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–+ servings

Cheesy Alfredo Garlic Butter Chicken with Penne Pasta

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A comforting, creamy pasta dish featuring tender chicken strips in a luscious garlic Alfredo sauce with penne pasta, perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 700
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1.25 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced into strips)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Pasta
  • 12 oz penne pasta
For the Sauce
  • 2 tbsp butter for cooking chicken
  • 3 tbsp butter for the sauce
  • 4 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3/4 cup whole milk
  • 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese use freshly grated for best flavor
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese use freshly shredded for best texture
  • 1/4 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: a pinch of red pepper flakes for mild heat
  • Fresh parsley for garnish
  • Extra Parmesan for garnish

Method
 

Cooking the Pasta
  1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add the penne pasta. Boil until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
Cooking the Chicken
  1. Season the chicken strips with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and butter. Once hot, add the chicken and sear for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Making the Sauce
  1. In the same skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Pour in the heavy cream and milk, stirring continuously, then whisk in the Parmesan and mozzarella until you achieve a smooth, creamy sauce.
  3. If the sauce feels thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Combining Everything
  1. Return the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the creamy sauce until well coated.
  2. Add the cooked chicken strips back into the mix, stirring gently to ensure everything is beautifully coated in sauce.
Serving
  1. Finish by topping with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 700kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 40gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 20gSodium: 800mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5g

Notes

For an inviting presentation, serve in deep bowls, garnished with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan. Pair with a salad or garlic bread. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 3 days or frozen for 2-3 months. Reheat gently and add milk if necessary to revive the sauce. Consider using different pastas or cheeses for variations.
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