Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Pasta

Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Pasta is the ultimate comfort food — rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. This dish combines tender, juicy chicken with perfectly cooked pasta, all coated in a luscious garlic-infused Alfredo sauce.

The subtle nuttiness from butter, the fragrant garlic, and the creaminess from Parmesan cheese come together to create a dish that feels indulgent yet approachable.

Perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or when you’re craving a hearty, restaurant-quality meal at home, this recipe elevates simple ingredients into a satisfying, elegant plate of pasta.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it balances rich, indulgent flavors with ease of preparation. The garlic butter chicken adds a savory depth, while the creamy Alfredo sauce makes every bite comforting and luxurious. Unlike some pasta dishes that feel heavy or greasy, this dish has a silky texture and vibrant flavors that are deeply satisfying.

It’s also versatile — you can adjust the richness, use different types of pasta, or even add vegetables to make it a complete meal. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for family dinners or a cozy date night at home.

Why This is a Must-Try Dish

• Rich and comforting: Creamy Alfredo sauce paired with garlic butter chicken.
• Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal effort.
• Family-friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike.
• Customizable: Add vegetables, different pastas, or extra seasonings to suit your taste.
• If you crave creamy pasta that’s flavorful, hearty, and downright indulgent, this dish is a must-try.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories: ~650–700 per serving
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp paprika (optional)

For the Pasta

• 300g (about 10 oz) fettuccine or your favorite pasta
• Salted water for boiling

For the Alfredo Sauce

• 3 tbsp butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ⅛ tsp nutmeg (optional)

Optional Garnish

• Chopped parsley
• Extra Parmesan cheese
• Crushed red pepper flakes

Cooking Directions Overview

1. Cook pasta and reserve some pasta water.
2. Sauté chicken in garlic butter until cooked through.
3. Make creamy Alfredo sauce in the same pan.
4. Toss pasta with sauce and chicken.
5. Serve hot with garnishes.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Cook Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil.
2. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook Garlic Butter Chicken

1. In a large skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika.
4. Cook chicken for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.

Step 3: Make Alfredo Sauce

1. In the same skillet, melt 3 tbsp butter over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
3. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
4. Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
5. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Chicken

1. Add cooked pasta to the Alfredo sauce.
2. Add chicken back into the pan.
3. Toss to coat everything evenly.
4. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.

Step 5: Serve

1. Plate pasta and garnish with chopped parsley, extra Parmesan, or crushed red pepper flakes.
2. Serve immediately while hot.

How to Serve

• Serve as a main course for lunch or dinner.
• Pair with garlic bread or a crisp Caesar salad.
• Optional: drizzle with a little extra olive oil or squeeze fresh lemon juice for brightness.

Recipe Tips

• Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and creamy texture.
• Do not overcook the chicken; it should remain tender and juicy.
• Toss pasta quickly in sauce while hot for maximum flavor absorption.
• Reserve pasta water to thin the sauce if necessary.

Variations

• Veggie Version: Add broccoli, peas, or spinach to the pasta.
• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
• Creamy Mushroom Alfredo: Sauté mushrooms along with garlic for an earthy flavor.
• Protein Swap: Use shrimp, salmon, or tofu instead of chicken.
• Low Carb: Serve with zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles.

Freezing & Storage

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for 2–3 days.
• Freezer: Alfredo sauce tends to separate when frozen; it’s best to freeze pasta and chicken separately without sauce. Reheat and make fresh sauce when serving.
• Reheat: Warm gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large pot for pasta
• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Tongs or pasta fork
• Cheese grater
• Measuring cups and spoons

FAQ

1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, but add it at the end just to warm through so it doesn’t dry out.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, prepare chicken and pasta separately, then reheat and add fresh sauce.

3. Can I substitute milk for heavy cream?
You can, but the sauce will be thinner. Add a small amount of flour or cornstarch to thicken if needed.

4. Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce?
Yes — it will save time, though homemade sauce is richer and fresher.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo Pasta is a decadent, flavorful, and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Its creamy sauce, garlicky richness, and tender chicken make it a true crowd-pleaser. Quick to prepare, versatile, and endlessly satisfying, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your dinner rotation.