Description
Indulgent Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo brings classic Italian comfort straight to home kitchens with creamy parmesan sauce and tender chicken. Pasta lovers will savor this restaurant-quality dish that delivers rich flavors and satisfying textures you can recreate with simple ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Pasta:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) fettuccine pasta
Sauce and Seasonings:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook fettuccine in salted boiling water until perfectly tender, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain thoroughly and reserve a cup of pasta water.
- Season chicken breasts with Italian herbs and salt. Heat a skillet to medium-high and sear chicken until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F, roughly 5-7 minutes per side.
- Remove chicken from skillet and let rest on a cutting board for 3-4 minutes to retain juices.
- Lower skillet temperature to medium-low. Add minced garlic and remaining butter, stirring quickly to prevent burning and release aromatic flavors.
- Pour heavy cream into the skillet, whisking continuously. Gradually incorporate Parmesan cheese until sauce becomes silky and uniform.
- Season Alfredo sauce with cracked black pepper and a pinch of salt, adjusting to taste.
- Slice rested chicken into diagonal strips against the grain.
- Add fettuccine and sliced chicken to the creamy sauce, gently tossing to ensure even coating. If sauce seems thick, introduce reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
- Transfer to serving plates and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finish.
Notes
- Use high-quality Parmesan cheese for the most authentic and rich flavor that elevates the entire dish.
- Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden-brown crust that locks in moisture and maximizes flavor development.
- Reserve some pasta water strategically to adjust sauce consistency, creating a silky smooth texture that clings beautifully to the noodles.
- Consider adding red pepper flakes for a subtle kick that transforms the classic Alfredo into a more complex and exciting meal experience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 680 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 45 g
- Saturated Fat: 25 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 45 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg