🍝 Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Linguine in Alfredo Sauce
🍽️ Servings: 4
⏰ Prep Time: 15 min | Cook Time: 25 min
⭐ Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
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2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 4 small)
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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½ tsp paprika (optional, for color)
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1 tbsp olive oil
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2 tbsp unsalted butter
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4 cloves garlic, minced
For the Alfredo Sauce:
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2 tbsp butter
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4 cloves garlic, minced or grated
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1½ cups heavy cream (or half-and-half)
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1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Pinch of nutmeg (optional, but classic)
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¼ cup reserved pasta water (if needed to thin the sauce)
For the Pasta:
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12 oz linguine
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Salt (for pasta water)
Optional Toppings:
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Chopped fresh parsley
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Extra Parmesan
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Cracked black pepper
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Red pepper flakes (for a kick)
🔪 Instructions:
1. Cook the Linguine
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
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Cook linguine according to package instructions until al dente.
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Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Prepare and Cook the Chicken
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Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to make cutlets (or pound them evenly).
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Season both sides with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
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In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and 2 tbsp butter.
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Add the chicken and cook 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through (internal temp: 165°F / 74°C).
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In the last minute of cooking, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
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Remove chicken and slice into strips or leave whole. Set aside.
3. Make the Alfredo Sauce
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In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium-low and add 2 tbsp butter.
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Add garlic and sauté 30 seconds until fragrant (don’t burn it!).
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Pour in heavy cream, stir, and bring to a gentle simmer.
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Add Parmesan, stir until melted and smooth.
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Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if using.
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If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
4. Combine Everything
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Add the cooked linguine to the skillet and toss to coat in the Alfredo sauce.
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Add sliced chicken on top, or mix it into the pasta.
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Let it all warm together for 1–2 minutes.
5. Serve
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Plate the creamy linguine and top with chicken.
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Garnish with chopped parsley, more Parmesan, and cracked black pepper.