-free version.

Q4: Why does my Alfredo sauce separate?
Usually from high heat. Keep it on medium and stir continuously when adding cheese.

Q5: What sides go best?
Garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables complement this dish beautifully.