Cheesy Alfredo Linguine with Golden Garlic Butter Chicken in Creamy Sauce

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Creamy, cheesy, garlicky, and bursting with flavor—this dish is a full-on indulgence for anyone who craves comfort food with a gourmet twist. The golden garlic butter chicken is pan-seared until crisp and juicy, then paired with velvety Alfredo linguine that clings to every strand with its luscious, parmesan-kissed sauce. It’s the kind of meal that turns an ordinary dinner into a memorable experience.

Perfect for cozy nights in, family gatherings, or even date nights, this dish bridges rustic charm with a restaurant-quality flair. The rich garlic cream balances beautifully with the herb-seasoned chicken, offering layers of flavor in every bite. One forkful, and you’ll see why it’s a go-to favorite in my kitchen.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make Cheesy Alfredo Linguine with Golden Garlic Butter Chicken in Creamy Sauce a smooth and stress-free process, having the right tools is key:

• Heavy Skillet or Cast Iron Pan: Essential for achieving that golden, crispy exterior on the chicken. Cast iron retains heat evenly, ensuring the chicken is perfectly seared without drying out.
• Large Pot: For boiling the linguine. A large pot ensures the pasta has enough room to cook evenly and not clump.
• Tongs or Slotted Spoon: Ideal for turning the chicken pieces without breaking them apart. These also help when handling hot pasta.
• Whisk: Crucial for blending the Alfredo sauce to a smooth, creamy consistency without lumps.
• Fine Grater or Microplane: For freshly grating parmesan cheese, which melts better and offers more flavor than pre-grated.
• Colander: Needed to drain the pasta without losing any.

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Ingredients for the Cheesy Alfredo Linguine with Golden Garlic Butter Chicken in Creamy Sauce

Let’s talk about the star players in this rich and satisfying recipe. Each ingredient has its own delicious role:

• Chicken Breast or Thighs: Juicy, tender cuts work best. Seasoned and seared, this is the protein that carries those buttery garlic notes.
• Olive Oil & Butter: The dynamic duo for getting that golden-brown chicken crust and adding depth to the sauce.
• Minced Garlic: The key to building the flavor profile. It infuses both the chicken and the Alfredo sauce with its warm, savory kick.
• Heavy Cream: The foundation of Alfredo. It creates that thick, rich base that clings to every noodle.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is a must for melt-in-your-mouth creaminess and that signature sharp bite.
• Linguine Pasta: Its flat, wide strands are ideal for soaking up the creamy sauce.
• Parsley (Fresh or Dried): Adds a pop of color and a subtle herbal brightness that balances the richness.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning both the chicken and sauce.

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How To Make the Cheesy Alfredo Linguine with Golden Garlic Butter Chicken in Creamy Sauce

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Generously season your chicken with salt, pepper, and a touch of parsley. In a hot skillet with olive oil and butter, sear the chicken pieces until golden brown on all sides and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the linguine until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of pasta water for later.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Alfredo Sauce

Using the same skillet (hello flavor!), add more butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, stir, and let it simmer gently. Slowly whisk in freshly grated parmesan until the sauce becomes thick and glossy.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked linguine to the Alfredo sauce, tossing well to coat. If the sauce is too thick, a splash of reserved pasta water will help loosen it.

Step 5: Plate and Top with Chicken

Serve the creamy linguine onto plates and top with the golden garlic butter chicken. Sprinkle additional parsley and parmesan on top.

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Best Way to Serve and Store Cheesy Alfredo Linguine with Golden Garlic Butter Chicken

This rich, creamy dish is best served immediately while the sauce is at its silkiest and the chicken still crisp. Dish it out in warm bowls or plates, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and an extra shaving of parmesan. It pairs beautifully with garlic bread or a light side salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut the richness.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over the stove or in the microwave with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. Avoid freezing—cream sauces tend to separate and lose texture after thawing.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the Alfredo sauce from clumping?

Use freshly grated parmesan and whisk it into the cream gradually over low heat. Pre-shredded cheese can clump due to added starches.

Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?

Absolutely! Shrimp, turkey cutlets, or even tofu work beautifully with this creamy Alfredo base.

What’s the best pasta for Alfredo sauce?

Linguine is perfect because of its width and texture, but fettuccine or pappardelle also work great.

Is it okay to make the sauce ahead of time?

You can, but for the best texture, it’s recommended to make it fresh. If you must prep ahead, store it separately and reheat slowly while whisking.

Can I lighten up the dish?

Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk and use grilled chicken instead of pan-fried. It won’t be as rich, but still delicious.

Why use both olive oil and butter for the chicken?

The combination gives a deeper flavor and helps achieve a crisp golden finish while keeping the chicken juicy.

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Want More Chicken Pasta Ideas?

If you love this Cheesy Alfredo Linguine with Golden Garlic Butter Chicken, you’ll probably fall in love with these other crave-worthy recipes:

• Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini in Parmesan Sauce
• Sweet Spicy Garlic Honey BBQ Chicken Pasta
• One Skillet Spicy Garlic Butter Parmesan Steak Pasta
• Creamy Spicy Buffalo Ranch Pasta
• One Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time. Follow me on Pinterest for more comforting, creamy meals like this.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you add a twist—maybe roasted veggies or a touch of Cajun spice? I’d love to hear your take.

Questions, tips, or rave reviews—drop them below. Let’s make something delicious together.

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