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Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe Easy Tender Grilled Chicken Dinner

creamy chicken alfredo pasta - featured image

A comforting and easy creamy chicken Alfredo pasta with tender grilled chicken, perfect for cozy dinners and quick weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound / 450g), pounded to even thickness
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or dried oregano
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
  • 12 ounces fettuccine or your favorite pasta shape (about 340g)
  • Salt for pasta water
  • Chopped fresh parsley or basil for garnish
  • Extra Parmesan for serving

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Drizzle with olive oil and season both sides evenly with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let rest for 10-15 minutes at room temperature.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually 10-12 minutes). Reserve ½ cup (120 ml) of pasta water before draining.
  3. Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high. Place the chicken on the hot surface and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.
  4. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly. Simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Reduce heat to low and gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until fully melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if using. If the sauce feels too thick, stir in a splash of reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
  6. Add the drained pasta directly into the sauce. Toss gently to coat each strand in the creamy Alfredo. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
  7. Plate the pasta and top with sliced grilled chicken. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve warm.

Notes

Let the chicken rest after grilling to keep it juicy. Stir the sauce constantly when adding cream and cheese to prevent breaking or graininess. Use reserved pasta water to loosen sauce if too thick. Freshly grated Parmesan is preferred for best flavor and texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken alfredo, creamy pasta, grilled chicken, easy dinner, comfort food, fettuccine alfredo