This creamy Alfredo sauce clings to every twist of bucatini, making each bite feel rich and indulgent. A touch of garlic gives it a wonderful depth, just enough to elevate the dish without overpowering it. It strikes that perfect balance comforting yet light, so you don’t feel too full afterward. Every forkful is a little taste of happiness whether it’s a quick weeknight meal or a cozy dinner with loved ones. It’s the kind of dish that just feels special!
PROCESS:
- First, let’s start by cooking the pasta. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, adding a generous pinch of salt. Once boiling, add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Don’t forget to reserve some of the pasta water before draining—it’ll come in handy later to help make the sauce extra creamy!
- Now, let’s prepare the chicken. In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together thoroughly to ensure each piece is evenly coated with seasoning, so every bite is packed with flavor. This step will make the chicken juicy and delicious once cooked!
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked through and golden brown on the outside. This should take about 5-7 minutes, depending on the size of the pieces. Make sure the chicken is cooked evenly for the best flavor!
- Once the chicken is fully cooked, add it to your prepared sauce and stir well to combine all the flavors. Next, toss in the cooked pasta and stir until everything is well coated with the sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. Finally, sprinkle the dish with Parmesan cheese and a bit of dried parsley. Serve it hot and enjoy!
Here’s what you are going to need to make it:
Unsalted Butter: This adds richness to our dish, most essential ingredient of this pasta.
Chicken: The bite-sized chicken pieces add a nice heartiness to the meal.
Minced Garlic: Adds aromatic and bold flavor.
Salt: Enhances taste.
Pasta Water: Helps adjust the sauce consistency.
Heavy Cream: Heavy cream makes the sauce rich and velvety.
Pasta: You can use bucatini, linguine, fettucine or spaghetti if you prefer.
Garlic Powder: This is all about that delicious garlic aroma.
Parsley: Adds a fresh, herby touch at the end.
Parmesan Cheese: This adds that salty, cheesy goodness and it thickens the sauce.
INGREDIENTS:
For the Pasta:
- 8 ounces dried pasta (bucatini, spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine)
- 4 cups water
- Salt, for the boiling water
For the Sauce:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoons garlic powder or garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried parsley
INSTRUCTIONS:
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the seasonings. Once coated, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or for up to 2 hours if you want the flavors to really soak in. This marinating step will make the chicken extra flavorful and tender!
Step 2: Cooking the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining the spaghetti, be sure to reserve 1 cup of the pasta water—this will help adjust the consistency of the sauce later. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
- In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. Place the chicken in the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and golden brown. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and cover it with foil to keep warm while you prepare the rest of the dish.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of butter and let it melt. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent it from burning. Season with black pepper and salt. Then, pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes, or until it thickens slightly. Finally, add the Parmesan cheese and stir until it’s fully melted and combined, creating a rich, creamy sauce.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss gently to coat the noodles evenly. If the sauce feels too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. This will help the sauce cling to the pasta beautifully while keeping it creamy and delicious.
Step 6: Add Chicken and Simmer
- Add the cooked chicken to the pasta and sauce mixture, stirring gently to combine everything. Let it simmer over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and ensuring the chicken is warmed through. This step will help the chicken absorb some of the delicious sauce, making each bite even more flavorful!
Step 7: Finishing Touches
- Add dried parsley and turn off the heat.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Tips and Notes:
- Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining. This starchy water will help you achieve the desired sauce consistency.
- Fresh and high-quality ingredients make a huge difference in the flavor and texture of the dish.
- If you like a little heat, add some red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Freshly grated cheese melts beautifully, contributing creaminess and a savory flavor that complements the dish.
- If the sauce is too thick, add more pasta water gradually until you reach the desired consistency.
- Cooking the butter to a golden-brown color is crucial. If you burn it, start again. Burnt garlic can impart a bitter flavor to your dish.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth to revive the sauce.
- Sautéing ingredients quickly over medium-high heat preserves their texture and flavor.
- Garlic burns easily, so stir constantly when sautéing. Failing to monitor the garlic’s cooking time can result in burnt, bitter flavors that overpower the entire dish.
- Stir the sauce constantly while adding the garlic and chicken, to prevent burning and ensure a smooth sauce.
