Cheesy Alfredo Linguine with Golden Garlic Butter Chicken in Creamy Sauce

Cheesy Alfredo Linguine with Golden Garlic Butter Chicken in Creamy Sauce

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Rich, creamy, and irresistibly indulgent, this Cheesy Alfredo Linguine with Golden Garlic Butter Chicken in Creamy Sauce is the kind of comfort food that turns a simple night into something special. The Alfredo sauce clings lovingly to every strand of linguine, while tender pieces of garlic butter chicken rest beautifully atop the pasta, slightly charred for a smoky depth that makes the whole dish sing.

This dish captures the essence of cozy yet elevated dining. Whether you’re cooking for family, hosting friends, or treating yourself to a weeknight luxury, the creamy cheese sauce and buttery herb-marinated chicken offer the perfect bite every time. Paired with a crisp green salad or buttery garlic bread, it’s a meal that tastes as amazing as it looks.


Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Alfredo Linguine with Golden Garlic Butter Chicken in Creamy Sauce

  • Rich and Creamy: The homemade Alfredo sauce is made with real butter, heavy cream, garlic, and parmesan—smooth, velvety, and deeply flavorful.
  • Perfectly Cooked Chicken: The garlic butter chicken is pan-seared to golden perfection, juicy on the inside with crisp edges.
  • Restaurant-Quality at Home: This pasta dish feels gourmet without being complicated.
  • Versatile and Filling: Great as a dinner centerpiece, and the leftovers (if there are any!) taste just as good the next day.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Creating a dish this rich and flavorful doesn’t have to be complicated—but having the right tools makes a world of difference.

Essential Tools and Equipment:

  • Large Pot: For boiling your linguine to the perfect al dente texture.
  • Deep Sauté Pan or Skillet: Needed to sear the chicken and build your Alfredo sauce right in the same pan for full flavor.
  • Tongs or Pasta Fork: Ideal for handling linguine without breaking it.
  • Meat Thermometer: Optional but helpful to ensure the chicken is cooked to 165°F.
  • Microplane or Grater: For freshly grating parmesan into your sauce, which melts better and adds more flavor than pre-grated versions.

Getting prepped in advance by measuring your ingredients and preheating your skillet makes the process flow easily, so you can enjoy the cooking just as much as the eating.


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

  • Linguine Pasta: Acts as the creamy, carby foundation for all that rich Alfredo sauce.
  • Chicken Breasts or Thighs: The protein centerpiece, seasoned and seared for juicy flavor.
  • Butter: For both the garlic butter chicken and the Alfredo base—a must-have for richness.
  • Garlic: Adds a deep savory aroma that infuses the chicken and sauce.
  • Heavy Cream: The essential base for a velvety, luscious Alfredo.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Brings sharp, salty depth and creates the signature cheesy finish.
  • Olive Oil: Helps sear the chicken for that golden crust.
  • Italian Seasoning & Paprika: Balances the creamy with bold flavor in the chicken.
  • Salt & Pepper: Simple, but necessary for seasoning every layer.
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How To Make the Cheesy Alfredo Linguine with Golden Garlic Butter Chicken in Creamy Sauce

Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken

Pat dry your chicken and season generously with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. This ensures flavor in every bite and a golden crust when seared.

Step 2: Sear to Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil and a bit of butter in a skillet. Add the chicken and sear for 5–7 minutes on each side until deeply golden and cooked through. Set aside to rest.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Boil linguine in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining—it helps adjust sauce consistency later.

Step 4: Make the Alfredo Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add heavy cream and simmer gently, then whisk in parmesan until melted into a silky sauce.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Toss the drained linguine into the Alfredo sauce, using reserved pasta water if needed to thin. Let it absorb for a minute so the sauce clings beautifully.

Step 6: Slice and Serve the Chicken

Slice the rested chicken into strips and lay them over the sauced pasta. Garnish with extra parmesan and parsley if desired. Serve hot!


How to Serve and Store Your Cheesy Alfredo Linguine with Golden Garlic Butter Chicken

Serving Suggestions:
This dish shines when served hot with a sprinkle of extra grated parmesan and fresh parsley. Pair it with garlic bread or roasted green veggies like broccoli or asparagus for a well-rounded plate.

Storing Tips:
Let leftovers cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat on the stove with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. Not ideal for freezing due to the dairy.


Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use another pasta besides linguine?

Absolutely! Fettuccine, spaghetti, or even penne will work—anything that holds sauce well.

Is it okay to use milk instead of heavy cream?

You can, but the result will be thinner and less rich. For best results, use heavy cream or at least half-and-half.

Can I prep the chicken ahead of time?

Yes! Cook and slice the chicken up to a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Reheat gently before serving.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Alfredo sauce or season the chicken with cayenne for a kick.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and double-check your seasonings and cheese to ensure no hidden gluten ingredients.


Want More Chicken Pasta Ideas?

If you loved this cheesy Alfredo linguine, you’ll want to try these other bold and creamy pasta dishes too:


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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you swap in shrimp or add spinach? Did you thicken the sauce or go lighter?

I love seeing how you all make these recipes your own. Drop your tips and photos—let’s keep inspiring each other in the kitchen.

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Cheesy Alfredo Linguine with Golden Garlic Butter Chicken in Creamy Sauce

Cheesy Alfredo Linguine with Golden Garlic Butter Chicken in Creamy Sauce


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  • Author: Kate Walton
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

Cheesy Alfredo Linguine with Golden Garlic Butter Chicken in Creamy Sauce is the ultimate comfort food pasta dish. With juicy seared chicken, rich homemade Alfredo sauce, and tender linguine, this easy dinner recipe is perfect for cozy nights or entertaining. A must-try creamy chicken pasta meal!


Ingredients

12 oz linguine pasta

2 large chicken breasts or 4 small thighs

3 tablespoons olive oil

4 tablespoons butter, divided

4 garlic cloves, minced

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1/2 teaspoon paprika

Salt and black pepper, to taste

1 1/2 cups heavy cream

1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

1/2 cup reserved pasta water

Fresh parsley and extra parmesan, for garnish


Instructions

1. Pat dry chicken and season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.

2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet. Sear chicken for 5–7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Set aside.

3. Boil linguine in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water. Drain pasta.

4. In the same skillet, melt 3 tablespoons butter and add garlic. Cook until fragrant.

5. Stir in heavy cream and simmer for 3–4 minutes.

6. Add parmesan cheese and stir until smooth and creamy.

7. Toss cooked linguine into sauce. Add reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.

8. Slice cooked chicken and place over pasta.

9. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra parmesan. Serve immediately.

Notes

For best flavor, use freshly grated parmesan—not pre-shredded.

Rest the chicken before slicing to retain juices.

If reheating, add a splash of cream or milk to refresh the sauce.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Pasta
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1
  • Calories: 720
  • Sugar: 1
  • Sodium: 480
  • Fat: 42
  • Saturated Fat: 22
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18
  • Trans Fat: 0
  • Carbohydrates: 55
  • Fiber: 2
  • Protein: 36
  • Cholesterol: 145

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