Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Linguine in Alfredo Sauce
Introduction: If you love creamy pasta dishes that are both rich and comforting, this Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Linguine in Alfredo Sauce is your dream come true. The smooth, velvety Alfredo sauce coats every piece of tender chicken and al dente linguine, creating a dish that’s both indulgent and irresistible. This recipe is ideal for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion when you want to treat yourself and your loved ones to something deliciously comforting. The perfect balance of garlic, butter, and cream brings out the best flavors, while the chicken adds a protein-packed touch to make it a satisfying meal.
Get ready to dive into a bowl of creamy, cheesy goodness!
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (for the chicken)
For the Alfredo Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz linguine pasta (or your preferred pasta)
Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine according to the package directions until al dente (usually around 9-11 minutes).
- Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water. Set the pasta aside while you prepare the chicken and sauce.
2. Cook the Chicken:
- While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. You want the chicken to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Make the Alfredo Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic (from the chicken) and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant but not burnt.
- Sprinkle in the flour and cook for another 1 minute to form a roux (this thickens the sauce).
- Gradually whisk in the heavy cream and milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing it to thicken for 3-4 minutes. You should have a creamy, smooth sauce at this point.
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts completely into the sauce. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if desired).
4. Combine the Pasta and Chicken:
- Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Stir well to coat the chicken in the creamy sauce.
- Add the cooked linguine to the skillet and toss everything together, making sure the pasta is well-coated in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to thin it out to your preferred consistency.
- Let everything cook together for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Serve and Garnish:
- Transfer the creamy garlic butter chicken and linguine to a serving platter or individual bowls.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.
- Serve immediately, and enjoy the creamy, indulgent goodness!
Methods:
This recipe uses two main cooking techniques: pan-searing and simmering. The chicken is first pan-seared in olive oil, ensuring it develops a crispy, golden exterior while staying juicy on the inside. After the chicken is cooked, the same skillet is used to make the Alfredo sauce, which helps to retain all the savory, caramelized bits left behind by the chicken.
The Alfredo sauce itself is made by creating a roux with butter and flour, then adding cream and milk to make a thick, velvety base. The Parmesan cheese brings an extra level of richness and a slightly tangy depth of flavor, which perfectly complements the chicken and pasta.
By combining the cooked chicken and linguine directly into the sauce, you ensure that the pasta soaks up all that delicious creaminess.
History of the Dish:
Alfredo sauce, the creamy, cheesy sauce that defines this dish, has an interesting history. It was first created in the early 20th century by Alfredo di Lelio, an Italian restaurateur, at his restaurant in Rome. He made it for his pregnant wife, who was struggling with her appetite, and the sauce’s rich, comforting qualities made it an instant hit. It became even more popular when Hollywood stars like Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks dined at his restaurant while on vacation, bringing the dish back to the United States.
Since then, Fettucine Alfredo (the traditional pasta for Alfredo sauce) has become a staple in American Italian cuisine, although it’s often served with heavier versions of the sauce that use more butter and cream. The creamy garlic butter chicken variation adds a protein-packed twist to the classic, making it more of a one-pot meal.
Formation of the Recipe:
This recipe was designed to be a balance between comfort and sophistication. The base of Alfredo sauce is kept traditional, but with the addition of garlic butter chicken and linguine, it becomes a heartier, more satisfying dish. The garlic and Italian seasoning in the chicken complement the creamy sauce, creating layers of flavor throughout the dish.
Using linguine instead of fettucine is a small tweak, but it adds a bit of variety while still working beautifully with the sauce. The choice of linguine allows for a more delicate texture compared to fettucine, making it a bit lighter without compromising on flavor.
Conclusion:
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Linguine in Alfredo Sauce is the epitome of a comforting, indulgent meal. The creamy, cheesy Alfredo sauce envelops every bite of pasta and chicken, making it the kind of dish you can’t help but love. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a date night, or a special gathering, this recipe will never disappoint. With just a few ingredients, you can create a rich, flavorful meal that everyone will be asking for again and again.
Lovers of the Dish:
This dish is a must-try for comfort food enthusiasts, pasta lovers, and anyone who enjoys a good creamy sauce. If you’re someone who craves rich, hearty meals with a touch of elegance, you’ll love this creamy garlic butter chicken and linguine. The tenderness of the chicken, combined with the creamy Alfredo sauce, creates a truly satisfying meal that feels both luxurious and homey at the same time.
Tips for Lovers of Creamy Pasta Dishes:
- Add Veggies: For a bit more color and nutrition, you can add sautéed spinach, broccoli, or peas to the dish. These vegetables will pair wonderfully with the creamy sauce.
- Make it Spicy: If you like a little heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Alfredo sauce for a subtle kick.
- Use Fresh Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan will give the sauce a smoother texture and a more vibrant flavor than pre-grated cheese.
- Add Garlic Bread: Serve the dish with a side of garlic bread to soak up all that delicious sauce.
Whether you’re looking for a dish to impress your guests or just need a cozy meal for yourself, this recipe is sure to hit the spot! 😍😋
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