Creamy Garlic Chicken Alfredo

Creamy Garlic Chicken Alfredo is a medium Italian-American recipe that serves 4. 650 calories per serving. Recipe by Preppy Kitchen on YouTube.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 38 min | Total: 1 hr 3 min

Cost: $15.40 total, $3.85 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 teaspoons Salt (for pasta water)
  • 1 pound Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast (sliced horizontally to thin cutlets)
  • 9 cloves Garlic (large, minced)
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (113 g, divided (1 tbsp for chicken, rest for sauce))
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (extra‑virgin preferred)
  • 2 cups Heavy Cream (480 ml, full‑fat)
  • 90 grams Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated, about 1 cup)
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly cracked)
  • 1 pound Fettuccine Pasta (dry, any brand)
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Boil Pasta Water

    Fill a large pot with water, add 2 teaspoons of salt, and bring to a rolling boil over medium‑high heat.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: medium high

  2. Prepare Chicken and Garlic

    Slice the chicken breasts horizontally to create thin cutlets. Season both sides with 3/4 teaspoon salt and 3/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper. Peel and mince 9 large garlic cloves.

    Time: PT10M

  3. Cook First Batch of Chicken

    Heat 1 tablespoon butter and 2 tablespoons olive oil in the skillet over medium‑high heat. Add half of the chicken cutlets, cooking until golden brown on each side, about 3‑4 minutes per side, until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

    Time: PT7M

    Temperature: medium high

  4. Cook Second Batch of Chicken

    Repeat the process with the remaining chicken cutlets, ensuring each piece is golden and fully cooked.

    Time: PT7M

    Temperature: medium high

  5. Cook Pasta

    Add 1 pound fettuccine to the boiling water. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and cook until al dente, about 10‑12 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.

    Time: PT12M

    Temperature: medium high

  6. Make the Creamy Garlic Alfredo Sauce

    Wipe the skillet clean, leaving a thin layer of browned bits. Melt 1/2 cup (113 g) butter over medium heat, then stir in the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Add 2 cups heavy cream, bring to a gentle simmer, and cook 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan until fully melted. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper. Continue to simmer on low until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: medium

  7. Combine Pasta, Sauce, and Chicken

    Add the drained fettuccine to the sauce, tossing to coat. If the sauce looks too thick, thin it with a splash of the reserved pasta water. Slice the cooked chicken into strips and fold into the pasta. Toss everything together for 1‑2 minutes until hot.

    Time: PT3M

  8. Garnish and Serve

    Plate the chicken alfredo, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
650
Protein
35 g
Carbohydrates
55 g
Fat
30 g
Fiber
3 g

Dietary info: Contains meat, Contains dairy, Contains gluten

Allergens: Dairy, Gluten

Last updated: April 7, 2026

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Creamy Garlic Chicken Alfredo

Recipe by Preppy Kitchen

A rich, buttery fettuccine tossed in a silky garlic‑infused cream sauce with golden pan‑seared chicken. Inspired by the classic Italian Alfredo, this recipe adds plenty of fresh garlic and Parmesan for depth, making a comforting dinner that's quick enough for weeknights.

MediumItalian-AmericanServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
12m
Prep
49m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 11m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$15.40
Total cost
$3.85
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Season and slice the chicken properly.
  • Cook chicken in two batches to achieve a golden crust without overcrowding.
  • Reserve 1 cup of starchy pasta water before draining.
  • Simmer the cream sauce on low heat and whisk in Parmesan gradually.
  • Combine pasta with sauce while still hot and adjust consistency with pasta water.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle raw chicken with clean hands and wash all surfaces after contact.
  • Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  • Hot butter and oil can cause splatter burns; use a splatter guard if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Chicken Alfredo in Italian‑American cuisine?

A

Chicken Alfredo traces back to early 20th‑century Rome where Alfredo di Lelio created a simple butter‑Parmesan sauce for his pregnant wife. In the 1920s American tourists, including silent‑film stars, popularized the dish in the U.S., where cream was added to create the rich, silky sauce we know today.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Chicken Alfredo in Italian‑American cuisine?

A

Traditional Italian Alfredo uses only butter, Parmesan, and pasta. In Italian‑American versions, heavy cream is added for extra richness, and proteins like chicken or shrimp are incorporated to make it a complete main course.

cultural
Q

How is Chicken Alfredo traditionally served in the United States?

A

In the U.S., Chicken Alfredo is typically served hot over fettuccine, topped with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or extra grated Parmesan, and accompanied by a simple green salad or garlic bread.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Chicken Alfredo traditionally associated with in American households?

A

Chicken Alfredo is a popular comfort‑food for family dinners, weekend gatherings, and holiday meals such as Thanksgiving or Christmas because it feels indulgent yet quick to prepare.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are essential for a classic Chicken Alfredo versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include fresh Parmesan cheese, unsalted butter, heavy cream, and high‑quality fettuccine. Acceptable substitutes are Pecorino Romano for cheese, half‑and‑half for cream, or whole‑wheat pasta for a healthier twist.

cultural
Q

What other Italian‑American dishes pair well with Chicken Alfredo?

A

Chicken Alfredo pairs nicely with a crisp Caesar salad, roasted broccoli, garlic‑butter breadsticks, or a light antipasto platter featuring olives, cured meats, and marinated vegetables.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Chicken Alfredo?

A

Common mistakes include overcooking the chicken, letting the cream boil vigorously (which can cause curdling), and forgetting to reserve pasta water, which is key for a silky sauce.

technical
Q

Why does this Chicken Alfredo recipe use both butter and olive oil for cooking the chicken?

A

Butter adds flavor while olive oil raises the smoke point, preventing the butter from burning. This combination gives a golden crust without a burnt taste.

technical
Q

Can I make Chicken Alfredo ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes. Cook the chicken and sauce separately, store each in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the sauce gently, add a splash of pasta water, then toss with freshly cooked pasta and the reheated chicken.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the Alfredo sauce is done?

A

The sauce should coat the back of a spoon, have a glossy sheen, and be thick enough to cling to the pasta without pooling. It should not be grainy or oily.

technical
Q

How do I know when the chicken in this Chicken Alfredo recipe is fully cooked?

A

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the exterior is golden brown. It should feel firm but still juicy when cut.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Preppy Kitchen specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Preppy Kitchen specializes in approachable, family‑friendly recipes that blend classic comfort food with modern twists, often focusing on pasta, quick weeknight meals, and detailed cooking techniques.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Preppy Kitchen's approach to Italian‑American cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Preppy Kitchen emphasizes step‑by‑step storytelling, includes historical anecdotes, and prioritizes ingredient quality while keeping recipes simple enough for home cooks, unlike some channels that focus on high‑tech or gourmet plating.

channel
Q

What other Italian‑American recipes is the YouTube channel Preppy Kitchen known for?

A

Preppy Kitchen is known for recipes such as Classic Spaghetti Carbonara, Homemade Meatball Subs, Baked Ziti with Ricotta, and a DIY Fresh Pasta tutorial.

channel

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