Garlic Parmesan Chicken Alfredo Recipe

For a creamy, savory, and indulgent meal, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Alfredo Recipe is a must-try! The combination of tender chicken, garlic, and rich Alfredo sauce loaded with parmesan cheese creates the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is easy to make and will impress everyone at the table.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Season the Chicken: In a bowl, toss the sliced chicken with olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until the chicken is well-coated.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine or your choice of pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water in case you need it to thin out the sauce later.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Alfredo Sauce

1. Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
2. Add the Cream: Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously. Let the cream simmer for 3-4 minutes, reducing slightly to thicken.
3. Add Parmesan Cheese: Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Season with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if desired.

Step 4: Combine the Chicken, Pasta, and Sauce

1. Return the Chicken to the Pan: Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the Alfredo sauce, tossing to coat the chicken in the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce.
2. Add the Pasta: Gently toss the cooked pasta into the skillet, ensuring it is fully coated in the Alfredo sauce. If the sauce becomes too thick, use the reserved pasta water to thin it out to your desired consistency.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

1. Plate the Dish: Serve the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Alfredo hot, topped with extra grated Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley for garnish.
2. Enjoy: Pair with a side of garlic bread and a simple salad for a complete meal.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Alfredo

• Rich and Creamy: The Alfredo sauce is luscious and creamy, loaded with Parmesan cheese for that perfect, savory bite.
• Quick and Easy: With just a few ingredients and simple steps, this dish can be made in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
• Versatile: Use your favorite type of pasta, add vegetables like spinach or broccoli, or even swap chicken for shrimp!

Tips and Variations

1. Use Fresh Parmesan:

• Freshly grated Parmesan will melt smoother and provide a much better flavor than pre-grated varieties.

2. Add Veggies:

• Want to sneak in some veggies? Add broccoli, spinach, or even mushrooms to the Alfredo sauce for added nutrition and flavor.

3. Make It Spicy:

• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat if you like spicy dishes.

4. Swap Chicken for Shrimp:

• For a seafood twist, substitute the chicken with shrimp, cooking them in the same way and adding them to the Alfredo sauce.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers:

• Store any leftover Garlic Parmesan Chicken Alfredo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating:

• To reheat, warm the Alfredo over low heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or milk to bring back the sauce’s creamy consistency.

FAQs

1. Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?

• Yes, you can use half-and-half, but the sauce won’t be as thick and rich. For the best results, stick with heavy cream.

2. What type of pasta works best with this dish?

• Fettuccine is the classic choice, but you can use penne, linguine, or any other pasta you like.

3. How can I make the Alfredo sauce lighter?

• You can substitute the heavy cream with milk or half-and-half, but the sauce may be less creamy. You can also use Greek yogurt for a tangy, lighter version.

4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

• You can prepare the sauce and chicken ahead of time, but it’s best to cook the pasta fresh and combine everything just before serving for the best texture.

5. What’s the best way to avoid a lumpy Alfredo sauce?

• Make sure to stir the sauce continuously as you add the Parmesan cheese, and use low heat to prevent the cheese from clumping.

Conclusion

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Alfredo Recipe is an irresistible combination of creamy, cheesy Alfredo sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a simple yet indulgent meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just need a quick and satisfying dinner, this recipe has you covered.

Yield: 4

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Alfredo Recipe

Print

For a creamy, savory, and indulgent meal, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Alfredo Recipe is a must-try! The combination of tender chicken, garlic, and rich Alfredo sauce loaded with parmesan cheese creates the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is easy to make and will impress everyone at the table.

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Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Chicken:
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (butterflied or cut in half lengthwise)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• For the Alfredo Sauce:
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Salt, to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• For the Pasta:
• 12 oz fettuccine or pasta of choice
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Extra Parmesan cheese (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Season the Chicken:
   Pat the chicken breasts dry. Season both sides with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Cook the Chicken:
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Once cooled slightly, slice the chicken into strips.
4. Make the Alfredo Sauce:
   In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant (do not burn). Slowly stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
5. Add Parmesan Cheese:
   Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce. Season with black pepper, salt, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Continue simmering for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
6. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
   Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly.
7. Serve:
   Plate the pasta and top with the sliced chicken. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Chicken Variations: You can substitute the chicken breasts with grilled or rotisserie chicken for a quicker meal.

Cheese Options: For extra creaminess, mix in a bit of cream cheese or mozzarella with the Parmesan.

Pasta Substitutes: You can use linguine, penne, or any pasta shape you prefer.

Vegetables: Add some sautéed spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor.