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To make Chicken Alfredo Pasta, you need these simple ingredients: - 8 oz fettuccine pasta - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) These ingredients come together to create a rich and creamy dish that you and your loved ones will enjoy. You can change things up with these optional ingredients: - Broccoli florets for a veggie boost - Spinach for added greens - Mushrooms for an earthy flavor - Other cheeses like mozzarella or Romano - Lemon juice for a fresh zing Feel free to mix and match based on what you have at home or what you like best! To prepare this dish, you will need: - A large pot for boiling pasta - A large skillet for cooking chicken and sauce - A cutting board and knife for slicing chicken - A wooden spoon or spatula for stirring - Measuring cups and spoons for accuracy - A colander for draining pasta With these tools, you can whip up your Chicken Alfredo Pasta easily. Enjoy the cooking process! {{ingredient_image_2}} To cook the pasta, start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Use enough water to let the pasta move freely. Once it boils, add 8 oz of fettuccine. Cook according to the package, usually about 8-10 minutes. You want it al dente, firm but not hard. After cooking, drain the pasta and set it aside. This step ensures the pasta is ready for the creamy sauce. While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Take 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts and slice them thinly. Season them with salt and ground black pepper. Place the chicken in the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes. Flip it once to get it golden brown. Make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and cover to keep warm. In the same skillet, reduce the heat a bit. Add 4 cloves of finely minced garlic to the pan. Sauté it for about 1 minute, stirring often. You want it fragrant but not browned. Next, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir gently and bring it to a gentle simmer for 2-3 minutes. Then, slowly add 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy. Taste it and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Now, gently fold the cooked fettuccine and sliced chicken into the Alfredo sauce. Toss everything well, making sure the pasta is coated in the rich sauce. Heat it through for about 2-3 minutes. This step melds the flavors, making it a complete dish. Once everything is heated, remove it from the stove. Serve the creamy pasta in shallow bowls. For a touch of color, garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley. You can also add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top. A twist of freshly ground black pepper and a lemon wedge on the side can brighten up the dish. Enjoy your Chicken Alfredo Pasta! To avoid overcooked pasta, watch the timer closely. Cook the fettuccine for about 8-10 minutes. It should be al dente, which means it has a slight bite. Also, don’t forget to salt the water. This step adds flavor to the pasta. Burnt garlic can ruin your dish. Sauté the minced garlic for just 1 minute. Stir it often to keep it from browning. If it burns, toss it out. You can start fresh with new garlic. To make your Alfredo even better, try adding more spices. A pinch of red pepper flakes gives a nice kick. You can also add a bit of nutmeg for warmth. Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can boost the flavor too. Just chop them finely and mix them in the sauce. Serving is just as important as cooking. Use shallow bowls for a nice look. After plating, sprinkle more Parmesan cheese on top. This adds a creamy finish. You can also add a twist of black pepper for a touch of class. A lemon wedge on the side brightens the dish. It makes your Chicken Alfredo Pasta look and taste even better! Pro Tips Cook Pasta Al Dente: Be sure to cook your fettuccine al dente for the best texture. This ensures the pasta holds up well when mixed with the creamy sauce. Don't Overcook Garlic: Sauté the garlic just until fragrant, about a minute. Overcooking can lead to a bitter taste, so keep an eye on it! Use Freshly Grated Cheese: For a smooth and creamy sauce, always opt for freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-packaged. It melts better and enhances flavor. Garnish for Flavor and Color: Adding freshly chopped parsley not only brightens up the dish visually but also adds a fresh flavor that balances the richness of the Alfredo sauce. {{image_4}} You can easily add vegetables to your Chicken Alfredo Pasta. Broccoli is a great choice. It adds color and crunch. Just steam it for a few minutes before mixing it in. Spinach wilts quickly and gives a nice flavor. Add it just before serving for the best taste. Mushrooms add a rich, earthy flavor. Sauté them in the same skillet before adding the garlic. This way, you enhance the sauce without extra effort. If you want to switch up the protein, shrimp is a fantastic option. Cook it in the same way as the chicken. It cooks fast and adds a nice seafood twist! For a plant-based choice, use tofu. Press and cube the tofu, then sauté it until golden. This keeps the dish creamy while making it suitable for vegetarians. Both options will still pair well with the rich Alfredo sauce. To make this dish lighter, try zucchini noodles. Spiralize the zucchini for a fresh and healthy base. You can sauté them briefly so they stay crisp. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta. There are many great choices that cook just like regular pasta. If you want to cut calories, swap heavy cream for light cream. It will still taste creamy but with less fat. These variations help everyone enjoy Chicken Alfredo Pasta! After cooking Chicken Alfredo Pasta, let it cool to room temperature. Store it in an airtight container. This helps keep the dish fresh. Place it in the fridge if you plan to eat it within a few days. Use it within 3-4 days for the best taste. Make sure to label the container with the date. When reheating, use medium heat on the stove. Add a splash of water or broth to help it warm evenly. Stir often to prevent sticking. You can also use the microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This helps keep the pasta creamy and delicious. Yes, you can freeze Chicken Alfredo Pasta! First, let it cool completely. Use a freezer-safe container or bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. It can last up to 2 months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat using the tips above for a tasty meal. Yes, you can make Chicken Alfredo Pasta ahead of time. Cook the pasta and chicken, then mix them with the sauce. Store everything in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. When you're ready to eat, simply heat it in a pan or microwave until warm. If you need a substitute for heavy cream, use half-and-half or whole milk mixed with butter. For a lighter option, use Greek yogurt or a blend of milk and cornstarch. These will give you a creamy texture, but the flavor may change slightly. To make a vegetarian version, skip the chicken and add veggies instead. You can use broccoli, mushrooms, or spinach. Cook them in the skillet with garlic before adding the cream and cheese. This will keep the dish creamy and flavorful. Fettuccine is the best pasta for Alfredo. Its wide shape holds onto the creamy sauce well. You can also use other pasta types like penne or linguine, but fettuccine gives the best texture. Absolutely! Adding more cheese boosts the flavor. Parmesan is the classic choice, but try adding mozzarella or pecorino for extra creaminess. Just remember to stir well as you add cheese to keep the sauce smooth. In this article, I explored the key ingredients and equipment needed to make Chicken Alfredo Pasta. I provided step-by-step instructions on cooking each component perfectly. You learned tips to enhance flavor and avoid mistakes, as well as ways to customize the dish with vegetables or alternative proteins. Finally, I shared storage info and answered common questions. Now, you can create this classic dish with ease. Enjoy your delicious Chicken Alfredo Pasta, and don't hesitate to experiment with new flavors!

Creamy Garlic Chicken Alfredo Pasta

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

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz fettuccine pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts thinly sliced
  • to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • for garnish fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions, typically around 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set aside in a large bowl or on a plate.
  • While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the sliced chicken breasts generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Place the seasoned chicken in the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes, flipping once, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and transfer it to a plate, covering it to keep warm.
  • In the same skillet, reduce the heat slightly and add the minced garlic. Sauté for approximately 1 minute, stirring frequently, until fragrant but not browned.
  • Next, pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and allow it to reduce slightly for about 2-3 minutes. Gradually add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Stir continuously until the cheese melts completely and the sauce is creamy and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
  • Gently fold the cooked fettuccine and sliced chicken back into the Alfredo sauce. Toss thoroughly until all the pasta is evenly coated with the rich sauce. Allow everything to heat through for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Once heated, remove from the stove and transfer the creamy pasta to serving plates. Garnish with a generous sprinkling of freshly chopped parsley.

Notes

Serve in shallow bowls with extra Parmesan and a wedge of lemon.
Keyword Alfredo, chicken, creamy, garlic, pasta