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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta With Creamy Alfredo Sauce 1758960128.8250678

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta with Creamy Alfredo Sauce


  • Author: Sarah Williams
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: General

Description

A hearty, family-friendly Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta with creamy Alfredo sauce, perfect for a quick, satisfying, and high-protein weeknight meal.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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