Name: Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Linguine in Alfredo Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes; 3 tbsp butter, divided; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 ½ cups heavy cream; 1 cup grated parmesan cheese; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley; 12 oz linguine pasta; 1 tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper

Tender, golden-seared chicken bites and silky strands of linguine drenched in rich Alfredo sauce—this is the comfort food dinner you never knew you needed. With its blend of buttery garlic, cream, and parmesan, this recipe transforms pantry staples into a gourmet-style dish that feels indulgent but is simple enough for any night of the week.

What makes this dish a standout is the harmony of flavors and textures. The chicken is seared until beautifully golden and lightly crisp on the outside while staying juicy inside. The Alfredo sauce is velvety, with just the right balance of garlic and parmesan to complement the pasta without overwhelming it. It’s a meal that invites seconds, and maybe even thirds.

What Kind of Pasta Works Best with This Recipe?

Linguine is the top pick for this dish because its flat, thick shape holds creamy sauces well, but fettuccine or tagliatelle work beautifully too. You want a pasta that can handle the richness of Alfredo without becoming too heavy or clumpy.

Ingredients for the Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Linguine in Alfredo Sauce

Chicken Thighs or Breast – Chicken thighs give you more flavor and moisture, but breasts are leaner and cook faster. Either works beautifully here.

Butter – Essential for that rich, silky base and browning the chicken to golden perfection.

Garlic – Fresh garlic infuses the butter and cream sauce with a warm, savory aroma that elevates the whole dish.

Heavy Cream – The backbone of Alfredo sauce. It creates that luscious, creamy texture that clings to every strand of pasta.

Parmesan Cheese – Adds sharp, salty depth to the Alfredo sauce, giving it authentic Italian flair.

Italian Seasoning & Fresh Parsley – A sprinkle of herbs adds brightness and layers of flavor to the dish.

Linguine Pasta – Thick enough to hold sauce, but delicate enough to twirl. Cook it al dente for the perfect bite.

Salt & Pepper – To season every layer and bring out the best in your ingredients.

How To Make the Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Linguine in Alfredo Sauce

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Cut your chicken into bite-sized cubes and season generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to soak in the flavors.

Step 2: Sear to Perfection

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter until it begins to foam. Add the chicken and sear until golden brown on all sides and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Build the Alfredo Base

In the same skillet, melt more butter and add minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer gently for 3–4 minutes, then stir in freshly grated parmesan until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Boil the Pasta

While the sauce simmers, cook the linguine in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve a little pasta water before draining to help loosen the sauce later if needed.

Step 5: Combine and Toss

Return the chicken to the skillet and add the cooked linguine. Toss everything together to coat evenly, adding a splash of pasta water if the sauce needs thinning.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Top with chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of parmesan. Serve immediately while everything is hot and the sauce is at its creamiest.

How to Serve and Store This Recipe

Serve this dish hot right off the stove, preferably on warmed plates to help the sauce stay luscious longer. Add a sprinkle of freshly cracked pepper or extra parmesan if you’re feeling fancy. Pair it with a crisp Caesar salad or garlic bread for a full-on comfort meal.

To store, place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce. This dish doesn’t freeze well due to the cream base, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce?

Yes, but making it from scratch gives you fresher flavor and better control over salt and texture.

What’s the best substitute for heavy cream?

Half-and-half or whole milk can work, but the sauce will be thinner. Add a little cream cheese or flour slurry to thicken if needed.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely. Just swap the linguine with your favorite gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

How can I add more veggies?

Toss in sautéed spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms during the final step for a wholesome twist.

Is this recipe spicy?

Not at all! But if you like a kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes in the sauce does wonders.

Can I make it dairy-free?

You can experiment with plant-based alternatives like coconut cream and vegan butter and cheese, though flavor and texture may differ.

Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If you love this Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Linguine, try these other comfort food favorites from Life with Nina:

For even more mouthwatering meal inspiration, follow me on Pinterest @LifeWithNinaRecipes

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can revisit it whenever you need a comfort meal fix.

Tried it? Let me know how yours turned out! Did you add veggies or spice it up with red pepper flakes? Did you pair it with a side salad or garlic toast?

I love seeing your recreations and answering questions—drop a comment and let’s chat about how you made it your own!

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Linguine in Alfredo Sauce

Author: Nina Johnson
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American

Print Recipe

Description

This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Linguine in Alfredo Sauce is the ultimate comfort dish, made with seared, juicy chicken and al dente linguine tossed in a rich, homemade Alfredo sauce. With a garlic-infused buttery base and plenty of parmesan, it’s cozy, craveable, and surprisingly simple to make. Ideal for weeknight dinners or cozy weekends!

Instructions

1. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Let sit for 10 minutes.

2. In a skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1.5 tablespoons of butter. Add chicken and sear until golden and fully cooked, about 6–8 minutes. Remove and set aside.

3. In the same pan, melt the remaining 1.5 tablespoons of butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer for 3–4 minutes. Stir in parmesan until fully melted and smooth.

5. Cook linguine in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup pasta water, then drain.

6. Add the chicken and cooked pasta to the Alfredo sauce. Toss everything to coat. If needed, add reserved pasta water to loosen sauce.

7. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and extra parmesan before serving.