Welcome to the world of mouthwatering pasta, where comfort takes on a creamy, garlicky twist. Creamy Garlic Chicken Alfredo is a classic Italian-inspired dish that never fails to satisfy cravings for something rich and flavorsome. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe combines tender chicken, a velvety Alfredo sauce, and pasta in perfect harmony.
Ingredients
Equipments
- Large skillet
- Saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken Alfredo – Step By Step
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Begin by slicing your chicken breasts into thin strips. This ensures they cook quickly and evenly. Season the strips with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, drizzle a couple of tablespoons of olive oil. Once heated, add the chicken strips, cooking until they are golden brown on each side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. The cooking process should take about 5-7 minutes, giving the chicken a lovely crust while keeping the inside moist.
Step 2: Create the Garlic Alfredo Sauce
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, toss in minced garlic, stirring until aromatic and lightly golden, which should be about a minute. Pour in heavy cream, slowly stirring with a wooden spoon to combine. Allow the cream to heat up, then gradually sprinkle in grated Parmesan cheese. The key here is to continuously stir the mixture so the cheese melts nicely, creating a silky sauce. This step will take around 5 minutes.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
As your sauce simmers, bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add fettuccine pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta but reserve a cup of pasta water. Adding a small amount of pasta water to your sauce later can enhance its texture and help it adhere to the noodles. This step takes about 10 minutes.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Pasta with the Sauce
Return the chicken to the creamy garlic sauce and give it a good stir to coat the chicken pieces evenly. If the sauce appears too thick, gradually add a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency. Once the chicken is well-coated, add the drained pasta into the skillet. Toss everything using tongs, ensuring every strand of pasta is lusciously coated with the Alfredo sauce.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Chicken Alfredo
Plate the Creamy Garlic Chicken Alfredo in shallow bowls. Garnish with freshly cracked black pepper, a sprinkle of Parmesan, and a handful of chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve it with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a complete meal that delights the senses.
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
For the best results, always use freshly grated Parmesan, as pre-packaged options might not melt as smoothly. If you’d like more flavor, you can add a pinch of nutmeg to the sauce for that extra special touch. Using the pasta water in the sauce is a game-changer, as the starch in the water helps bind the sauce to the pasta. Remember, the key to an excellent Alfredo is stirring, so keep doing that!
High Protein Version: Boost Your Chicken Alfredo
If you’re looking to pack more protein into your meal, consider adding a can of drained and rinsed chickpeas or a handful of lightly sautéed mushrooms to the dish. These ingredients complement the rich flavors and provide extra body and nutrition to the meal. Alternatively, replace the regular pasta with chickpea pasta or lentil pasta, both of which are high in protein.
Low Carb Delight: The Keto Take on Creamy Garlic Chicken Alfredo
For a low-carb version, swap the traditional pasta for zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles. This not only cuts down on carbs significantly but also adds a fresh twist to the dish. You can maintain a keto-friendly profile by ensuring the sauce is rich in fats and skip any flour-based thickeners.
Storage Instructions
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do it gently over low heat on the stovetop or microwave in short bursts, stirring often, and adding a splash of cream or milk if necessary to retain the sauce’s creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked chicken? Yes, pre-cooked chicken works fine. Just toss it in during Step 4.
Is there a vegetarian option? Substitute the chicken with roasted vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms, and proceed with the same recipe steps.
Can I make this dish dairy-free? Yes, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a dairy-free version.
What’s the best type of pasta for Alfredo? While fettuccine is traditional, any flat pasta works well, like tagliatelle or pappardelle.
Join the Alfredo Appreciation: Share Your Experience
This Creamy Garlic Chicken Alfredo recipe is a treasure trove of rich flavors waiting to captivate pasta lovers. We invite you to leave a comment with your thoughts, share this recipe with friends, or even post your delicious creations using our hashtag. Let’s spread the joy of cooking and enjoy the comforting embrace of homemade Alfredo!
Creamy Garlic Chicken Alfredo
Instructions
Steps
- Start by seasoning and cooking the chicken strips until golden brown.
- Create the Alfredo sauce by melting butter, sautéing garlic, and melting cheese into cream.
- Boil fettuccine until al dente, then drain and reserve some pasta water.
- Combine the chicken and pasta with the sauce, adjusting thickness with pasta water if needed.