Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Linguine in Alfredo Sauce: A Cozy Classic for Every Occasion

Introduction: Comfort in a Skillet

There’s something magical about the aroma of garlic sizzling in butter—it evokes memories of family dinners, comforting meals on chilly nights, and slow Sundays spent gathered around the kitchen table. Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Linguine in Alfredo Sauce isn’t just a dish—it’s a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for everything from weeknight dinners to romantic evenings or holiday celebrations.

This dish was inspired by my grandmother’s classic Alfredo pasta, which she used to make with whatever she had on hand—usually fresh herbs from the garden and a sprinkle of love. Over time, I’ve added a few modern twists: golden pan-seared chicken, two types of cheese, and a garlic butter base that infuses every bite with rich, bold flavor.

If you’re looking for a meal that feels indulgent yet approachable, this creamy garlic chicken pasta will become a household favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Alfredo Recipe

✅ Rich, Creamy Sauce – Made with real heavy cream and two cheeses, the Alfredo sauce is luxuriously thick and packed with umami.
✅ Tender Chicken – Golden, juicy chicken pieces bring protein and substance to the dish.
✅ Ready in 30 Minutes – Perfect for busy weeknights without sacrificing flavor.
✅ Kid-Friendly & Crowd-Pleasing – Even picky eaters will ask for seconds.
✅ Customizable – Easily swap in shrimp, spinach, or gluten-free pasta.

Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or whipping up a comforting dinner for two, this garlic butter chicken linguine fits every occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what makes this dish both decadent and surprisingly simple:

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
12 ounces linguine pasta
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups heavy cream (or use whole milk for a lighter version)
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional but adds extra flavor)
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Season and Cook the Chicken

Start by seasoning your chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.

🔥 Pro Tip: Avoid overcrowding the skillet—this ensures the chicken browns instead of steaming.

Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. This step locks in flavor and ensures the chicken remains juicy.

2. Make the Garlic Butter Roux

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the unsalted butter, letting it melt completely. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning. Your kitchen should now smell heavenly!

Next, sprinkle in the flour, whisking continuously to create a roux. This is the secret to a creamy, lump-free Alfredo sauce.

💡 What’s a Roux? It’s a cooked mixture of flour and fat (in this case, butter) used to thicken sauces.

3. Whisk in the Cream

Slowly pour in the heavy cream, whisking as you go to incorporate the roux smoothly. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for 3–4 minutes, or until slightly thickened.

This step is where the magic happens—your sauce will begin to take on a velvety texture that coats the back of a spoon.

4. Add the Cheeses and Optional Garlic Powder

Once the sauce thickens, stir in the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses along with the optional garlic powder if you want an extra garlicky kick.

Continue stirring until the cheese has completely melted and the sauce is silky, creamy, and smooth.

🧀 Tip: Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and meltability.

5. Cook the Linguine

While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine according to package directions until al dente (firm to the bite). Drain and set aside.

🍝 Why Salt the Water? It’s your only chance to season the pasta itself—don’t skip it!

6. Combine Chicken, Pasta, and Sauce

Add the cooked chicken and linguine into the Alfredo sauce, gently tossing everything together to ensure each strand of pasta is evenly coated in that luscious garlic butter sauce.

Simmer everything together for 2 more minutes so the flavors can fully meld.

7. Garnish and Serve

Finish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and brightness. Serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad.

🌿 Optional Add-ons: Add steamed broccoli, sautéed mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for a delicious twist!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Servings: 6
Calories: ~780 per serving
Protein: ~35g
Carbohydrates: ~60g
Fat: ~45g

📌 Note: For a lighter version, swap heavy cream with whole milk and reduce cheese amounts.

Tips & Tricks for Recipe Success

1. Don’t Overcook the Chicken

Use medium-high heat and turn the pieces occasionally to ensure they remain tender inside and crisp outside.

2. Use Room Temperature Ingredients

Cold cream or cheese can cause the sauce to seize. Let dairy sit out for 10–15 minutes before adding to the skillet.

3. Grate Your Own Cheese

Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can lead to a grainy sauce. Grating fresh cheese ensures a smooth, creamy finish.

4. Make It Ahead

You can prepare the sauce a day in advance. Reheat gently with a splash of milk before tossing with fresh pasta and chicken.

Make It Your Own: Delicious Variations

🥦 With Veggies: Add spinach, mushrooms, peas, or steamed broccoli to bulk up the meal with nutrients.
🍤 Swap Protein: Substitute shrimp, turkey, or grilled tofu for the chicken.
🌾 Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free linguine and swap flour for a gluten-free thickener like cornstarch or rice flour.
🍷 Add Wine: Deglaze the pan with 1/4 cup of white wine before adding the cream for a subtle acidity.

Perfect Pairings for Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta

Looking to complete the meal? Here are some complementary sides:

🥖 Garlic Bread – Because there’s no such thing as too much garlic.
🥗 Caesar Salad – The crisp romaine and zesty dressing balance the rich pasta.
🍷 Wine Pairing – A crisp Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio enhances the creamy flavors beautifully.

Leftovers & Storage Tips

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm on the stove over low heat with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
Freezing: Alfredo sauce doesn’t freeze well due to dairy separation—this dish is best enjoyed fresh.

What Readers Are Saying

“This is the ultimate comfort food! The garlic butter and cheese combo is simply irresistible.” – Jennie S.

“I made this for a date night, and we were both blown away. It tastes like something from a restaurant!” – Marcus T.

“Even my kids loved it—and they usually hate anything with sauce!” – Lisa M.

Final Thoughts: Your New Favorite Weeknight Recipe

When it comes to easy, comforting meals that feel special without requiring hours in the kitchen, Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Linguine in Alfredo Sauce is a standout. With rich garlic flavor, tender chicken, and a sauce that dreams are made of, it’s a dish you’ll crave again and again.

Whether you’re cooking for guests or treating yourself, this recipe checks all the boxes: simple, indulgent, and 100% satisfying.