Creamy Dreamy Ina Garten’s Chicken Alfredo Recipe For All

Creamy, decadent, and utterly irresistible, this Ina Garten chicken alfredo recipe delivers pure culinary comfort on a plate.

Succulent chicken nestles among perfectly cooked pasta, blanketed in a rich, velvety sauce that whispers gourmet elegance.

The magic happens when classic Italian flavors dance with professional cooking techniques, creating a dish that feels both familiar and extraordinary.

Every forkful promises a delightful blend of tender meat and silky sauce that melts seamlessly together.

Garten’s approach ensures each ingredient shines with remarkable depth and balanced seasonings.

This restaurant-quality meal comes together faster than you might expect, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Grab your ingredients and get ready to experience a pasta dish that will make your taste buds sing with joy.

Make Ina Garten Chicken Alfredo in Simple Steps

• Noodle Preparation

Boil a large pot of salted water and cook fettuccine until perfectly tender. Keep some pasta water on the side before draining.

• Chicken Cooking

Season chicken with herbs and spices. Sear in a hot skillet until golden and cooked through. Let the meat rest briefly before slicing into delicate strips.

• Creamy Sauce Creation

Using the same pan, melt butter and cream together. Blend in garlic and seasonings, whisking gently until the mixture transforms into a silky, rich sauce. Fold in Parmesan cheese until smooth and luxurious.

• Delightful Assembly

Swirl the tender pasta through the velvety sauce. Layer sliced chicken on top and sprinkle with fresh herbs. Add an extra dusting of cheese for a restaurant-quality finish.

Variation Tips for Ina Garten Chicken Alfredo

• Sauté sliced mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes in the skillet before making the sauce for added depth and complexity.
• Replace chicken with grilled shrimp, crispy pancetta, or roasted salmon for exciting protein variations that complement the creamy sauce.
• Fold in roasted broccoli, sautéed spinach, or caramelized zucchini to increase nutritional value and introduce vibrant colors and textures.
• Experiment with different pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or whole wheat noodles to match personal preferences while maintaining the classic Alfredo experience.

Serving Suggestions for Ina Garten Chicken Alfredo

• Savor Fresh Herb Sprinkle: Chop fresh parsley or basil and generously scatter over the chicken alfredo for a vibrant burst of color and bright, zesty flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• Create Crispy Garlic Topping: Lightly toast breadcrumbs with minced garlic in a small pan until golden brown, then sprinkle over the pasta for an irresistible crunchy texture that complements the creamy sauce.
• Pair with Complementary Sides: Serve alongside a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli to balance the richness of the chicken alfredo and add nutritional variety to the meal.
• Add Wine Companion: Select a chilled glass of crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, which cuts through the creamy sauce and enhances the overall dining experience with its refreshing acidity.

Keep Ina Garten Chicken Alfredo for Later

• Refrigerate Leftovers Smartly: Store chicken Alfredo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Keep the pasta and chicken separate to maintain texture and prevent sogginess.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Transfer cooled chicken Alfredo to freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat with Care: Warm refrigerated or thawed chicken Alfredo in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of pasta water or cream to restore sauce's creamy consistency. Stir gently to prevent breaking the sauce.
• Prevent Sauce Separation: When reheating, use low heat and stir frequently. Avoid microwaving, as it can cause the sauce to split and become grainy. Gentle reheating helps maintain the original creamy texture.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 817 kcal

Servings: 6

Ingredients in Ina Garten Chicken Alfredo

• Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender centerpiece that provides a hearty protein boost, selecting fresh, boneless cuts ensures even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
• Parmesan Cheese: Robust, salty cheese that adds depth and creamy richness to the sauce, choosing authentic aged Parmesan delivers superior taste.

• Fettuccine: Classic ribbon-like pasta that perfectly captures and holds creamy sauces, selecting high-quality durum wheat variety ensures ideal texture.

• Butter: Silky foundation that creates luxurious sauce texture and adds subtle nutty undertones, using unsalted butter allows precise flavor control.
• Heavy Cream: Decadent liquid that transforms sauce into smooth, velvety consistency, selecting fresh, high-fat content cream ensures richness.
• Garlic, Garlic Powder: Aromatic flavor enhancers that provide layers of pungent depth, fresh garlic offers more vibrant taste compared to powdered version.
• Italian Seasoning: Herb blend that introduces complex Mediterranean flavors, selecting high-quality dried herb mix ensures balanced taste profile.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning elements that elevate and balance overall dish flavor, using freshly ground black pepper provides more intense aroma.
• Olive Oil: Versatile cooking fat that helps sear chicken and adds subtle fruity undertones, choosing extra virgin variety offers richer flavor.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright, fresh garnish that adds color and light herbaceous note, selecting vibrant green leaves ensures visual and flavor appeal.

Cooking Tools for Ina Garten Chicken Alfredo

• Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta with plenty of space.
• Nonstick skillet: Perfect for cooking chicken and making creamy sauce.
• Cutting board: Used for resting and slicing cooked chicken.
• Whisk: Crucial for smoothly blending sauce ingredients.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately season chicken and sauce.
• Chef's knife: Needed for slicing chicken and chopping parsley.
• Colander: Drains pasta after cooking.
• Tongs: Helpful for flipping chicken and handling pasta.

Elegant Chicken Alfredo Recipe

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4.9 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s chicken alfredo elevates classic Italian pasta with creamy richness and elegant simplicity. Home cooks can master this comforting dish that promises restaurant-quality flavor without complex techniques.

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Ingredients

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• 1 pound (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 16 ounces (454 grams) dry fettuccine pasta
• 2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• ½ cup butter, cut into large cubes or slices
• 2 tbsps extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ¾ tsp Italian seasoning
• ¾ tsp kosher salt
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¾ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp pepper
• ¼ tsp pepper

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a vigorous boil. Cook fettuccine for 9-11 minutes until achieving perfect al dente texture. Carefully reserve some starchy cooking liquid, then drain pasta and set aside.
2. Chicken Transformation: Season chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a spacious nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 5-6 minutes until developing a golden caramel crust. Introduce butter, flip, and cook an additional 4-5 minutes until reaching 165°F (74°C). Rest chicken for 3 minutes, then slice into elegant 1/2-inch strips.
3. Alfredo Sauce Creation: In the same skillet, craft a luxurious sauce by melting butter with heavy cream over medium-low heat. Whisk in minced garlic, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently without boiling, stirring constantly for 3-4 minutes. Gradually incorporate freshly grated Parmesan cheese until achieving a smooth, velvety consistency. Adjust sauce texture with reserved pasta water if necessary.
4. Final Composition: Toss cooked fettuccine with Alfredo sauce, ensuring complete and lavish coating. Plate the pasta, crown with sliced chicken strips. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, additional Parmesan cheese shavings, and a sprinkle of cracked black pepper to elevate the dish’s flavor profile.

Notes

• Pasta Water Preservation: Reserve a cup of starchy pasta water before draining to help adjust sauce consistency and improve overall texture.
• Chicken Searing Technique: Ensure chicken develops a golden-brown crust by using medium-high heat and avoiding overcrowding the skillet for perfect caramelization.
• Sauce Consistency Control: Whisk continuously while making Alfredo sauce to prevent burning and achieve a smooth, creamy texture without separating.
• Cheese Melting Tip: Add Parmesan cheese gradually and off direct heat to create a silky sauce that doesn’t become grainy or clumpy.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 817
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 837 mg
• Fat: 50 g
• Saturated Fat: 28 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 59 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 37 g
• Cholesterol: 171 mg