Of course! This recipe takes the classic flavors of Alfredo and combines them with juicy, golden-brown chicken and linguine for a truly decadent and satisfying meal.
Here is a detailed, restaurant-quality recipe for Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Linguine.
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Linguine
This dish is rich, luxurious, and surprisingly easy to make at home. The key is building layers of flavor, from searing the chicken to creating the silky, homemade sauce.
Yield: 4-6 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
· 1.5 lbs (700g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
· 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
· 1 teaspoon garlic powder
· Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
· 2 tablespoons olive oil
· 1 tablespoon butter
For the Sauce and Pasta:
· 12 oz (340g) linguine
· 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
· 4-5 large cloves garlic, minced
· 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
· 1 ½ cups whole milk
· 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
· ½ cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese (or use all Parmesan)
· ¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg (optional, but classic for Alfredo)
· ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
· Salt and white pepper, to taste (black pepper is fine too)
Instructions:
- Prep the Chicken: Pat the chicken completely dry with paper towels. Slice thicker breasts horizontally to create even cutlets, or pound them to an even ½-inch thickness. This ensures quick, even cooking. Season both sides generously with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining. This is a chef’s secret for thinning the sauce later. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Sear the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken in a single layer (cook in batches if needed). Cook for 4-6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C). Remove the chicken to a clean plate and tent with foil to keep warm.
- Start the Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt the 4 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 60 seconds until fragrant. Do not let it brown.
- Create the Cream Base: Pour in the heavy cream and milk. Use a whisk to scrape up all the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the mixture simmer gently for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
- Cheese it Up: Reduce the heat to low. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan and Pecorino Romano cheese until the sauce is smooth and the cheese has melted. Stir in the nutmeg. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Combine and Finish: Add the drained linguine to the sauce and toss until every strand is beautifully coated. For an extra silky sauce, add another ¼ cup of pasta water and toss vigorously; the starch will help the sauce cling to the pasta.
- Serve: Slice the cooked chicken against the grain. Divide the creamy linguine among plates. Top with slices of chicken. Garnish with fresh parsley, a crack of black pepper, and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Critical Tips for a Perfect Dish
· Don’t Crowd the Pan with Chicken: If you put too much chicken in the pan at once, it will steam instead of sear. Cook in batches for the best golden crust.
· Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents (like potato starch) that can make your sauce grainy and prevent it from melting smoothly. A block of cheese and a microplane or box grater are your best friends here.
· Low Heat for the Sauce: Once you add the cheese, keep the heat low. Boiling the sauce can cause the dairy to separate or the cheese to become oily.
· The Power of Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water is liquid gold. It helps thin the sauce to the perfect consistency and helps it emulsify, making it creamier and helping it stick to the pasta.
· Season in Layers: Season the chicken, then taste the sauce before adding the pasta. Cheese is salty, so you may not need much extra salt.
Serving Suggestions
· With Vegetables: Serve with a side of roasted asparagus, broccoli, or a simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
· With Bread: A warm, crusty loaf of garlic bread is non-negotiable for many to soak up every last bit of sauce.
· Protein Swap: This sauce is also fantastic with shrimp or salmon instead of chicken.
Variations to Try
· Sun-Dried Tomato & Spinach: Add ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes and 2 cups of fresh spinach to the sauce when you add the cream. Let the spinach wilt before proceeding.
· Mushroom Lovers’ Version: Sauté 8 oz of sliced mushrooms (like cremini) in the pan after removing the chicken. Cook until golden, then proceed with the sauce.
· Cajun Twist: Season the chicken with Cajun seasoning instead of Italian seasoning for a spicy kick.
Enjoy your incredible, homemade creamy garlic butter chicken linguine! It’s far superior to anything from a jar.