Tender garlic herb chicken bites meet silky Parmesan Alfredo sauce and perfectly cooked fettuccine in this comforting classic. It’s a restaurant-style dish made easy at home — perfect for cozy family dinners or special occasions.
Recipe Overview
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 25 minutes
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Total Time: 40 minutes
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Servings: 4–6
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Cuisine: Italian-American
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Course: Dinner, Main Dish
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Tags: #comfortfood #pasta #chicken #alfredo #halal #creamy
Ingredients
For the Garlic Herb Chicken:
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1.5 lbs (700g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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2 tablespoons butter
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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1 teaspoon dried basil
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1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
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1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
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2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Fettuccine Alfredo:
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1 lb (450g) fettuccine pasta
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1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter
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2 cups (480 ml) heavy cream
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4–5 cloves garlic, minced
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1.5 cups (150g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese (grate from a block for best results)
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1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
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1/4 teaspoon ground white or black pepper
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Pinch of nutmeg (optional, but recommended for depth)
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2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
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Season Chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken with oregano, basil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
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Heat Pan: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat.
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Sear Chicken: Add chicken pieces in a single layer (cook in batches if necessary). Sear for 3–4 minutes per side without moving too much.
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Add Garlic: In the last minute of cooking, stir in the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
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Rest: Remove chicken from heat and set aside, keeping it covered and warm.
Step 2: Cook the Fettuccine
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
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Cook fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente (around 10–12 minutes).
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Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 3: Make Alfredo Sauce
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In the same skillet used for chicken (wipe clean if needed), melt butter over medium heat.
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Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
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Pour in heavy cream. Stir continuously and simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
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Lower heat, then slowly whisk in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
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Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if using.
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If the sauce is too thick, stir in reserved pasta water 1–2 tablespoons at a time.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
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Toss cooked fettuccine in the Alfredo sauce until well-coated.
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Add garlic herb chicken bites on top.
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Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan, if desired.
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Serve hot with your favorite side dish.
Pro Tips for Success
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Use freshly grated Parmesan: Pre-shredded cheese won’t melt as smoothly.
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Don’t overcook the chicken: Browning adds flavor, but overcooking dries it out.
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Cream temperature matters: Add cheese on low heat to prevent clumping or grainy texture.
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Save pasta water: It helps thin the sauce and improves consistency.
Variations
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Add Veggies: Stir in sautéed spinach, steamed broccoli, or roasted mushrooms.
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Make It Spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
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Protein Swap: Try grilled shrimp or seared tofu for a twist.
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Low-Carb: Serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
What to Serve With
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Garlic Breadsticks or Cheesy Pull-Apart Bread
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Caesar Salad or Mixed Greens with Lemon Vinaigrette
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Roasted Asparagus or Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers:
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Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheating:
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Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat.
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Add a splash of milk or cream to help loosen the sauce.
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Avoid high heat to prevent the sauce from breaking.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes! Leftover rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken works. Simply season and warm it up before adding to the pasta.
Is Alfredo sauce gluten-free?
Yes — as long as you use gluten-free pasta and ensure your Parmesan is gluten-free.
Can I freeze this?
It’s best enjoyed fresh. Cream-based sauces can separate after freezing. If you must freeze, cool completely and freeze in a sealed container for up to 1 month. Reheat with extra cream.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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It’s simple yet indulgent — restaurant-quality at home.
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Great for meal prep, family dinners, or romantic date nights.
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Easily customizable and kid-friendly.
Tried this recipe? Let us know in the comments below and don’t forget to share it with your friends!
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