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Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta

Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta

This creamy chicken Alfredo pasta is rich, comforting, and easy to make with tender chicken, garlic, Parmesan, and a smooth cream sauce. It is perfect for weeknight dinners, family pasta night, or a cozy homemade meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 735
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 ounces fettuccine or pasta of choice
  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper divided
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup reserved pasta water plus more as needed
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley optional
  • Extra Parmesan for serving

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente according to package directions.
  2. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain the pasta.
  3. Pat chicken dry and season with 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
  4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  5. Add chicken in a single layer and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and cooked to 165°F.
  6. Transfer chicken to a plate.
  7. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add butter to the skillet.
  8. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
  9. Pour in heavy cream and stir until warmed through. Do not boil hard.
  10. Add Parmesan a little at a time, stirring until melted and smooth.
  11. Add 1/4 cup reserved pasta water and stir until the sauce looks creamy.
  12. Add drained pasta and cooked chicken to the skillet. Toss until coated.
  13. Add more pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
  14. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
  15. Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

  • Freshly grated Parmesan gives the smoothest sauce.
  • Do not boil the sauce after adding cheese.
  • Save pasta water before draining the pasta.
  • Chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breast.
  • Reheat leftovers gently with a splash of milk, cream, or broth.
Nutrition Per Serving – Approximate
Calories: 735
Protein: 48g
Fat: 39g
Carbs: 50g