Go Back
To make a tasty Creamy Garlic Chicken Alfredo, you need a few key ingredients. Here’s what you will need: - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound) - 8 ounces fettuccine pasta - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided) - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) Each ingredient plays a role in creating a rich, creamy flavor. The chicken gives protein and heartiness, while the fettuccine provides a perfect base for the sauce. Seasoning your dish enhances the flavors. I recommend using: - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste - Garlic powder for extra garlic flavor - Italian seasoning for a subtle herb touch - Fresh parsley for garnish, adding color and freshness These seasonings help balance the richness of the sauce and add depth. Using good-quality ingredients makes a big difference. Here are my suggestions: - Chicken: Buy organic or free-range chicken breasts for better flavor. - Pasta: Choose high-quality durum wheat fettuccine for a great texture. - Butter: Use unsalted butter so you can better control the salt. - Cream: Look for heavy cream with no additives for the best texture. - Parmesan: Opt for freshly grated Parmesan cheese. It melts better and tastes richer. Investing in quality ingredients ensures your Creamy Garlic Chicken Alfredo will be delicious and satisfying. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by boiling salted water in a large pot. Add 8 ounces of fettuccine pasta to the water. Cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta. Make sure to keep about 1 cup of the pasta water. Set the drained pasta aside for later. Season both sides of 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts well with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. When the butter is bubbling, add the seasoned chicken. Cook each side for about 6 to 8 minutes. The chicken should turn golden brown and be cooked through. Once done, take the chicken out and let it rest on a cutting board. Slice it into strips after it cools. In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Then, add 4 finely minced garlic cloves. Sauté the garlic for about 1 to 2 minutes. Stir it constantly to avoid burning. Once the garlic smells good, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir the mixture well and let it gently simmer. Gradually whisk in 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts into a smooth sauce. Add 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning and taste the sauce. Adjust the flavor with salt and freshly cracked black pepper as needed. If the sauce is too thick, mix in small amounts of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired creaminess. Add the drained fettuccine and sliced chicken to the skillet. Toss everything gently to coat the pasta and chicken evenly in the creamy sauce. Serve the creamy garlic chicken Alfredo hot. For a fresh touch, sprinkle finely chopped fresh parsley on top. This adds color and enhances the flavors. Enjoy your delicious dinner choice! To make the best Alfredo sauce, focus on two key points: quality ingredients and temperature. Use heavy cream and fresh Parmesan cheese. These will give your sauce a rich, creamy texture. Start by melting butter and sautéing garlic until fragrant. Slowly add the heavy cream. This gentle heat helps to blend flavors well. When you add the cheese, whisk constantly. This keeps the sauce smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water. This will help reach your desired consistency. For juicy chicken, follow these steps. First, season the chicken well with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. This adds flavor right from the start. Use medium heat in your skillet. This allows the chicken to cook evenly. Sauté each side for 6-8 minutes until golden brown. Always let the chicken rest before slicing. This keeps the juices inside, making each bite moist and tender. To keep leftovers fresh, cool the dish before storing. Place it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last for about 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the chicken Alfredo in a freezer-safe container. It can stay good for up to 2 months. When reheating, do this gently. Use low heat on the stove or microwave. Add a splash of milk or cream to keep it creamy. Pro Tips Rest the Chicken: Allowing the chicken to rest after cooking helps retain its juices, making each bite more tender and flavorful. Use Fresh Ingredients: Using freshly grated Parmesan cheese and fresh garlic enhances the overall flavor of the Alfredo sauce, making it richer and more aromatic. Adjust Sauce Thickness: If your Alfredo sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water to achieve the desired creamy consistency without compromising flavor. Add a Twist: For a unique flavor profile, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of white wine to the sauce for an extra layer of complexity. {{image_4}} You can make Chicken Alfredo even better by adding veggies! Broccoli, spinach, or bell peppers work great. These veggies add color and nutrition. To make this dish, cook your chosen veggies in the same skillet after the chicken. Next, mix them into the Alfredo sauce before adding the pasta and chicken. This way, you get a tasty and healthy meal in one bowl. Fettuccine is the classic choice for Chicken Alfredo, but you can switch it up! Try penne, spaghetti, or even gluten-free pasta. Each type gives a different texture and taste to the dish. Just remember to cook the pasta until it's al dente, so it holds onto that creamy sauce well. The key is to enjoy your favorite pasta shape while keeping the rich flavors intact. If you're looking for a new twist, try using different proteins. Shrimp, scallops, or even tofu can replace chicken. Cook them the same way as the chicken, adjusting the cooking time as needed. These swaps can change the flavor profile while keeping the dish creamy and delicious. You can also mix proteins for a fun seafood Alfredo! After you make Creamy Garlic Chicken Alfredo, let it cool down. Store leftovers in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. This helps keep your meal fresh and tasty. Make sure the container is sealed well to avoid any bad smells or flavors. You can freeze Creamy Garlic Chicken Alfredo too! Place it in a freezer-safe container. It will stay good for up to three months. To thaw, move it to the fridge the night before you plan to eat it. This way, it defrosts slowly and stays tasty. When you're ready to eat your leftovers, reheat them gently. Use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of milk or reserved pasta water. This will help the sauce regain its creamy texture. Stir often to prevent burning. You can also use the microwave, but check every 30 seconds to avoid overheating. Enjoy your delicious meal all over again! Yes, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. However, the sauce will be less rich and creamy. Heavy cream has a higher fat content, which gives the sauce its smooth texture. If you use half-and-half, consider adding a little extra cheese for more flavor. To make this dish healthier, try these tips: - Use whole wheat fettuccine for more fiber. - Use skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for more flavor. - Reduce the amount of butter or use olive oil. - Add vegetables like spinach or broccoli for extra nutrients. If you don't have Parmesan cheese, you can use: - Grana Padano or Pecorino Romano for a similar taste. - Nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option that adds umami. - A mix of mozzarella and a little bit of cheddar as a last resort. To reheat Alfredo pasta without it getting dry, follow these steps: - Add a splash of milk or cream when reheating. - Use low heat on the stove or microwave. - Stir often to help the sauce blend back in. This keeps it creamy and delicious. In this post, I detailed how to make creamy garlic chicken Alfredo. I covered key ingredients, like pasta and chicken, and shared tips for perfect sauce. I also discussed variations and storage tips. This dish is easy to customize and sure to impress. You can enjoy it fresh or save leftovers. With the right techniques, anyone can create a great meal. Dive into the world of savory Alfredo, and have fun cooking!

Creamy Garlic Chicken Alfredo Delight

A rich and creamy pasta dish featuring tender chicken and a flavorful garlic Alfredo sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 8 ounces fettuccine pasta
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • to taste salt
  • to taste freshly cracked black pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the fettuccine pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water. Set the drained pasta aside.
  • Generously season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder for enhanced flavor.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Once the butter is melted and bubbling, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Cook for approximately 6-8 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and no longer pink in the center. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest on a cutting board before slicing it into strips.
  • In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter along with the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly until it becomes fragrant but be careful not to let it burn.
  • Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring well to combine with the garlic butter. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer.
  • Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese melts completely and forms a smooth sauce. Add the Italian seasoning and taste, adjusting the seasoning with salt and freshly cracked black pepper as desired.
  • If the sauce appears too thick, gradually add small amounts of the reserved pasta water, stirring until your desired creamy consistency is achieved.
  • Add the drained fettuccine and sliced chicken pieces to the Alfredo sauce. Toss gently to ensure that all the pasta and chicken are evenly coated with the rich, creamy sauce.
  • Serve the dish hot, garnished with a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh parsley for a dash of color and fresh flavor.

Notes

For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Keyword Alfredo, chicken, creamy, garlic, pasta