Description
A hearty, family-friendly Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta with creamy Alfredo sauce, perfect for a quick, satisfying, and high-protein weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 12 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
- 1.5 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 5 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 0.5 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prep Chicken: Cut 1 lb chicken breast into bite-sized 1-inch pieces. Season generously with 0.5 tsp Italian seasoning, 0.5 tsp salt, and 0.25 tsp pepper, ensuring even coating.
- Cook Chicken: In a large 10-inch skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add chicken pieces and cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through (no pink remains inside). Remove the cooked chicken and set it aside.
- Boil Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water.
- Make Alfredo Sauce Base: Using the same skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat until foamy. Add 5 cloves minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant and lightly golden, being careful not to burn it.
- Build Creaminess: Pour in 1.5 cups heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Stir in 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until completely melted and smooth. Season with 0.25 tsp salt and 0.125 tsp black pepper.
- Combine & Serve: Add the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the creamy Alfredo sauce in the skillet. Toss everything gently to coat evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash or two of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Notes
For smart swaps, consider zucchini noodles or cauliflower florets as a low-carb option. A dairy-free Alfredo can be made with cashew cream or oat milk, and plant-based chick’n strips can replace chicken. Always choose fresh garlic and quality Parmesan for the best flavor. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic. For a lighter dish, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream or add fresh spinach. To prevent overcooked, dry chicken, monitor cooking closely. To prevent a grainy sauce, add Parmesan off the heat, slowly, while stirring continuously until melted.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups (280 g)
- Calories: 445 calories
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 43 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
Keywords: garlic, parmesan, chicken, pasta, alfredo, creamy, weeknight, easy, high-protein, family-friendly