Sally Winter
Picture twirling a forkful of silky linguine coated in a rich, cheesy Alfredo sauce that clings to every strand. Now, imagine tender pieces of golden garlic butter chicken, perfectly seared with a crisp, flavorful crust, sitting on top of that luscious pasta. This dish is the ultimate comfort food, bringing restaurant-quality flavor to your home kitchen.
The creamy sauce combines Parmesan cheese, garlic, and butter to create an irresistible coating for the pasta, while the chicken provides a savory, juicy contrast. It’s a dinner that feels indulgent yet simple enough to prepare on a weeknight, perfect for family meals or cozy evenings.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Alfredo Linguine with Golden Garlic Butter Chicken
- Decadent and creamy Alfredo sauce made from scratch.
- Juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken with a golden crust.
- A comforting pasta dinner that’s ready in under an hour.
- Perfect for both casual weeknights and special occasions.
What’s the Secret to Creamy Alfredo Sauce?
The secret to achieving a silky Alfredo sauce is combining butter, heavy cream, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese over gentle heat. Freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-shredded, preventing a grainy texture and giving the sauce its smooth, velvety finish.
Ingredients for the Cheesy Alfredo Linguine with Golden Garlic Butter Chicken
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in balancing richness and flavor:
- Linguine pasta – The base of this dish, providing the perfect surface for the creamy Alfredo sauce to cling to.
- Chicken breasts or thighs – Tender protein that absorbs the garlic butter flavor beautifully.
- Butter – Forms the foundation of the sauce and helps create that golden crust on the chicken.
- Garlic – Adds aromatic depth to both the chicken and the sauce.
- Heavy cream – Essential for a rich, creamy Alfredo.
- Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated for a smooth, cheesy sauce.
- Olive oil – Helps sear the chicken to a perfect golden-brown finish.
- Salt and black pepper – Simple seasonings to enhance the overall flavor.
- Parsley – For a fresh pop of color and a mild herby finish.
How To Make the Cheesy Alfredo Linguine with Golden Garlic Butter Chicken
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Pat your chicken dry and season generously with salt, pepper, and a touch of paprika if desired. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet, then sear the chicken until golden on both sides and cooked through. Remove and rest before slicing.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Boil linguine in salted water until al dente. Reserve some pasta water for later, then drain.
Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce
In the same pan, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and simmer gently. Add Parmesan cheese slowly while stirring, creating a smooth, creamy sauce. Adjust with reserved pasta water if needed.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Toss the linguine in the Alfredo sauce, ensuring every strand is coated. Top with sliced golden garlic butter chicken and sprinkle with parsley for a restaurant-worthy finish.
Serving and Storing Cheesy Alfredo Linguine with Golden Garlic Butter Chicken
This hearty recipe serves 4 people generously. Serve immediately while warm for the creamiest texture. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s creaminess.
What to Serve With Cheesy Alfredo Linguine with Golden Garlic Butter Chicken?
1. Garlic Bread
Buttery garlic bread makes the perfect companion to soak up extra sauce.
2. Caesar Salad
A crisp Caesar salad provides a refreshing, crunchy contrast to the creamy pasta.
3. Steamed Broccoli
Adds a pop of color and balances out the richness of the Alfredo.
4. Roasted Asparagus
A lightly charred side brings earthy depth to the meal.
5. Caprese Salad
Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil offer a bright, tangy side dish.
6. White Wine or Sparkling Water
A crisp drink enhances the richness of the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne all work well if you prefer a different shape.
2. Can I make this Alfredo sauce lighter?
You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, but the sauce will be thinner. Adding a teaspoon of cornstarch can help thicken it.
3. Can I make the chicken ahead of time?
Absolutely. Cook the chicken in advance and refrigerate it. Slice and reheat before serving.
4. How do I prevent the Alfredo sauce from clumping?
Use freshly grated Parmesan and stir continuously over low heat. High heat can cause the cheese to separate.
5. Can I freeze this dish?
Freezing is not recommended as cream sauces can split when reheated.
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I’d love to hear how yours turned out! Did you add a sprinkle of chili flakes for extra heat? Or maybe extra cheese for that ultra-creamy finish?
Share your tweaks in the comments and let’s inspire each other to make the best homemade pasta dishes!
Cheesy Alfredo Linguine with Golden Garlic Butter Chicken in Creamy Sauce
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon
- Colander
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 300 g linguine pasta
- 2 large chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp butter divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Pat chicken dry and season with salt and black pepper. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 2 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Remove and let rest.
- Cook linguine in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
- In the same skillet, melt remaining butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream and simmer for 2–3 minutes. Add Parmesan gradually, stirring to create a smooth sauce.
- Toss cooked pasta in the Alfredo sauce. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
- Slice chicken and place on top of the pasta. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
For extra flavor, add a pinch of paprika or chili flakes to the chicken.