If you’re craving something utterly comforting and indulgent, the Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This dish brings together tender strips of chicken bathed in a luxuriously creamy Alfredo sauce, all infused with the deep, savory essence of garlic and butter. It’s a perfect harmony of flavors and textures, from the velvety sauce clinging to al dente fettuccine to the golden-browned chicken that adds a satisfying bite. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe promises a rich and satisfying meal that’s surprisingly simple to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Recipe plays a key role in building that classic flavor without overwhelming complexity. From creamy butter to fresh garlic, each one enhances the dish’s luscious texture and irresistible aroma.
- 1.5 lbs boneless chicken breasts, cut into strips: Tender and lean, perfect for quick cooking and soaking up rich flavors.
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta: The ideal pasta shape to hold onto the creamy Alfredo sauce beautifully.
- 6 tbsp butter: The heart of this dish, giving it buttery richness and helping brown the chicken.
- 6 cloves fresh garlic, minced: Adds that punchy garlic flavor that makes this dish unforgettable.
- 1 tsp onion powder: Subtle sweetness and depth without overpowering the garlic.
- 1 cup heavy cream: For that ultra-smooth, velvety Alfredo sauce base.
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated: Sharp and nutty, melts into the sauce for delicious umami.
- Salt to taste: Enhances and balances all the flavors.
- Pepper to taste: Adds a mild heat that wakes up the creamy sauce.
- 1 tsp Italian herbs: A blend of oregano, basil, and thyme that brings aromatic notes.
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped: A fresh, vibrant finish that brightens the dish.
- Extra Parmesan for serving: The perfect finishing touch for cheese lovers.
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by seasoning the chicken strips with salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian herbs. While you do this, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the fettuccine, and mince the garlic so it’s ready to release all its fragrance into the sauce later.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken to Golden Perfection
Melt half of the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken strips and cook until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust, about 5 to 7 minutes per side. The butter here not only prevents sticking but adds that irresistible richness. Once cooked, remove the chicken and set it aside—this creates a flavorful base for the sauce.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Garlic Butter Alfredo Sauce
In the same pan, melt the remaining butter and gently sauté the minced garlic until fragrant and slightly golden, careful not to burn it. Pour in the heavy cream and gradually add the Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce thickens into a smooth, silky consistency. The garlic-infused butter and cheese meld together to create the signature Alfredo flavor.
Step 4: Cook Pasta and Combine Everything
While the sauce is coming together, cook your fettuccine in the boiling water until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain the pasta, reserving a bit of the starchy pasta water. Toss the fettuccine in the Alfredo sauce, adding a splash of pasta water if needed to loosen and perfectly coat each strand. Then, return the cooked chicken to the pan and mix everything until combined and heated through.
Step 5: Final Touches and Seasoning
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese on top for a burst of color and added flavor. Your Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Recipe is now ready to impress!
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is an excellent garnish for this dish as it cuts through the creaminess with its bright, herbal notes. A generous sprinkle of extra Parmesan adds a salty, cheesy finish that melts delightfully as you dig in. For a little extra zing, a light dash of cracked black pepper on top can elevate the flavor further.
Side Dishes
This rich and creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo pairs beautifully with crisp, green sides such as a classic Caesar salad or steamed broccoli. The freshness and crunch from these sides balance the creamy pasta perfectly, making each bite satisfying without feeling too heavy.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special touch, serve the Alfredo in shallow bowls to showcase the chicken strips nestled beneath a blanket of pasta and sauce. You could also place the pasta in a large serving dish and artfully arrange the chicken strips on top, garnishing with a sprinkle of parsley and grated Parmesan for a restaurant-quality presentation right at your dinner table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The sauce might thicken a bit, but a gentle reheat will bring back its luscious texture.
Freezing
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers by placing them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to one month. Keep in mind that the texture of the pasta might change slightly after freezing, but the flavors will remain delicious.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce as it warms. Avoid overheating which may cause the sauce to separate. A quick microwave on medium power with small intervals also works well if you’re short on time.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a bit more juiciness and richness to the dish, though the cooking time might be slightly longer. Just make sure they are cut into similar-sized strips for even cooking.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream in this recipe?
You can use half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce won’t be quite as thick or rich. To help thicken it, try adding a bit of cream cheese or a flour-based slurry while cooking the sauce.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the fettuccine for a gluten-free pasta of your choice. Just be sure to check cooking times as some gluten-free pasta varieties cook faster or slower than regular pasta.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning in the sauce?
Cook the minced garlic over medium-low heat and keep a close eye on it. It should become fragrant and lightly golden but not browned or burnt, which can make it taste bitter.
What’s the best way to get the sauce extra creamy?
Using fresh, high-quality Parmesan cheese and plenty of butter will ensure a silky sauce. Also, adding the cheese gradually while stirring helps it melt smoothly without clumping.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Recipe is everything you want in a comforting pasta dish—rich, flavorful, and surprisingly straightforward to prepare. If you’re looking for a satisfying meal that feels special but won’t keep you in the kitchen all night, this is it. Give it a try and watch it become a beloved go-to dinner in your household.
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Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo recipe combines tender, golden-brown chicken strips with a luscious, creamy Alfredo sauce made from butter, garlic, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Tossed with perfectly cooked fettuccine pasta and garnished with fresh parsley, this comforting Italian-American classic is ready in just 40 minutes—perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner for two.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1.5 lbs boneless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 6 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Italian herbs
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Pasta
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
Sauce
- 6 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Garnish
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan for serving
Instructions
- Prep: Season the chicken strips with salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian herbs. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the fettuccine pasta. Mince the garlic cloves finely.
- Cook Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add the seasoned chicken strips and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Make Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté in the remaining butter for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.
- Cook Pasta: Meanwhile, cook the fettuccine in the boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving some pasta water.
- Combine: Add the cooked chicken back into the Alfredo sauce. Toss the cooked fettuccine into the sauce and chicken mixture. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce needs thinning to coat the pasta evenly.
- Finish: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese before serving.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best flavor and a smoother sauce.
- If sauce thickens too much, add reserved pasta water gradually to achieve desired consistency.
- Ensure not to burn garlic when sautéing as it becomes bitter.
- Chicken breasts can be substituted with thighs for a juicier texture.
- You can add steamed broccoli or mushrooms for added veggies.
