Quick Chicken Alfredo with Garlic and Parmesan
Tender chicken breast sautéed with garlic and tossed with fettuccine in a smooth Parmesan cream sauce for a satisfying weeknight dinner. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 30 minutes pairs fettuccine pasta, olive oil, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 650 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.
Ingredients
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2, skinless and boneless, sliced into 1/2-inch strips chicken breasts
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped, for garnish fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz fettuccine pasta and cook for 10-12 minutes until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 sliced chicken breasts (1/2-inch strips) and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 4 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 4: Stir in 3 tbsp unsalted butter and 1 1/2 cups heavy cream, bringing to a gentle simmer. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
- Step 5: Gradually whisk in 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 6: Add the cooked fettuccine and reserved 1/2 cup pasta water to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
- Step 7: Serve immediately garnished with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Quick Chicken Alfredo with Garlic and Parmesan take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Quick Chicken Alfredo with Garlic and Parmesan?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep fettuccine pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Quick Chicken Alfredo with Garlic and Parmesan?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Quick Chicken Alfredo with Garlic and Parmesan for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Quick Chicken Alfredo with Garlic and Parmesan?
Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
