Creamy Garlic Chicken Alfredo Recipe
This classic Italian-American pasta dish features tender chicken breast in a velvety garlic-infused cream sauce enriched with Parmesan cheese. Creamy Garlic Chicken Alfredo combines simple, quality ingredients to create a restaurant-quality meal that comes together in under 40 minutes. Tossed with fresh fettuccine, this elegant yet approachable dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 450g (1 lb) fettuccine pasta
- 500g (1.1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 120ml (½ cup) heavy cream
- 120ml (½ cup) whole milk
- 60g (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 100g (1 cup) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 30ml (2 tablespoons) fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
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Season chicken breasts evenly on both sides with 1 teaspoon kosher salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden and internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F). Transfer to a cutting board and let rest for 3 minutes before slicing into ½-inch-thick strips.
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While chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add fettuccine and cook according to package directions until al dente, approximately 9-11 minutes. Reserve 240ml (1 cup) pasta cooking water before draining.
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In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant but not browned.
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Pour heavy cream and whole milk into the garlic-butter mixture. Increase heat to medium and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Cook for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to combine.
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Reduce heat to low. Gradually add grated Parmesan cheese in three batches, stirring constantly after each addition to prevent clumping. The sauce will thicken and become silky smooth.
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Season the alfredo sauce with lemon juice, nutmeg, and red pepper flakes if using. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Add sliced chicken back to the sauce and gently stir to combine.
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Add cooked fettuccine to the skillet with the cream sauce. Toss gently for 1-2 minutes, adding reserved pasta water gradually (30-60ml at a time) until sauce reaches desired consistency—it should coat the noodles without pooling.
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Divide pasta among serving bowls. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while hot.
Substitutions
- Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt (use 120ml plus 60ml milk) for a lighter, tangier version with similar creaminess
- Substitute chicken breast with turkey breast or boneless pork loin for alternative proteins with comparable cooking times
- Use gluten-free pasta instead of regular fettuccine to accommodate dietary restrictions; cooking time remains the same
- Replace Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a sharper, more assertive cheese flavor
Tips
- Add pasta water gradually to the sauce rather than all at once; the starch helps emulsify the cream and creates a silkier consistency
- Do not allow the sauce to boil vigorously once cheese is added, as high heat can cause the sauce to break and become grainy
- Pound chicken breasts to even thickness (approximately ¾-inch) before cooking to ensure uniform cooking and prevent dry edges
- Mince garlic fresh just before cooking; pre-minced garlic loses its pungent aromatics and may impart a harsh flavor
While Fettuccine Alfredo originates from Rome and traditionally contains only butter, Parmesan, and pasta water, the addition of cream and chicken reflects the dish's evolution in American Italian-American cuisine. This version represents the creamy Alfredo style popularized in mid-20th-century Italian restaurants outside Italy, making it a beloved comfort food classic in Western dining.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Creamy Garlic Chicken Alfredo Recipe take to make?
Creamy Garlic Chicken Alfredo Recipe takes about 40 minutes total — 15 minutes of prep and 25 minutes of cooking — and makes 4 servings.
What can I substitute in Creamy Garlic Chicken Alfredo Recipe?
You can adapt it easily: Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt (use 120ml plus 60ml milk) for a lighter, tangier version with similar creaminess; Substitute chicken breast with turkey breast or boneless pork loin for alternative proteins with comparable cooking times; Use gluten-free pasta instead of regular fettuccine to accommodate dietary restrictions; cooking time remains the same.
How should I store leftover Creamy Garlic Chicken Alfredo Recipe?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days and reheat gently before serving.
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