Creamy Alfredo Chicken Pasta

Experience the comforting embrace of a classic Italian-inspired dish with a twist. This Creamy Alfredo Chicken Pasta combines tender pieces of seasoned chicken with rigatoni, enveloped in a luscious Alfredo sauce. Perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in.

Ingredients

For the Pasta and Chicken:
🍝 1 lb Rigatoni pasta (or any pasta of choice)
🐔 3 chicken breasts
🧄 1 teaspoon garlic powder
🧅 1 teaspoon onion powder
🌶️ 1 teaspoon paprika
⚫ 1 teaspoon black pepper
🌿 1 teaspoon oregano
🧂 1 teaspoon salt
🫒 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Alfredo Sauce:
🧈 1 stick of unsalted butter
🧄 2 tablespoons minced garlic
🥛 2 cups heavy cream
🧀 2 cups Parmesan cheese, grated
🌿 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
⚫ 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
🌿 1 teaspoon dried parsley
🌿 Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
🧀 Parmesan cheese, for garnish

Instructions

1- Prepare the Chicken:

Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and place them into a large bowl. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, oregano, and salt. Toss well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated.

2- Cook the Chicken:

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add olive oil and then the seasoned chicken pieces. Cook for about 7-8 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a clean plate.

3- Cook the Pasta:

While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rigatoni and cook according to package instructions (about 8-10 minutes). Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.

4- Make the Alfredo Sauce:

Reduce the skillet heat to medium-low. Add butter and minced garlic to the same skillet used for the chicken. Stir for about two minutes, scraping up browned bits from the skillet as you go.

5- Simmer the Sauce:

Pour in the heavy cream, add the Italian seasoning, black pepper, and dried parsley. Whisk the mixture and allow it to come to a simmer.

6- Incorporate the Cheese:

Add grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Whisk continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.

7- Combine Pasta and Sauce:

Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.

8- Final Assembly:

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss with the pasta and sauce.

9- Serve:

Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your creamy masterpiece!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: Approximately 850
Macros per serving:

Proteins: 48g
Fats: 45g
Carbohydrates: 55g
Equipment:
Large pot
Large skillet
Whisk

Cooking Tips: