Ingredients
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 12 ounces linguine pasta
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups heavy cream (or whole milk for a lighter version)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Start by seasoning your chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pieces are golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
Step 2: In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook it for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. This gentle cooking brings out a sweet, mellow garlic flavor.
Step 3: Sprinkle the flour evenly over the butter and garlic, whisking constantly to make a roux. Cook the roux for about 1 minute. This step is crucial because it thickens your sauce and prevents lumps.
Step 4: Slowly pour in the heavy cream (or milk), whisking continuously to incorporate the liquid smoothly into the roux. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it thicken for 3 to 4 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom.
Step 5: Reduce the heat to low and add the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheese, along with the optional garlic powder. Stir until all the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.
Step 6: Meanwhile, cook the linguine in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, following package instructions. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot. Add the cooked chicken and pour the Alfredo sauce over the pasta and chicken. Gently toss everything together, allowing the flavors to meld for a minute or two.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 780
- Sodium: 800
- Protein: 50