Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Linguine in Alfredo Sauce

📝 Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Chicken:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• ½ tsp paprika

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tbsp butter

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz linguine

• Salt (for pasta water)

For the Alfredo Sauce:

• 4 tbsp butter

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1½ cups heavy cream

• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• ½ cup shredded mozzarella (optional for extra creaminess)

• ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 2–3 tbsp reserved pasta water (as needed)

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped

• Extra Parmesan cheese

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

2. Cook linguine according to package directions until al dente.

3. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.

2️⃣ Cook the Garlic Butter Chicken

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

2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

3. Add chicken and cook 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C).

4. Add butter and minced garlic during the last minute of cooking; spoon the garlic butter over the chicken.

5. Remove chicken, rest 5 minutes, then slice.

3️⃣ Make the Alfredo Sauce

1. In the same skillet (reduce heat to medium-low), melt butter.

2. Add garlic and sauté 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Pour in heavy cream and simmer gently for 3–4 minutes.

4. Stir in Parmesan (and mozzarella if using) until melted and smooth.

5. Add nutmeg (optional), salt, and pepper.

6. If sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.

4️⃣ Combine

1. Add drained linguine to the Alfredo sauce and toss until fully coated.

2. Top with sliced garlic butter chicken.

3. Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan.

🌟 Tips for Best Results

• Use freshly grated Parmesan for smooth melting.

• Don’t boil the sauce after adding cheese — it can separate.

• For extra richness, add a splash of white wine before the cream and reduce.

• Add steamed broccoli or spinach for a veggie boost.

🥗 Storage

Store in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.