Easy Ina Garten Chicken Alfredo Recipe That’s Perfect Every Time

Creamy and comforting, Ina garten chicken alfredo transforms ordinary ingredients into a luxurious dining experience that feels like a warm embrace.

Rich, velvety sauces intermingle with tender poultry, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that dance across your palate.

Sophisticated yet surprisingly simple, this classic Italian-inspired dish brings restaurant-quality elegance directly to your kitchen.

Pasta lovers and home chefs appreciate how quickly sophisticated meals can materialize with minimal preparation.

Professional techniques elevate basic components into something truly memorable and impressive.

Smooth, indulgent textures promise a satisfying meal that will leave everyone around the table feeling completely content: Get ready to impress your dinner guests.

Variations on Ina Garten Chicken Alfredo

• Seafood Sensation: Replace chicken with succulent shrimp or tender salmon fillets, creating a luxurious maritime version of the classic Alfredo dish. Ensure seafood is cooked until just opaque and perfectly flaky.
• Vegetarian Garden Medley: Swap chicken for roasted seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Grill or sauté the vegetables with similar Italian seasonings for a hearty plant-based alternative that maintains the creamy sauce's richness.
• Spicy Southwestern Style: Add diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, and a sprinkle of cumin to the sauce for a zesty kick. Mix in some grilled chicken seasoned with chili powder and smoked paprika to transform the traditional recipe into a bold, flavor-packed meal that tingles your taste buds.
• Herb-Infused Classic: Incorporate fresh herbs like basil, thyme, and oregano directly into the Alfredo sauce. Chop herbs finely and fold them in just before mixing with pasta, creating a vibrant and aromatic version that elevates the traditional recipe with garden-fresh flavors.

Concluding Notes on Ina Garten Chicken Alfredo

Culinary magic emerges from Ina Garten’s chicken Alfredo, where simple ingredients dance into extraordinary harmony.

Creamy sauce envelops perfectly cooked fettuccine, creating a symphony of flavors that whispers comfort and indulgence.

Mediterranean influences shimmer through Italian seasonings, elevating this classic dish beyond ordinary expectations.

Parmesan cheese melts luxuriously, binding each ingredient with silky sophistication.

Chicken becomes tender centerpiece, promising satisfying protein in every elegant bite.

Passionate cooks and weekend warriors will fall in love – share this recipe, comment with your twists, and spread deliciousness across social media platforms!

Why Ina Garten’s Chicken Alfredo Is a Crowd-Favorite

• Savor Restaurant-Quality Comfort: Recreate a luxurious restaurant-style chicken Alfredo right in your kitchen, delivering gourmet flavors without complex techniques or expensive ingredients.
• Quick Weeknight Culinary Magic: Transform basic ingredients into a stunning meal in just 40 minutes, perfect for busy professionals or families craving delicious homemade dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Creamy Texture Paradise: Experience a velvety smooth Alfredo sauce that perfectly coats each fettuccine strand, creating a decadent, silky mouthfeel that melts beautifully with tender chicken pieces.

All You Need for Ina Garten Chicken Alfredo

• Fettuccine: Classic pasta perfect for creamy sauces, holds sauce well, and provides a traditional Italian meal foundation.

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that adds substance to the dish, best when fresh and at room temperature before cooking.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds rich, salty flavor and helps thicken the sauce with its natural texture.

• Butter: Creates a rich, smooth base for the Alfredo sauce, enhancing overall creaminess.
• Heavy Cream: Provides luxurious thickness and silky texture to the Alfredo sauce.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic offers deep, aromatic flavor to the sauce.
• Garlic Powder: Enhances garlic flavor with consistent seasoning.
• Italian Seasoning: Blend of herbs that adds depth and traditional Italian taste.
• Salt: Enhances and balances overall flavor of the dish.
• Black Pepper: Provides subtle heat and complexity to the sauce.
• Olive Oil: Used for cooking chicken, helps prevent sticking and adds subtle flavor.
• Parsley: Optional fresh herb for garnish, adds color and light herbal note.

Easy Instructions for Ina Garten Chicken Alfredo

Step 1: Prepare Pasta

Grab a large pot and fill it with water. Add a generous pinch of salt and bring to a rolling boil. Carefully drop in of fettuccine and cook for 8-10 minutes until perfectly tender. Before draining, scoop out of pasta water. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2: Cook Chicken Perfectly

• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove from heat, let rest for 3 minutes, then slice into 1/2-inch thick pieces.

Step 3: Create Creamy Alfredo Base

• Unsalted butter
• Heavy cream

Stir gently over medium-low heat until completely combined and smooth.

Step 4: Enhance Sauce Flavor

• 3 cloves minced garlic
• Garlic powder
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir consistently for 4-5 minutes until sauce slightly thickens. Sprinkle in freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until cheese melts completely. If sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water at a time.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Toss cooked fettuccine directly into the creamy sauce. Plate the pasta and top with sliced chicken. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, extra Parmesan cheese, and a sprinkle of black pepper. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy your restaurant-quality meal!

Chef’s Tips for Ina Garten Chicken Alfredo

• Melt Cheese Like a Pro: Grate Parmesan fresh at room temperature to ensure smooth, even melting without clumping. Avoid pre-shredded cheese, which contains anti-caking agents that prevent silky integration.
• Preserve Creamy Texture: Serve Alfredo immediately after combining to maintain its luxurious, velvety consistency. Waiting too long causes sauce to thicken and separate.
• Season Strategically: Layer flavors by seasoning each recipe component separately – pasta water, chicken, and sauce. This technique builds depth and complexity in every bite.
• Dry Chicken for Perfect Sear: Pat chicken completely dry before seasoning to guarantee golden-brown exterior and maximum flavor absorption. Moisture prevents beautiful caramelization.
• Unlock Garlic's Potential: Toast garlic briefly before adding cream to release deeper, richer aromatics. This simple step dramatically elevates the dish's overall taste profile.

Keeping Ina Garten Chicken Alfredo Fresh

• Separate Storage: Divide chicken and pasta into separate airtight containers before refrigerating. Keeps ingredients fresher and prevents soggy textures.
• Creamy Reheating Method: Restore sauce's silky consistency by adding a splash of milk or reserved pasta water while gently warming in a skillet over medium-low heat. Stir carefully to maintain smooth texture and prevent burning.
• Freezing Strategy: Portion leftovers into individual freezer-safe containers for quick future meals. Consume within 2 weeks, understanding cream-based sauces might slightly separate during thawing. Best enjoyed within 1-2 days for peak flavor and optimal creaminess.

Ina Garten Chicken Alfredo Recipe

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4.7 from 16 reviews

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

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Description

Ina Garten’s Chicken Alfredo brings creamy Italian comfort to dinner tables with rich, luxurious flavors. Parmesan-crusted chicken nestles in silky sauce, promising a restaurant-quality meal home cooks can easily master.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 16 ounces (454 grams) dry fettuccine pasta
• 1 pound (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) heavy whipping cream
• 2 cups (200 grams) freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 clove garlic, minced

Cooking Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon (15 grams) butter
• ½ cup (113 grams) butter, cut into large cubes or slices

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Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Submerge the fettuccine and cook until perfectly tender yet firm, approximately 8-10 minutes. Extract and preserve 1/2 cup of starchy cooking liquid before draining the pasta completely.
2. Generously coat chicken breasts with a harmonious blend of dried Italian herbs, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Warm extra virgin olive oil in a spacious non-stick skillet over medium-high temperature. Carefully place chicken breasts and sear undisturbed for 4-5 minutes per side until a golden-brown crust develops and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Transfer chicken to a cutting board, allow brief resting, then slice into elegant half-inch thick medallions.
3. Utilize the identical skillet to create a velvety base. Introduce unsalted butter and heavy cream, reducing heat to medium-low. Continuously whisk until butter melts completely and ingredients harmonize seamlessly.
4. Incorporate freshly minced garlic, ground garlic powder, dried Italian seasoning, sea salt, and ground black pepper. Stir meticulously to ensure uniform distribution. Maintain a gentle simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring consistently until sauce thickens slightly. Gradually fold in freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until achieving a luxurious, smooth consistency.
5. If sauce appears overly dense, incrementally introduce reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until desired texture emerges. Remove from heat and immediately toss with cooked fettuccine, ensuring each strand becomes lavishly coated.
6. Artfully plate the creamy pasta, arranging sliced chicken atop each serving. Optional: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, additional Parmesan cheese, and a sprinkle of cracked black pepper for enhanced visual appeal and flavor complexity.

Notes

• Unlock restaurant-worthy flavors with this simple yet sophisticated Italian-inspired chicken pasta that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.
• Maximize flavor by using freshly grated Parmesan cheese, which melts more smoothly and provides a more intense taste profile compared to pre-packaged alternatives.
• Resting cooked chicken allows juices to redistribute, guaranteeing tender, succulent meat that doesn’t dry out during serving.
• Reserve a cup of starchy pasta water before draining, creating a magical binding agent that transforms your sauce from good to phenomenally creamy.
• Gentle heating prevents sauce separation and ensures a luxurious, silky texture that clings perfectly to each pasta strand.
• Experiment with optional garnishes like chopped parsley or red pepper flakes to personalize your culinary masterpiece and add vibrant color and unexpected depth.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 1007 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 643 mg
• Fat: 60 g
• Saturated Fat: 31 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 65 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 46 g
• Cholesterol: 205 mg