Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Linguine in Alfredo Sauce: A Decadent One-Pan Meal

Indulge in a restaurant-quality dish right from your kitchen with our Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Linguine in Alfredo Sauce. This savory, rich, and satisfying meal brings together tender chicken, golden garlic butter, and silky Alfredo sauce over perfectly cooked linguine. Whether you’re preparing a romantic dinner, a family favorite, or a comfort food masterpiece, this dish checks every box.

🍗 Ingredients

To make this flavor-packed chicken Alfredo pasta, you’ll need the following ingredients:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated for best results)
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
8 oz linguine pasta
1 cup reserved pasta water (as needed to adjust sauce consistency)
Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Linguine

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook the linguine according to package directions until al dente.
Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.

💡 Tip: Don’t overcook the linguine—al dente texture works best to hold the sauce.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.
Season the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Create the Garlic Butter Base

In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add 3 tablespoons butter.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until fragrant.
Stir in crushed red pepper flakes (if using) for a subtle heat infusion.

Step 4: Make the Alfredo Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly to combine with the garlic butter.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low.
Add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
If the sauce is too thick, slowly add some reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until desired consistency is reached.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat with the Alfredo sauce.
Add the cooked linguine, tossing everything together so the pasta is evenly coated.
Simmer for an additional 2–3 minutes to allow the flavors to marry.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Serve hot, topped with fresh chopped parsley and an optional sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese.
Add a crack of fresh black pepper for a final touch.

🧀 Why This Recipe Works

Rich and creamy: Thanks to the butter, garlic, cream, and Parmesan.
Balanced: The linguine adds bite, the chicken brings substance, and the garlic Alfredo sauce binds it all with richness.
Customizable: Spice it up, make it low-carb, or toss in veggies—this dish adapts beautifully.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

This dish is indulgent on its own but pairs beautifully with:

Garlic bread or crusty baguette
A crisp green salad with vinaigrette
Roasted broccoli or asparagus
A glass of chilled white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc

🔄 Variations & Add-Ons

Low-carb/Keto: Substitute the linguine with spiralized zucchini or shirataki noodles.
Vegetable boost: Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes.
Protein swap: Use shrimp or grilled salmon instead of chicken for a seafood twist.
Lighter version: Use half-and-half or evaporated milk instead of heavy cream (but note the sauce won’t be as rich).

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce?

Yes, but homemade Alfredo offers superior taste and freshness. If using jarred sauce, sauté garlic separately and mix in to enhance flavor.

Q: How do I store leftovers?

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.

Q: Can this be made ahead of time?

You can cook the pasta and chicken ahead, but make the Alfredo sauce fresh for best results. Reheat everything together just before serving.

Q: What’s the best Parmesan to use?

Freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano melts best and offers the richest flavor. Avoid pre-shredded varieties with anti-caking agents.

🌟 Why You’ll Love Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Linguine in Alfredo Sauce

Comforting yet elegant — perfect for family dinners or date nights.
Ready in under 40 minutes, start to finish.
Crowd-pleaser — kids and adults both devour it.
Creamy, garlicky, cheesy perfection in every bite.

This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo is pure comfort food magic — silky, savory, and indulgent, all in one bite. If you’re looking for a foolproof pasta dinner that never fails to impress, this is your go-to recipe.