Name: Chicken Alfredo Linguine Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 8 ounces linguine – Go for regular or fresh linguine. Avoid overcooking; al dente gives the best bite.; 2 –3 chicken breasts – Use boneless and skinless. Slice thinly for even cooking and tenderness.; 1 teaspoon salt – Enhances all the flavors (especially the chicken.); ½ teaspoon black pepper – Adds a subtle kick and balances the cream.; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – A quick flavor booster with herbs like basil and oregano.; 1 tablespoon olive oil – For searing the chicken to golden perfection.; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter – Adds richness to the sauce without being too salty.; 3 –4 garlic cloves (minced – Fresh garlic is key here; it perfumes the whole dish beautifully.); 1 ½ cups full-fat coconut milk or heavy cream – Both options work. Coconut milk gives a dairy-free twist; cream is classic and extra rich.; ½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese – Grate it fresh! Pre-shredded versions won’t melt as smoothly.; ½ teaspoon salt – Adjust to taste after adding cheese.; ½ teaspoon black pepper – Gives the Alfredo a gentle warmth.; Chopped parsley or chives – For garnish and a pop of color.

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Chicken Alfredo Linguine Recipe That’s Creamy, Easy, and Ready in 30 Minutes

I’ve made this Chicken Alfredo Linguine Recipe more times than I can count, and it never fails to impress. It’s creamy, full of flavor, and comes together in just half an hour. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a cozy date night, this dish always hits the spot.

The best part? It’s simple, satisfying, and feels like a restaurant-quality meal made right at home. This even rivals my favorite Chicken Stir Fry Recipe when I’m craving something heartier!

Ingredients You’ll Need (And Why They Matter)

Let’s break down what makes this Chicken Alfredo Linguine so irresistibly good. Use these ingredients as listed for the best flavor and texture, and I’ll share a few quick tips along the way.

8 ounces linguine – Go for regular or fresh linguine. Avoid overcooking; al dente gives the best bite.
2–3 chicken breasts – Use boneless and skinless. Slice thinly for even cooking and tenderness.
1 teaspoon salt – Enhances all the flavors, especially the chicken.
½ teaspoon black pepper – Adds a subtle kick and balances the cream.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – A quick flavor booster with herbs like basil and oregano.
1 tablespoon olive oil – For searing the chicken to golden perfection.
2 tablespoons unsalted butter – Adds richness to the sauce without being too salty.
3–4 garlic cloves, minced – Fresh garlic is key here; it perfumes the whole dish beautifully.
1 ½ cups full-fat coconut milk or heavy cream – Both options work. Coconut milk gives a dairy-free twist; cream is classic and extra rich.
½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese – Grate it fresh! Pre-shredded versions won’t melt as smoothly.
½ teaspoon salt – Adjust to taste after adding cheese.
½ teaspoon black pepper – Gives the Alfredo a gentle warmth.
Chopped parsley or chives – For garnish and a pop of color.

Note: This recipe yields 4 servings. Adjust the amounts if you’re cooking for more or fewer people.

Variations: Customizing Your Chicken Alfredo Linguine

One of my favorite things about this dish is how easily you can change it up based on your diet or preferences. Here are a few creative options if you want to explore beyond the classic:

Dairy-Free Twist: Use full-fat coconut milk instead of heavy cream and a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.
Low-Carb Version: Swap out the linguine for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
Flavor Enhancers: Add sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, or sautéed mushrooms to boost flavor and texture.
Protein Options: Substitute chicken with shrimp, turkey, or tofu for something different.

These changes can turn this into one of your new go-to dinner recipes, no matter your lifestyle or diet.

Cooking Time Overview

Here’s how long it takes from start to finish — ideal for busy evenings:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Equipment You’ll Need

A few kitchen tools make this recipe quick and mess-free:

Large Pot: For boiling the pasta.
Large Skillet or Pan: To cook the chicken and prepare the Alfredo sauce.
Sharp Knife: To slice the chicken thinly.
Cutting Board: For safe prep work.
Tongs or Spatula: For flipping chicken easily.
Whisk: To blend the sauce smoothly.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accuracy in seasoning.

How to Make Chicken Alfredo Linguine

This recipe comes together step-by-step. Let me walk you through how I make it each time for that perfectly creamy result.

Step 1: Cook the Linguine

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add your linguine and cook it until it’s just al dente, following the instructions on the package. Before draining, scoop out about half a cup of the pasta water and save it—you may need it to loosen up the sauce later.

Step 2: Prepare and Cook the Chicken

Pat your chicken breasts dry and season them evenly with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the chicken in the pan and cook for about 5–6 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden and fully cooked through. Set them aside to rest before slicing.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Alfredo Sauce

In the same skillet (no need to wash!), reduce the heat to medium-low and melt the butter. Toss in the minced garlic and stir until fragrant—about 30 seconds. Pour in your coconut milk or cream, whisking as it heats. Let it simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 4: Stir in Cheese and Pasta

Add the freshly grated Parmesan to the creamy mixture and stir until it melts into a silky sauce. Season with a bit more salt and black pepper. Then add your cooked linguine into the pan and toss everything until the noodles are fully coated. If the sauce feels too thick, pour in a little of that reserved pasta water until it loosens up.

Step 5: Plate and Garnish

Slice the rested chicken and serve it over the creamy pasta. Finish with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan, chopped parsley or chives, and a final crack of black pepper.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

After making this dish more times than I can count, I’ve picked up a few tricks that really make a difference:

Use room temperature cream to avoid curdling when adding to the pan.
Slice chicken evenly to ensure it cooks at the same rate.
Always save a bit of pasta water — it’s like liquid gold for adjusting sauce texture.
Don’t overheat the cheese or it might become grainy.
Let the chicken rest after cooking; this keeps it juicy when sliced.

How to Serve Chicken Alfredo Linguine

Presentation counts! This dish is perfect for a romantic dinner or comforting family meal. Here’s how I love to serve it:

Plate the linguine in a shallow bowl or pasta plate, then layer the sliced chicken on top. Add a generous sprinkle of fresh herbs and some extra Parmesan curls. Pair it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

This serving style also works beautifully if you’re making Shepherds Pie Recipe — both dishes are easy to plate and impress guests with minimal effort.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving Approx.)

This dish is rich and satisfying—here’s what you’re looking at per serving:

Calories: 560
Protein: 38g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fat: 28g

How to Store Chicken Alfredo Linguine

Refrigerating: lace leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken in the fridge, so add a splash of milk or water when reheating.
Freezing: You can freeze the pasta and sauce separately for up to 1 month. Reheat gently to avoid breaking the cream sauce.
Reheating: Use the stovetop for best texture. Heat over medium-low and add a small amount of milk or cream to bring the sauce back to life.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

There are so many reasons I keep coming back to this dish. Here’s why I think you’ll love it too:

Quick to Make: Ready in just 30 minutes—ideal for weeknights.
Restaurant-Quality at Home: Tastes like something you’d order out.
Customizable: Works with different proteins, pasta types, or add-ins.
Kid and Crowd Friendly: A guaranteed favorite for the whole family.
Diet Options: Easy to make dairy-free or low-carb.

Common Mistakes to Avoid for Better Results

To make sure your Chicken Alfredo turns out perfect every time, watch out for these:

Using pre-shredded cheese: It doesn’t melt well and affects texture.
Overcooking pasta: Al dente is ideal for soaking up the sauce.
Skipping the rest time for chicken: This can make your meat dry.
Overheating the cream or cheese: This can make the sauce separate or clump.
Forgetting pasta water: It’s key for getting that silky finish!

More Info for Better Experience

If you loved this recipe, you might want to experiment with other creamy pasta dishes, try Alfredo with roasted veggies, or even turn it into a baked pasta bake. You can also use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut or serve it cold as a pasta salad twist.

No matter how you enjoy it, this Chicken Alfredo Linguine Recipe will surely become a favorite in your kitchen. Give it a try and let the creamy comfort win your heart!

Ben Carraoli