Description
A creamy and flavorful pasta dish featuring chicken and a rich cheddar parmesan Alfredo sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into thick pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti in salted water according to package instructions until tender but firm to the bite (al dente). Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining and setting the spaghetti aside.
- Season the chicken pieces with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and sear for about 5–6 minutes on each side, until deeply golden-brown. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and let it rest.
- Melt the remaining butter in the same skillet. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add in the softened cream cheese, stirring until smooth. Gradually add the Parmesan, cheddar, and mozzarella cheeses while stirring until the sauce thickens and is ultra-creamy.
- Toss the cooked spaghetti into the sauce, ensuring every strand is heavily coated in the cheesy goodness.
- Slice the rested chicken and arrange it on top of the pasta for presentation.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
Feel free to add vegetables, swap pasta types, or change the protein for different variations.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: garlic butter, chicken spaghetti, creamy pasta, Alfredo sauce, family-friendly dinner