Here’s a detailed, step-by-step recipe for Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Linguine in Alfredo Sauce. It’s rich, comforting, and totally doable at home 🍝🧄
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Linguine in Alfredo Sauce
⏱ Time
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Prep: 15 minutes
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Cook: 30 minutes
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Total: ~45 minutes
🍽 Servings
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4 servings
🛒 Ingredients
For the Chicken
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2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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1 tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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½ tsp paprika
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½ tsp Italian seasoning
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2 tbsp olive oil
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2 tbsp unsalted butter
For the Pasta
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12 oz (340 g) linguine
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Water + salt (for boiling)
For the Alfredo Sauce
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4 tbsp unsalted butter
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5–6 cloves garlic, finely minced
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1½ cups heavy cream
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1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
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½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
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½ tsp black pepper
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¼ tsp nutmeg (optional, but recommended)
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½ cup pasta cooking water (as needed)
Optional Garnishes
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Fresh parsley, chopped
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Extra Parmesan cheese
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Red pepper flakes (optional heat)
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
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Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil.
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Add a generous amount of salt (the water should taste like the sea).
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Cook linguine according to package instructions until al dente.
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Reserve ½–1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
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Set aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken
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Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
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Season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
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Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add chicken and cook 5–7 minutes per side, until golden brown and fully cooked.
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Remove chicken from skillet and let it rest.
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Slice into strips or bite-sized pieces.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Alfredo Sauce
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In the same skillet (don’t wipe it clean), reduce heat to medium.
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Add butter and let it melt.
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Add minced garlic and sauté for 30–45 seconds until fragrant (don’t brown it).
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Pour in the heavy cream and stir well.
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Simmer gently for 3–5 minutes, stirring often.
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Slowly add Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until melted and smooth.
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Season with salt, black pepper, and nutmeg.
4. Combine Everything
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Add cooked linguine directly into the sauce.
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Toss gently to coat, adding pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce.
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Add sliced chicken back into the pan.
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Simmer together for 2–3 minutes so flavors combine.
🌿 Serve
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Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.
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Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
⭐ Tips for Best Results
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Use freshly grated Parmesan (pre-shredded won’t melt as smoothly).
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Keep heat low to medium when adding cheese to avoid a grainy sauce.
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If sauce gets too thick, pasta water is your best fix.
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Want extra flavor? Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
If you’d like, I can also give you:
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A lighter version
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A spicy version
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Or a step-by-step beginner-friendly version with pictures described