Description
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Alfredo
“Tender, juicy grilled chicken tossed in a rich, creamy garlic Parmesan sauce over fettuccine pasta—this dish is comfort food at its finest!”
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into chunks
2 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
For the Creamy Alfredo Sauce:
3 tbsp butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
For the Pasta:
12 oz (340g) fettuccine or tagliatelle
Water for boiling
1/2 tsp salt
For Garnish:
Fresh parsley, chopped
Extra Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Season chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Alfredo Sauce
In the same pan, melt butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in heavy cream, stirring constantly.
Add Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir until sauce thickens (about 3-4 minutes).
Step 4: Combine Everything
Add cooked pasta to the Alfredo sauce and toss until well coated.
Add grilled chicken pieces back into the pan and mix gently.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
Plate the creamy pasta and top with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley.
Serve hot and enjoy this rich, flavorful dish!
Pro Tip: Pair with a side of garlic bread and a crisp Caesar salad for the perfect meal!
Step-by-Step Guide
Begin by preparing all ingredients: cut chicken, mince garlic, grate Parmesan, and measure seasonings. This “mise en place” ensures a smooth cooking process. Use a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven to have ample space for combining everything later. For the pasta, time it so it finishes just as your sauce is thickening, allowing you to combine them immediately.
Serving Suggestions
Plate this rich dish in shallow bowls to showcase the creamy sauce. Alongside the classic garlic bread and Caesar salad, consider serving with steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus to add a fresh, green element. A glass of crisp Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay pairs beautifully, cutting through the richness. For a family-style presentation, serve directly from the skillet at the table.
How-to Summary
To make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Alfredo: 1) Boil and drain fettuccine. 2) Season and pan-sear chicken chunks until cooked through; remove. 3) In the same pan, make the sauce by sautéing garlic in butter, adding cream and Parmesan until thickened. 4) Toss the cooked pasta and chicken in the sauce until fully coated. 5) Garnish with parsley and extra cheese before serving hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pre-grated Parmesan cheese? It’s best to grate a block of Parmesan yourself. Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting smoothly into the sauce, potentially making it grainy.
How can I make this dish lighter? Substitute half the heavy cream with whole milk or half-and-half, though the sauce will be slightly less rich. You can also use a lighter pasta like chickpea or lentil pasta.
My sauce is too thin. How do I thicken it? Let it simmer for a few more minutes to reduce. If needed, create a slurry with 1 teaspoon of cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of water, whisk it into the simmering sauce, and cook for another minute.
Can I prepare this ahead of time? The components can be prepped ahead, but it’s best served fresh. The sauce can thicken and the pasta can absorb too much liquid upon reheating. If necessary, store separately and combine with a splash of cream when reheating.
What’s the best substitute for fettuccine? Tagliatelle is nearly identical. Other great options are linguine, pappardelle, or even rigatoni, which holds the sauce well in its tubes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the garlic: Sauté just until fragrant (about 30 seconds) to avoid a bitter, burnt taste.
- Using high heat for the sauce: After adding the cream, maintain a gentle simmer. Boiling can cause the sauce to separate or become oily.
- Adding cold cheese to a hot sauce all at once: Remove the pan from heat or turn it very low before gradually whisking in the Parmesan to ensure a smooth, emulsified sauce.
- Overcrowding the pan when searing chicken: Cook in batches if necessary to get a proper golden-brown sear instead of steaming the chicken.
- Rinsing the cooked pasta: This washes away the starch that helps the sauce cling to the noodles.
Conclusion
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Alfredo is a timeless, satisfying dish that brings restaurant-quality flavor to your home kitchen. By following the detailed steps and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll achieve a perfectly balanced meal with tender chicken and a luxuriously smooth sauce. Its versatility in pairings and relative simplicity make it an ideal recipe for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy the ultimate comfort food.