Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Linguine in Alfredo Sauce
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
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2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 500 grams)
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
For the Alfredo Sauce:
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3 tablespoons unsalted butter
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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1 1/2 cups heavy cream (or full-fat cooking cream)
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1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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A pinch of ground nutmeg (optional)
For the Pasta:
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250 grams linguine
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Water and salt (for boiling)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken:
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Slice each chicken breast in half horizontally to create 4 thin cutlets.
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Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
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In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add butter.
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Once the butter is melted and foamy, add the chicken cutlets.
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Sear for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through (internal temperature: 74°C / 165°F).
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Add minced garlic during the last 1 minute of cooking. Spoon garlic butter over the chicken.
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Remove chicken from the pan and set aside. Cover loosely to keep warm.
2. Cook the Pasta:
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
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Cook linguine according to package instructions until al dente.
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Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
3. Make the Alfredo Sauce:
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In the same skillet used for the chicken (wipe if necessary), melt butter over medium-low heat.
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Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
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Pour in the cream. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly.
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Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
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Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg, if using.
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If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
4. Combine and Serve:
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Add the drained linguine to the Alfredo sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly.
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Slice the cooked chicken and place over the pasta.
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Spoon some of the garlic butter from the skillet over the chicken for added flavor.
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Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan, if desired.
Serving Suggestions:
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Serve with garlic bread and a fresh green salad.
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A squeeze of lemon over the chicken before serving adds brightness.
Storage:
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.
Let me know if you’d like this dish adapted for shrimp, a low-carb version, or made without heavy cream.