Ina Garten Chicken Alfredo Recipe: Simple Homestyle Magic

Ina garten chicken alfredo whispers culinary magic, transforming mundane weeknight dinners into extraordinary feasts.

Creamy, luxurious sauce coats perfectly cooked pasta like a silky blanket of flavor.

Tender chicken pieces nestle within this dreamy landscape, promising pure comfort in every heavenly bite.

Elegant yet astonishingly effortless, this dish speaks directly to food lovers seeking restaurant-quality meals at home.

Robust parmesan and rich cream weave together a symphony of tastes that tantalize the senses.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike marvel at how simple ingredients can create such magnificent results.

This recipe guarantees a dinner that will spark conversation, spark joy, and spark pure deliciousness at your table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 873 kcal

Servings: 4

Components in Ina Garten Chicken Alfredo

• Fettuccine: Choose fresh, high-quality pasta with a golden color and smooth texture.
• Salt: Use coarse sea salt for better flavor and mineral content.

• Chicken Breasts: Select plump, fresh cuts with minimal visible fat for juicier results.
• Olive Oil: Pick extra virgin olive oil for richer, more authentic taste.
• Italian Seasoning: Opt for a blend with vibrant, aromatic herbs for depth of flavor.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Freshly ground spices provide more intense, robust seasoning.

• Unsalted Butter: Select creamy, high-fat European-style butter for smoother consistency.
• Heavy Cream: Look for fresh, organic cream with rich, velvety texture.
• Garlic: Choose firm, hard-necked garlic cloves with strong, pungent aroma.
• Garlic Powder: Select fine, uniform powder without clumps.
• Parmesan Cheese: Pick freshly grated, high-quality aged cheese for maximum flavor.
• Fresh Parsley: Select bright green, crisp leaves with no wilting.
• Extra Parmesan Cheese: Use aged cheese for garnishing with sharp, nutty notes.

Tools Used for Chicken Alfredo Success

• Large Pot: Essential for boiling pasta perfectly with ample space.
• Colander: Needed to drain pasta after cooking.
• Large Skillet: Ideal for cooking chicken and creating creamy Alfredo sauce.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure seasonings and salt.
• Sharp Knife: Required for slicing chicken and mincing garlic.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring sauce and combining ingredients.
• Cheese Grater: Helps create fresh, fluffy Parmesan cheese.
• Cutting Board: Safe surface for slicing chicken and chopping herbs.
• Meat Thermometer: Ensures chicken reaches safe internal temperature.
• Tongs: Useful for handling and flipping chicken during cooking.

Cooking Guide for Ina’s Chicken Alfredo

• Boil Pasta Perfectly

Grab a large pot and fill with water. Sprinkle salt generously and bring to a vigorous boil. Drop fettuccine carefully and cook until tender. Save a splash of pasta water before draining, then set aside.

• Sear Chicken Masterfully

Coat chicken breasts with zesty seasonings. Heat olive oil in a skillet over high heat. Cook chicken until golden and crispy, flipping once. Check internal temperature reaches safety point. Let chicken rest briefly, then slice into delectable strips.

• Craft Luscious Sauce

Melt butter and cream together in the same skillet. Whisk gently over low heat until silky smooth. Toss in minced garlic and aromatic spices. Stir consistently as sauce transforms and thickens. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt completely. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.

• Combine and Plate

Swirl cooked fettuccine into the creamy sauce, coating each strand lovingly. Transfer to serving plates. Crown with sliced chicken. Shower with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan, and a whisper of black pepper. Serve immediately while steaming hot and savor every luxurious bite.

Adjustments for Chicken Alfredo Flavor

• Smart Ingredient Swap: Switch regular fettuccine with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for different dietary needs. Zucchini noodles work wonderfully for low-carb dieters, providing a fresh veggie twist to the classic recipe.
• Herb-Boost Technique: Elevate sauce depth by adding fresh thyme, rosemary, or basil during the cooking process. Fresh herbs introduce vibrant flavors and aromatic richness that transform ordinary Alfredo into gourmet cuisine.
• Protein Power Alternative: Replace chicken with grilled shrimp, crispy bacon bits, or sautéed mushrooms for exciting protein variations. Each option delivers unique textures and flavor profiles that complement the creamy sauce beautifully.
• Spice Level Adjustment: Introduce red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for those craving a subtle heat kick. Start with a pinch and gradually increase according to personal spice tolerance, creating a personalized dining experience.

Pairing and Serving Chicken Alfredo Ideas

• Pair with Fresh Salad: Complement the rich, creamy pasta with a crisp green salad dressed in light vinaigrette to balance the heaviness of the Alfredo sauce.
• Enhance with Garlic Bread: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread on the side to soak up the delicious sauce and add an extra layer of flavor to the meal.
• Wine Pairing Recommendation: Choose a crisp white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio to cut through the creamy texture and elevate the dining experience.
• Add Vegetable Variety: Sprinkle some roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli on top to increase nutritional value and add a pop of color to the dish.

Chicken Alfredo Storage and Reheat Tips

• Preserve Freshness: Store leftover chicken Alfredo in an airtight container within the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Separate chicken and pasta to maintain optimal texture.
• Reheat with Care: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to restore creamy consistency. Microwave in short intervals, stirring between each to prevent sauce separation.
• Freeze for Later: Pack completely cooled pasta in freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating to preserve flavor and texture.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare chicken and sauce separately during weekly cooking. Keep components refrigerated and combine just before serving to maintain fresh taste and prevent soggy pasta.

Elegant Ina Garten Chicken Alfredo Recipe

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4.6 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s chicken alfredo pasta delivers creamy comfort with classic Italian-inspired elegance. Parmesan, heavy cream, and tender chicken create a luxurious meal you can easily master in your kitchen.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (454 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 16 oz (454 g) dry fettuccine pasta
• 2 cups (480 ml) heavy whipping cream
• 2 cups (200 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
• ½ cup (113 g) butter, cut into large cubes or slices
• 1 tbsp (15 g) butter
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ¾ tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 clove garlic, minced

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Boil salted water and cook fettuccine until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Chicken Seasoning and Searing: Season chicken breasts with Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Rest briefly, then slice into half-inch medallions.
3. Alfredo Sauce Creation: In the same skillet, melt butter and heavy cream over medium-low heat. Whisk in garlic, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring until sauce thickens. Gradually incorporate Parmesan cheese, whisking until smooth and creamy.
4. Sauce Refinement and Pasta Assembly: Adjust sauce consistency by adding reserved pasta water if needed. Remove from heat and toss fettuccine thoroughly, ensuring complete sauce coverage.
5. Plating and Finishing: Arrange pasta on plates, top with sliced chicken. Optionally garnish with fresh parsley, additional Parmesan, and cracked black pepper for an elevated presentation.

Notes

• Pasta Water Magic: Reserve starchy cooking liquid to adjust sauce consistency and enhance flavor depth, adding silky texture to Alfredo.
• Chicken Searing Technique: Ensure chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature for safe, juicy results; let rest briefly before slicing to retain moisture.
• Sauce Smoothing Trick: Gradually add Parmesan cheese while stirring continuously to prevent clumping and create a luxuriously creamy sauce.
• Herb Enhancement: Layer dried Italian seasoning throughout cooking stages to build complex, aromatic flavor profile in both chicken and sauce.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Boiling, Sautéing, Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 873
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 1160 mg
• Fat: 56 g
• Saturated Fat: 30 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 63 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 41 g
• Cholesterol: 180 mg