Description
If you’re searching for a quick dinner idea that feels like a gourmet treat, this Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Linguine in Alfredo Sauce is your go-to. Juicy garlic-seared chicken meets silky linguine wrapped in a rich homemade Alfredo sauce — a comforting, hearty dish perfect for weeknights or special occasions. It’s loaded with flavor, simple to prepare, and falls perfectly under “easy recipes” that feel luxurious. Whether you’re craving indulgent dinner ideas, looking for easy pasta recipes, or in need of food ideas that impress without fuss — this one’s a guaranteed hit.
Ingredients
1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1.5 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
0.5 teaspoon onion powder
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic minced
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
12 oz linguine pasta
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic minced
1.5 cups heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
0.5 teaspoon salt
0.5 teaspoon black pepper
0.5 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
Instructions
1. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked.
3. Add butter, garlic, and parsley to the pan and stir to coat the chicken. Cook for 1 more minute, then set aside.
4. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook linguine until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
5. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
6. Pour in the heavy cream and stir until warmed. Reduce heat to low.
7. Slowly whisk in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
8. Season sauce with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and optional nutmeg. Add pasta water to thin if needed.
9. Toss the cooked linguine into the Alfredo sauce and mix until fully coated.
10. Plate the pasta and top with garlic butter chicken. Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and keeps the sauce smooth.
Don’t overcook the chicken — it should be golden and just cooked through.
Mix the pasta into the sauce while it’s still hot so it absorbs the flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 21g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 41g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
Keywords: easy dinner, creamy pasta, garlic butter chicken, Alfredo linguine, quick weeknight meal, pasta recipe