Description
Looking for a restaurant-quality meal that’s indulgent yet easy to prepare? This Cheesy Alfredo Linguine with Golden Garlic Butter Chicken in Creamy Sauce is a rich, comforting dinner idea that brings creamy pasta, juicy seared chicken, and garlic butter flavor together in one satisfying plate. Whether you’re exploring quick dinner ideas, creamy pasta meals, or simply craving something cozy, this easy recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Ideal for family dinners, date nights, or even lunch leftovers, this dish hits every mark for taste, texture, and comfort.
Ingredients
2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized chunks
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
12 oz linguine pasta
2 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 ½ cups heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon dried parsley
Salt and pepper, to taste
½ cup reserved pasta water
Optional: red pepper flakes, lemon juice, extra Parmesan, steamed broccoli or spinach
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add linguine and cook until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Season chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian herbs.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear until golden and fully cooked.
4. During the last minute of cooking, add butter and minced garlic. Stir to coat chicken. Sprinkle with parsley and remove from pan.
5. In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
6. Pour in heavy cream and simmer for 3–5 minutes. Gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until smooth.
7. Season Alfredo sauce with salt, pepper, and dried parsley. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
8. Toss cooked linguine into the sauce and mix until evenly coated.
9. Simmer pasta in the sauce for 1–2 minutes.
10. Plate the pasta, top with garlic butter chicken, garnish, and serve hot.
Notes
Let the chicken rest at room temperature for even cooking and juicier texture.
Always use freshly grated Parmesan for a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth sauce.
Save a bit of pasta water—it’s perfect for loosening or reheating the Alfredo sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 780
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 640
- Fat: 48
- Saturated Fat: 26
- Unsaturated Fat: 18
- Trans Fat: 0.5
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 45
- Cholesterol: 170
Keywords: easy dinner, creamy pasta, Alfredo chicken, comfort food, dinner ideas, linguine recipe, garlic butter chicken, pasta recipe