If you’re on the lookout for a dinner that feels like a big, cozy hug that’s bursting with flavors, let me introduce you to this Indulgent Cheesy Alfredo Linguine with Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe. It perfectly blends tender chicken glazed in garlicky butter with a luscious, creamy Alfredo sauce that coats every strand of linguine in cheesy goodness. This dish is the ultimate comfort food that balances richness and freshness, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any night of the week. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’s going to become one of your go-to favorites, because who can resist pasta and chicken swimming in melty cheese?
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Indulgent Cheesy Alfredo Linguine with Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe is how it relies on simple, accessible ingredients that come together to create something truly memorable. Each component plays a special role, from the silky texture of heavy cream to the fresh punch of garlic, making sure every bite is perfectly balanced in flavor, texture, and color.
- 8 oz Linguine Pasta: The perfect pasta shape to hold onto the creamy sauce and deliver those cheesy bites flawlessly; you can swap with fettuccine or spaghetti if you prefer.
- 2 large Chicken Breasts: Sliced thinly for speedy cooking and maximum flavor absorption from the garlic butter.
- 4 tbsp Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted lets you control the salt perfectly and adds a rich, creamy base to your sauce.
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil: Adds depth and enhances the chicken browning with a subtle fruity note.
- 2 cloves Garlic: Minced and sautéed just right to infuse the dish with that irresistible aroma without any bitterness.
- 1 cup Heavy Cream: Creates that glossy, thick Alfredo base; for a lighter option, half-and-half works wonderfully too.
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese: Brings intense, nutty flavor and the perfect salty punch; you can adjust the quantity to lighten up the dish if preferred.
- 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese: Adds a dreamy, gooey texture that keeps the sauce irresistible and stretchy.
- 1 tbsp Italian Seasoning: A fragrant blend that brings herbaceous warmth and complements the richness effortlessly.
- Salt to taste: Essential to bring out the flavors without overpowering the delicate balance.
- Black Pepper to taste: Adds just the right amount of heat and complexity.
- 1 tbsp Fresh Parsley: Freshly chopped to brighten up the dish and cut through the richness with a hint of color and freshness.
How to Make Indulgent Cheesy Alfredo Linguine with Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta Perfectly
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the linguine and cook it until just al dente, usually around 9 to 11 minutes. This ensures the pasta holds up nicely when tossed with the sauce, giving you that slight bite that makes every mouthful satisfying. Don’t forget to reserve a cup of the pasta water before draining; it’s going to be a magic trick to adjust the sauce’s consistency later!
Step 2: Season and Prepare the Chicken
While your pasta is cooking, slice the chicken breasts thinly and give them a generous seasoning with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. These simple spices do wonders by layering flavors even before the chicken hits the pan, setting the stage for that savory garlic butter coating.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken in Garlic Butter
Heat up the olive oil with half of the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter melts and starts to bubble, add the seasoned chicken slices. Cook them for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side until they turn golden and are cooked through. The combination of butter and olive oil helps achieve that perfect golden crust while keeping the chicken moist and tender. After cooking, tuck them away on a plate and keep them warm because they will reunite with the pasta momentarily.
Step 4: Build Your Creamy Alfredo Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter on medium heat, then toss in the minced garlic. Sauté it quickly — about 30 seconds until fragrant but definitely not browned — because burnt garlic can introduce bitterness to your sauce. Slowly pour in the heavy cream and let it come to a gentle simmer, which should take about 2 to 3 minutes. This step is where the magic starts to happen, turning simple ingredients into a decadent sauce.
Step 5: Melt the Cheeses
Now stir in the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. Keep stirring until both cheeses melt smoothly into the cream, creating a velvety, thick sauce that’s bursting with flavor. Season with salt and black pepper to your liking, tasting as you go to nail that perfect balance.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the drained linguine right into your luscious Alfredo sauce, tossing gently to coat every strand. If the sauce feels too thick, here’s where your reserved pasta water comes in handy — add it in little by little until you reach the ideal silky consistency.
Step 7: Marry the Chicken and Pasta
Return the gorgeous garlic butter chicken to the skillet and toss everything together until the chicken is enveloped in creamy, cheesy goodness. That’s the harmonious finish that turns this into the Indulgent Cheesy Alfredo Linguine with Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe everyone will be raving about!
How to Serve Indulgent Cheesy Alfredo Linguine with Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is your best friend here. Scatter a generous sprinkle over the top right before serving to add a pop of green color and a refreshing lift that cuts through the richness. For an optional sprinkle, a dash of crushed red pepper flakes brings a gentle heat if you like a little kick.
Side Dishes
To complete the meal, serve your pasta alongside a light green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables. The acidity and crispiness contrast beautifully against the creamy pasta, balancing the overall plate and preventing it from feeling too heavy.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party, serve this dish family-style on a large platter, letting guests help themselves to the saucy chicken-laden linguine. Alternatively, garnish individual servings with extra shaved Parmesan and a sprig of parsley for a restaurant-style presentation that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Indulgent Cheesy Alfredo Linguine with Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Due to the cream and cheese, it’s best enjoyed within this timeframe for optimum flavor and texture.
Freezing
While this dish is best fresh, you can freeze the cooked chicken and pasta separately without the sauce for up to two months. Freeze the Alfredo sauce separately in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to loosen up the sauce. Avoid microwaving at high heat to prevent the sauce from separating. Stir gently until everything is heated through and luscious again.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While linguine works wonderfully to hold the sauce, you can swap it for fettuccine, spaghetti, or even penne if you prefer. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is there a way to lighten the Indulgent Cheesy Alfredo Linguine with Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe?
Yes! You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, reduce the quantity of cheese by a quarter, and use olive oil instead of butter to create a lighter version without sacrificing too much flavor.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning when making this recipe?
Garlic cooks very quickly, so sauté it over medium heat for only about 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove the pan from high heat before adding garlic if needed, and keep stirring to avoid burning.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time for a gathering?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and Alfredo sauce a few hours ahead and keep warm separately. Cook the pasta just before serving to maintain the perfect texture, then combine everything at the last minute.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers of this dish?
The best approach is to gently rewarm it on the stovetop with a little extra cream or pasta water to bring back the sauce’s creaminess. Microwave reheating is possible but do so on low power and stir frequently to avoid curdling.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Indulgent Cheesy Alfredo Linguine with Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe enough if you want something that feels fancy yet is so simple to make at home. It’s a guaranteed winner, whether for a weeknight treat or impressing guests with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. So go ahead and whip up this cheesy, buttery, garlicky masterpiece — your taste buds will thank you for it!
Print
Indulgent Cheesy Alfredo Linguine with Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Indulgent Cheesy Alfredo Linguine with Garlic Butter Chicken is a rich and creamy pasta dish combining perfectly cooked linguine with tender garlic butter chicken. This recipe features a luscious Alfredo sauce made with heavy cream, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses, seasoned with Italian herbs and fresh parsley for a delightful flavor explosion. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or special occasion meal.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz Linguine Pasta (Can be swapped for fettuccine or spaghetti.)
Chicken
- 2 large Chicken Breasts (Slice them for quicker cooking.)
- Salt, to taste
- Black Pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp Italian Seasoning (Adjust according to your palate.)
Sauce & Cooking
- 4 tbsp Unsalted Butter (Always use unsalted to control salt levels.)
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil (Enhances flavor while cooking.)
- 2 cloves Garlic (Sauté just until fragrant to avoid burning.)
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (Can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter twist.)
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese (Can reduce by 25% for a healthier version.)
- 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese (Adds creaminess and stretch.)
- 1 tbsp Fresh Parsley (Adds a refreshing touch.)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Cook the linguine according to package directions until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain the linguine and set aside.
- Season Chicken: Season the thinly sliced chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Set aside while preparing the sauce.
- Cook Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and half of the butter over medium-high heat. Once melted, add the seasoned chicken slices. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and cover to keep warm.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds, being careful not to burn it.
- Make Alfredo Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
- Add Cheese: Stir in the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses until melted and smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, adjusting as needed.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the drained linguine to the sauce and gently toss to coat the pasta evenly. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time to achieve the desired sauce consistency.
- Combine Chicken & Pasta: Return the cooked garlic butter chicken to the skillet and toss everything together to combine and heat through.
- Serve: Plate the Alfredo linguine with garlic butter chicken immediately. Garnish with fresh parsley for a bright, fresh touch.
Notes
- Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness of the dish.
- Slicing chicken thinly helps it cook faster and more evenly.
- Reserved pasta water contains starch, which helps thicken and smooth the sauce when added gradually.
- You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream for a lighter version with slightly less richness.
- Reduce Parmesan cheese by 25% for a healthier, lower-fat option without sacrificing too much flavor.
- Fresh parsley adds a fresh, vibrant flavor and color contrast but can be omitted if unavailable.
