Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Alfredo – A Decadent Comfort Food Classic
Restaurant-quality pasta at home: tender seared chicken, a silky garlic-parmesan Alfredo sauce, and pasta cooked to perfect al dente. Ready in about 40 minutes and guaranteed to satisfy.
✅️Why You’ll Love This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Alfredo
- 🔹Rich and Creamy Texture: Butter, heavy cream and Parmesan form a velvety base.
- 🔹Bold Garlic Flavor: Fresh minced garlic brightens every bite.
- 🔹Perfectly Seasoned Chicken: Pan-seared for a golden crust and juicy center.
- 🔹Quick & Customizable: Ready in under 40 minutes; add veg or spice to taste.
✅️Ingredients & Their Roles
👉For the Chicken
- ◾️ 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced into strips) — main protein; sears golden while staying juicy.
- ◾️ 1 tbsp olive oil — for even browning and moisture.
- ◾️ 1 tsp garlic powder — subtle extra garlic flavor that penetrates the meat.
- ◾️ ½ tsp Italian seasoning — herb blend for authentic Italian notes.
- ◾️ Salt & black pepper, to taste — essential seasoning.
👉For the Alfredo Sauce
- ◾️ 12 oz fettuccine or spaghetti — pasta that catches and holds the sauce.
- ◾️ 3 tbsp butter — base fat for a rich, silky mouthfeel.
- ◾️ 4 cloves garlic, minced — aromatic backbone of the sauce.
- ◾️ 1½ cups heavy cream — gives the sauce body and stability.
- ◾️ ½ cup cream cheese (optional) — extra creaminess and smooth texture.
- ◾️ 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese — salty, nutty flavor that defines Alfredo.
- ◾️ ½ cup shredded mozzarella (optional) — for added melt and stretch.
- ◾️ ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional) — gentle heat to lift the richness.
- ◾️ Salt & pepper, to taste — final seasoning, added after tasting.
👉For Garnish
- ◾️ Fresh parsley — brightness and color.
- ◾️ Extra Parmesan — finishing touch of umami.
✅️Step-by-Step Instructions
➡️ Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, drain, and set aside.
➡️ Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Season chicken strips with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through (~6–7 minutes). Remove and keep warm.
➡️ Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Alfredo Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic for ~30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in cream cheese (if using) until smooth. Remove from heat and gradually whisk in Parmesan and mozzarella until silky. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Thin with reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach the desired consistency.
➡️ Step 4: Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss until evenly coated. Return the chicken to the skillet and toss gently to combine. Allow the pasta to rest in the sauce for 30–60 seconds to absorb flavor.
➡️ Step 5: Serve & Garnish
Plate immediately. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and a generous dusting of extra Parmesan. Serve hot.
✅️Serving Suggestions
- 🔹 Garlic Bread — perfect for mopping up sauce.
- 🔹 Steamed Broccoli or Asparagus — adds freshness and color.
- 🔹 Crisp Caesar Salad — a bright, tangy counterpoint to the creamy pasta.
- 🔹 White Wine Pairing — a chilled Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio complements the richness.
✅️Pro Tips for the Best Alfredo
- 🔹 Grate Parmesan fresh — pre-grated cheese can contain anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
- 🔹 Don’t overcook the chicken — slice and check; juicy chicken transforms the dish.
- 🔹 Reserve pasta water — it’s your secret to silky sauce and perfect texture.
- 🔹 Add cheese gradually and off the heat to avoid clumping.
- 🔹 Taste before you salt — Parmesan is salty and can reduce the need for extra salt.
✅️Why Everyone Loves This Recipe
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Alfredo hits the sweet spot between indulgence and approachability: luxurious creaminess, bold garlic, and simple technique. The result is a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that feels elevated but is entirely achievable at home.
✅️Recipe Summary
- 🔹 Prep Time: 15 minutes
- 🔹 Cook Time: 25 minutes
- 🔹 Total Time: 40 minutes
- 🔹 Servings: 4
- 🔹 Calories: ~880 kcal / serving