Chicken Alfredo with Garlic Bread

Introduction

Chicken Alfredo is a classic Italian-American dish that offers creamy, cheesy comfort in every bite. This indulgent meal combines tender, juicy chicken breasts with a rich and velvety Alfredo sauce made from Parmesan cheese, butter, garlic, and heavy cream. Paired with a side of crispy, golden garlic bread, it makes for a mouthwatering combination that’s perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in. This dish is loved by all ages, thanks to its creamy texture and savory flavors. Let’s dive into the details of how to create the perfect Chicken Alfredo with Garlic Bread!

Ingredients

For the Chicken Alfredo

• 2 large chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish)
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
• 8 oz fettuccine pasta
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Garlic Bread

• 1 loaf French bread or Italian bread, halved lengthwise
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt, to taste

For the Creamy Parmesan Alfredo Sauce

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• Pinch of salt, to taste

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the Chicken

1. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a touch of Italian seasoning.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tbsp of olive oil and 1 tbsp of butter.
3. Once the butter has melted, add the chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side or until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside to rest. Slice it into thin strips once cooled slightly.

Step 2: Cooking the Fettuccine

1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes for al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Making the Alfredo Sauce

1. In the same skillet used for the chicken, reduce the heat to medium and add 2 tbsp of butter.
2. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
3. Add 1 cup of heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir continuously.
4. Gradually whisk in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
5. Stir in 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese for extra creaminess. Season with black pepper and a pinch of salt.
6. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce thicken slightly, about 3-5 minutes.

Step 4: Combining Pasta and Chicken

1. Add the cooked fettuccine pasta to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Toss the pasta until well-coated.
2. Add the sliced chicken back into the skillet, mixing it gently with the sauce and pasta. Let it heat through for another 2-3 minutes.
3. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish for added color and flavor.

Step 5: Making the Garlic Bread

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt.
3. Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the halved French bread.
4. Drizzle a little olive oil over the top and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
5. Place the bread on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are golden and crispy. For an extra crispy texture, broil for an additional 1-2 minutes.

Cooking Note

• Keep an eye on the Alfredo sauce; do not let it boil, as it can cause the cream to separate.
• For a thicker sauce, add a little extra Parmesan cheese. For a thinner sauce, mix in a splash of pasta water.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor; pre-grated cheese often lacks the same creaminess.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve the Chicken Alfredo hot, with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley on top.
• Pair it with a side salad, like a Caesar salad or mixed greens with a light vinaigrette, to balance the richness of the Alfredo.
• A chilled glass of white wine, such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, complements the creamy sauce beautifully.

Tips

• For added flavor, marinate the chicken for 30 minutes with lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and herbs before cooking.
• If you want a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or try a non-dairy alternative like coconut cream.
• Leftover Alfredo can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess.
• Add vegetables like broccoli or spinach to the Alfredo for added nutrition and texture.

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cooking Time

30 minutes

Total Time

45 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 750
• Protein: 42g
• Sodium: 860mg

Conclusion

Chicken Alfredo with Garlic Bread is the ultimate comfort food, combining creamy textures, savory flavors, and a hint of garlic goodness. This recipe is not only satisfying but also easy to make at home. Whether you’re preparing a special dinner for guests or a simple weeknight meal, this dish is a crowd-pleaser. The creamy Parmesan Alfredo sauce brings everything together, while the crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up every bit of the rich sauce. Enjoy this delightful combination, and don’t forget to experiment with variations to make it your own!

Chicken Alfredo with Garlic Bread

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• Author: Imili Johnson
• Total Time: 45 minutes

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Ingredients

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For the Chicken Alfredo

• 2 large chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish)
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
• 8 oz fettuccine pasta
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Garlic Bread

• 1 loaf French bread or Italian bread, halved lengthwise
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt, to taste

For the Creamy Parmesan Alfredo Sauce

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• Pinch of salt, to taste

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Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Chicken

1. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a touch of Italian seasoning.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tbsp of olive oil and 1 tbsp of butter.
3. Once the butter has melted, add the chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side or until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside to rest. Slice it into thin strips once cooled slightly.

Step 2: Cooking the Fettuccine

1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes for al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Making the Alfredo Sauce

1. In the same skillet used for the chicken, reduce the heat to medium and add 2 tbsp of butter.
2. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
3. Add 1 cup of heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir continuously.
4. Gradually whisk in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
5. Stir in 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese for extra creaminess. Season with black pepper and a pinch of salt.
6. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce thicken slightly, about 3-5 minutes.

Step 4: Combining Pasta and Chicken

1. Add the cooked fettuccine pasta to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Toss the pasta until well-coated.
2. Add the sliced chicken back into the skillet, mixing it gently with the sauce and pasta. Let it heat through for another 2-3 minutes.
3. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish for added color and flavor.

Step 5: Making the Garlic Bread

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt.
3. Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the halved French bread.
4. Drizzle a little olive oil over the top and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
5. Place the bread on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are golden and crispy. For an extra crispy texture, broil for an additional 1-2 minutes.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes

Nutrition

• Calories: 750
• Sodium: 860mg
• Protein: 42g