Introduction
Chicken Alfredo Pasta with Garlic Breadsticks is the epitome of comfort food done right. This dish brings together tender, juicy chicken, rich and creamy Alfredo sauce, perfectly cooked fettuccine, and soft, buttery garlic breadsticks that are ideal for scooping up every last bit of sauce. It’s the kind of meal that instantly makes a house feel like home and brings family and friends together around the dinner table.
What makes this recipe so special is the perfect harmony of flavors and textures. The chicken is seasoned and seared to perfection, locking in juices while creating a golden crust that contrasts beautifully with the smooth, velvety sauce. The Alfredo sauce itself is a luxurious combination of butter, heavy cream, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, simmered gently to create a rich and silky coating for the pasta. Each forkful is indulgent, yet comforting, offering a depth of flavor that feels both decadent and familiar.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this Chicken Alfredo Pasta with Garlic Breadsticks recipe because it perfectly combines comfort, flavor, and elegance in a single dish. The creamy Alfredo sauce is rich and indulgent, made with real butter, heavy cream, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, creating a silky, velvety coating that clings to every strand of fettuccine. It’s the kind of sauce that makes you savor every bite, and it’s so easy to make at home compared to ordering it at a restaurant.
The chicken is another reason I adore this recipe. Seared to a golden-brown perfection, it stays juicy and tender while adding a savory, flavorful element that elevates the pasta. Each piece complements the creamy sauce, creating a balanced and satisfying bite every time.
Why It’s a Must-Try
- Creamy and comforting: The Alfredo sauce is indulgent but easy to make.
- Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for kids and adults alike.
- Restaurant-quality at home: You can create an Italian-inspired dish without the wait or the expense.
- Customizable: Add spinach, broccoli, mushrooms, or different proteins.
Preparation & Cooking Time
- Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 25 minutes
- Total time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 4–6
- Calories: Approx. 750–850 per serving
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
For the Chicken Alfredo Pasta:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp nutmeg (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Garlic Breadsticks:
- 1 tube refrigerated pizza dough or homemade dough
- 3 tbsp butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- ½ tsp salt
Cooking Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Pat the chicken breasts dry and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove from the pan and let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
- Boil fettuccine in salted water according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup pasta water.
Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add nutmeg if desired.
- Adjust thickness with reserved pasta water as needed.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Chicken
- Add the cooked fettuccine to the Alfredo sauce and toss to coat evenly.
- Top with sliced chicken and garnish with parsley.
Step 5: Prepare Garlic Breadsticks
- Preheat oven according to dough instructions (usually 375°F/190°C).
- Roll out dough and cut into sticks.
- Mix melted butter with minced garlic, parsley, and salt. Brush over breadsticks.
- Bake 10–12 minutes or until golden brown.
How to Serve
- Plate the chicken Alfredo pasta on a large serving dish.
- Serve garlic breadsticks on the side.
- Garnish pasta with extra Parmesan and parsley.
- Optionally, add a side salad for a complete meal.
Recipe Tips
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor.
- Don’t overcook the pasta; it will cook slightly more when mixed with sauce.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.
- Rest the chicken before slicing to keep it juicy.
Variations
- Vegetables: Add steamed broccoli, peas, or mushrooms for more nutrition.
- Protein Swap: Use shrimp, salmon, or tofu instead of chicken.
- Spicy Alfredo: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Cheesy Twist: Mix in mozzarella or fontina with Parmesan.
Freezing and Storage
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
- Freezing: Alfredo sauce doesn’t freeze well, but cooked pasta and chicken can be frozen separately for up to 2 months.
Special Equipment Needed
- Large skillet
- Pot for boiling pasta
- Baking sheet for breadsticks
- Tongs or pasta fork for tossing
FAQ
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes, use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free pizza dough for the breadsticks.
Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
A: Absolutely! Just reheat and add it to the sauce at the end.
Q: How do I thicken the Alfredo sauce?
A: Simmer longer to reduce, or add a small slurry of cornstarch and water if needed.
Conclusion
This Chicken Alfredo Pasta with Garlic Breadsticks is a creamy, indulgent, and satisfying meal that feels like a restaurant-quality dish at home. With tender chicken, rich sauce, and buttery garlic bread, it’s perfect for both everyday dinners and special occasions. The flavors are comforting, the preparation is manageable, and the dish is always a crowd-pleaser.
Chicken Alfredo Pasta with Garlic Breadsticks
Course: Chicken RecipesCuisine: Italian-AmericanDifficulty: easy6
servings20
minutes25
minutes45
minutesIngredients
For the Chicken Alfredo Pasta:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp Italian seasoning
2 tbsp olive oil
12 oz fettuccine pasta
4 tbsp butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 ½ cups heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
½ tsp nutmeg (optional)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Garlic Breadsticks:
1 tube refrigerated pizza dough or homemade dough
3 tbsp butter, melted
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried parsley
½ tsp salt
Directions
- Step 1: Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
- Step 2: Cook the Pasta: Boil fettuccine in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup pasta water.
- Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add nutmeg if desired. Adjust thickness with reserved pasta water as needed.
- Step 4: Combine Pasta and Chicken: Add the cooked fettuccine to the Alfredo sauce and toss to coat evenly. Top with sliced chicken and garnish with parsley.
- Step 5: Prepare Garlic Breadsticks: Preheat oven according to dough instructions (usually 375°F/190°C). Roll out dough and cut into sticks. Mix melted butter with minced garlic, parsley, and salt. Brush over breadsticks. Bake 10–12 minutes or until golden brown.