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This dish brings together the classic flavor of garlic Alfredo sauce, juicy seared chicken, and twisted pasta, making every bite creamy, cheesy, and perfectly seasoned. Great for dinner when you want something cozy but a little elevated.
⏱️ Time
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 25 minutes
- Total time: ~35 minutes
🍽️ Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Pot for boiling pasta
- Cutting board & knife
- Tongs or spatula
🧾 Ingredients (Serves 4)
Chicken:
- 2 medium chicken breasts, sliced thin or pounded
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt & black pepper to taste
Pasta & Sauce:
- 10–12 oz twisted pasta (fusilli, rotini, or gemelli)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water (if needed)
- Optional: chopped parsley or basil for garnish
🧂 Ingredient Notes
- Use fresh Parmesan, not pre-shredded, for best melting.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for subtle heat.
- Substitute half-and-half for a lighter sauce (but it won’t be as rich).
👨🍳 Instructions
1. Cook Pasta
- Boil pasta in salted water until al dente.
- Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Cook Chicken
- Season chicken with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Sear chicken 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through.
- Remove and let rest, then slice or dice.
3. Make Garlic Alfredo Sauce
- In the same pan, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Lower heat and stir in heavy cream. Simmer 2–3 minutes.
- Slowly whisk in Parmesan until melted and smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add reserved pasta water to loosen, if needed.
4. Combine
- Add cooked pasta and sliced chicken into the sauce.
- Toss gently to coat. Simmer 1–2 minutes to heat through.
5. Serve
- Garnish with chopped parsley, more Parmesan, and fresh ground pepper.
🧮 Nutrition (per serving – approx.)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~650–750 kcal |
| Protein | ~35 g |
| Carbs | ~45 g |
| Fat | ~40 g |
💡 Tips & Variations
- Add veggies: Stir in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli.
- Make it spicy: Add Cajun seasoning to the chicken or red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Switch protein: Try shrimp or Italian sausage instead of chicken.
- Cheese upgrade: Mix in shredded mozzarella or Fontina for extra creaminess.
