If you’re in the mood for a dish that’s both indulgent and comforting, Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Pasta is the perfect recipe for you. Picture this: tender, juicy chicken breasts bathed in a rich, flavorful garlic butter sauce, paired with creamy pasta coated in a silky ricotta Alfredo sauce. This is the kind of meal that makes everyone gather around the table, eager to dig in.
This dish is ideal for weeknight dinners when you want something hearty but not too complicated. The combination of the garlic butter chicken and creamy pasta is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this recipe will definitely make an impression.
Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a regular in your kitchen. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons why Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Pasta will quickly become your new favorite dinner.
- Quick & Easy – This recipe is ready in under 30 minutes. From stovetop to table, you’ll be enjoying a restaurant-quality meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Budget-Friendly – Simple ingredients like chicken, pasta, garlic, and ricotta make this dish affordable while still being incredibly delicious.
- Packed with Flavor – The garlic butter sauce on the chicken is rich, savory, and incredibly aromatic. The creamy ricotta Alfredo sauce makes the pasta indulgently smooth and satisfying.
- Family-Approved – Even picky eaters can’t resist the combination of garlic butter chicken and creamy pasta. It’s a family-friendly meal that everyone will love.
You know those recipes that taste like they came from a fancy restaurant but are super easy to make? This is one of them!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- For the Garlic Butter Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For the Pasta and Sauce:
- 12 oz fettuccine or your favorite pasta
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Pro Tip: For the best flavor, use fresh garlic for the chicken and pasta sauce. It makes a big difference in taste!
Directions
Step 1: Cook the Chicken Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning on both sides. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter has melted and the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts to the pan. Sear each side for about 5-7 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest.
Step 2: Prepare the Pasta While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente (usually about 8-10 minutes for fettuccine). Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water for the sauce. Set the pasta aside.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce In the same skillet you used to cook the chicken, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic! Add the reserved pasta water (start with about ½ cup) and stir to combine, scraping any flavorful bits off the bottom of the pan. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Sauce In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Then, pour in the heavy cream, ricotta cheese, and Parmesan. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste. Let it simmer for 3-5 minutes to thicken up.
Step 5: Combine Everything Slice the rested chicken breasts into thin strips. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce and toss to coat. Pour the creamy ricotta Alfredo sauce over the pasta and toss again until everything is well combined. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Step 6: Serve Plate the pasta and top it with the sliced garlic butter chicken. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Variations & Substitutions
This recipe is highly customizable, so feel free to get creative and make it your own!
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Make it Healthier – If you want to make the dish a bit lighter, swap the fettuccine for whole wheat pasta or use spiralized zucchini noodles for a lower-carb option. For the sauce, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or use a lighter ricotta cheese.
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Make it Dairy-Free – For a dairy-free version, swap the butter for olive oil, use dairy-free ricotta cheese, and opt for a dairy-free Parmesan substitute. Coconut cream can also work well in place of heavy cream for a rich, creamy consistency.
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Spice it Up – Want to add a little heat? Sprinkle in some red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic or add a pinch of Cajun seasoning to the chicken before cooking. For a smoky kick, you can even try some chipotle powder in the sauce!
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Protein Swap – This recipe is just as delicious with other proteins like shrimp, turkey breasts, or even grilled tofu for a vegetarian version. You could also use thinly sliced beef for a beef and pasta combo.
Fun suggestion: Want to make it a creamy version with a twist? Stir in a splash of heavy cream to the garlic butter sauce for a silky, rich finish!
How to Serve
This dish is versatile enough to pair with a variety of side dishes and drinks. Here are a few suggestions:
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Side Dishes: A fresh side salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs perfectly with the richness of the garlic butter chicken and creamy pasta. If you want to keep things simple, some roasted vegetables, like broccoli or asparagus, will complement the flavors beautifully. For a little extra indulgence, serve with garlic bread for the ultimate comfort meal.
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Plating Ideas: For a restaurant-style touch, sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese over the top and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. A few lemon wedges on the side can add a bright touch of flavor when squeezed over the dish right before eating.
Recipe Tips
Here are some pro tips to elevate your cooking:
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Use fresh garlic – Fresh garlic makes a huge difference in flavor. It’s worth the extra effort to mince fresh cloves instead of using pre-chopped or garlic powder.
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Don’t overcook the chicken – To keep the chicken juicy and tender, don’t cook it too long. Once it reaches 165°F (75°C) internally, remove it from the pan to prevent it from drying out.
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Toast the pasta – Before adding the sauce, you can toast the pasta for 2-3 minutes in the skillet with the garlic butter sauce to bring out even more flavor.
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Storage & Reheating: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Reheat the pasta gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of milk or broth to bring back the creamy consistency.
Cooking Notes
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Slicing Tip: If you want your chicken to cook faster and more evenly, slice it into thinner pieces before cooking.
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Sauce Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can simmer it for a few extra minutes to reduce the liquid. For a thinner sauce, add a bit more pasta water.
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Gluten-Free Option: To make this dish gluten-free, simply swap the pasta for a gluten-free variety and use cornstarch instead of flour if you decide to thicken the sauce.
Nutritional Information
Approximate per serving:
- Calories: 650
- Protein: 40g
- Sodium: 850mg
(Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.)
Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
FAQs
Q1: Can I use frozen chicken? Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it thoroughly before cooking to ensure even cooking. You can thaw it in the fridge overnight or use the defrost function on your microwave.
Q2: What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese? If you don’t have Parmesan, you can use Grana Padano or Pecorino Romano as a substitute. Both offer a similar sharp, nutty flavor.
Q3: How do I thicken the sauce? If you find the sauce too runny, you can thicken it by adding extra cheese, a bit of cornstarch, or letting it simmer for a few more minutes. A splash of heavy cream can also help thicken and enrich the sauce.
Q4: Can I use another type of pasta? Absolutely! Fettuccine is traditional, but you can easily swap it out for penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti.
Q5: Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, you can make the chicken and pasta sauce ahead of time and store them separately. When ready to serve, reheat the chicken in a pan and warm up the sauce on the stove, then toss together.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food that’s both luxurious and easy to make, look no further than Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Pasta. This dish is a true crowd-pleaser, combining the rich, savory goodness of garlic butter chicken with the smooth, velvety texture of ricotta Alfredo sauce. Every bite is packed with flavor, making it the kind of meal that feels indulgent without requiring hours of preparation.
What I love about this recipe is how it strikes the perfect balance between gourmet and simple. It’s the kind of dish that looks like it came straight from a five-star restaurant, but you can whip it up in less than 30 minutes! Whether you’re feeding a family, impressing friends for a dinner party, or treating yourself to a cozy night in, this recipe delivers every time.
But don’t just take my word for it once you try this recipe, you’ll understand why it’s become a staple in my kitchen. The garlic butter chicken is incredibly juicy and tender, while the creamy ricotta Alfredo sauce coats the pasta in a silky, rich blanket of flavor. Plus, the best part is that it’s so easy to customize. You can swap out the pasta, add your favorite veggies, or even choose a different protein based on what you have on hand.
Trust me, this isn’t just another dinner recipe it’s a dish that will have you craving more with every bite. So next time you’re looking for a quick yet indulgent meal, make this Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Pasta. I promise, once you try it, it will be a regular in your dinner rotation.
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Garlic Butter Chicken with Ricotta Alfredo Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
Ingredients You’ll Need
- For the Garlic Butter Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For the Pasta and Sauce:
- 12 oz fettuccine or your favorite pasta
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Chicken Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning on both sides. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter has melted and the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts to the pan. Sear each side for about 5-7 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest.
Step 2: Prepare the Pasta While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente (usually about 8-10 minutes for fettuccine). Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water for the sauce. Set the pasta aside.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce In the same skillet you used to cook the chicken, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic! Add the reserved pasta water (start with about ½ cup) and stir to combine, scraping any flavorful bits off the bottom of the pan. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes.
Step 5: Combine Everything Slice the rested chicken breasts into thin strips. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce and toss to coat. Pour the creamy ricotta Alfredo sauce over the pasta and toss again until everything is well combined. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Step 6: Serve Plate the pasta and top it with the sliced garlic butter chicken. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 650
- Sodium: 850
- Protein: 40