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Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe Better Than Olive Garden Easy and Homemade

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A rich, comforting, and creamy chicken Alfredo pasta recipe that rivals Olive Garden’s version, made with simple ingredients and ready in about 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb / 450 g), sliced thinly
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butter (for searing)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups heavy cream (480 ml)
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (about 100 g)
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 12 oz (340 g) fettuccine or your favorite pasta
  • Salt, for pasta water
  • Optional garnishes: chopped fresh parsley or basil, extra grated Parmesan

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz (340 g) fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually around 10-12 minutes). Reserve 1 cup (240 ml) of pasta water before draining.
  2. While pasta cooks, season chicken slices with 1 teaspoon garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add chicken in a single layer and cook about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken from pan and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium-low and melt 4 tablespoons butter. Add minced garlic and sauté gently for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Slowly pour in 2 cups (480 ml) heavy cream, stirring constantly. Warm the cream until it begins to simmer lightly—do not boil.
  5. Gradually whisk in 1 cup (100 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Stir in 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg if using. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  6. If sauce feels too thick, stir in reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time until desired consistency is reached.
  7. Add drained pasta and cooked chicken back into the skillet. Toss gently with tongs or a large spoon to coat everything evenly in the creamy sauce. Heat together for 1-2 minutes to meld flavors.
  8. Plate the creamy chicken Alfredo pasta immediately, garnishing with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Slowly melt cheese into the sauce off direct heat to avoid grainy texture. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Cook garlic gently to avoid bitterness. Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting and flavor. If sauce separates, whisk gently over low heat to bring it back together.

Nutrition

Keywords: Creamy Chicken Alfredo, Alfredo Pasta, Homemade Alfredo Sauce, Easy Chicken Pasta, Olive Garden Alfredo Copycat, Comfort Food, Weeknight Dinner

Find it online: https://sunnysavory.com/creamy-chicken-alfredo-pasta-recipe-better-than-olive-garden-easy-and-homemade/