Garlic Butter Chicken Spaghetti Alfredo

Introduction

Garlic Butter Chicken Spaghetti Alfredo is the ultimate comfort dish that combines tender chicken, silky pasta, and a rich, creamy sauce infused with butter and garlic. This recipe brings together familiar flavors in a way that feels indulgent yet comforting, making it perfect for cozy dinners, family meals, or when you want to serve something that feels restaurant-worthy at home. The garlic butter adds depth and warmth, while the Alfredo sauce delivers a smooth, luxurious texture that coats every strand of spaghetti beautifully.

What I enjoy most about this dish is how balanced it feels despite its richness. The chicken adds heartiness, the pasta provides structure, and the sauce ties everything together without being overwhelming. I have prepared this recipe for both casual weeknights and special occasions, and it consistently delivers satisfying results. With straightforward steps and dependable ingredients, this Garlic Butter Chicken Spaghetti Alfredo is a recipe you can return to whenever comfort and flavor are the priority.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is creamy, flavorful, and deeply satisfying without being complicated. The garlic butter enhances the chicken, while the Alfredo sauce brings smooth richness to the dish. It comes together in one main pan, making cleanup easier, and it reheats well for leftovers. The flavors are familiar and comforting, appealing to both adults and children.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Spaghetti provides the perfect base, holding the creamy sauce evenly.

Boneless chicken breast adds lean protein and tender texture when cooked gently.

Butter forms the foundation of the garlic butter flavor and enriches the sauce.

Garlic cloves bring bold aroma and depth that define the dish.

Heavy cream creates the smooth, classic Alfredo sauce texture.

Parmesan cheese thickens the sauce naturally and adds savory richness.

Olive oil helps sear the chicken evenly without burning the butter.

Salt balances the richness and enhances overall flavor.

Black pepper adds mild warmth and seasoning.

Italian seasoning contributes subtle herbal notes that complement the sauce.

Fresh parsley adds freshness and color as a finishing touch.

Directions

Cook the spaghetti in well-salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve a small amount of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Season the chicken lightly with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden on both sides and fully cooked through. Remove from the pan and slice into strips.

In the same skillet, add additional butter if needed and sauté the garlic until fragrant, taking care not to brown it. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.

Stir in the Parmesan cheese and allow the sauce to thicken slightly. Add the cooked spaghetti and toss to coat evenly, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed.

Return the sliced chicken to the pan and gently mix until everything is well combined and heated through. Finish with fresh parsley before serving.

Equipment needed

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.

 3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results

Servings and timing

This recipe serves four people. Preparation takes about 15 minutes, with a cooking time of approximately 25 minutes, bringing the total time to around 40 minutes.

Storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if necessary.

Variations and Customizations

Garlic Butter Chicken Spaghetti Alfredo is easy to adapt. For added vegetables, spinach or broccoli can be stirred into the sauce near the end of cooking. I have also added mushrooms, which bring an earthy note that pairs well with the creamy base.

For extra richness, a small amount of cream cheese can be added to the sauce. If you prefer a lighter version, half-and-half can replace heavy cream, though the sauce will be thinner. Shrimp can be substituted for chicken for a seafood variation, keeping the garlic butter base the same.

You can also experiment with pasta shapes such as fettuccine or linguine, which hold Alfredo sauce especially well.

Nutrition and Dietary Info

This dish is rich and filling, containing dairy, gluten, and protein. It is high in calories due to the butter and cream, making it best enjoyed as an occasional comfort meal. Using whole wheat pasta or lighter cream options can slightly reduce richness if desired.

Expert Tips & Customizations

Cook garlic gently
Burnt garlic can make the sauce bitter.

Do not overcook chicken
Overcooking can dry it out.

Reserve pasta water
It helps loosen and bind the sauce.

Add cheese gradually
This keeps the sauce smooth and creamy.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken

Yes, add it near the end to avoid drying it out.

Is Alfredo sauce very thick

It should be creamy but pourable.

Can I make this ahead of time

It is best fresh but reheats well.

What cheese works best

Freshly grated Parmesan is ideal.

Can I add spice

Red pepper flakes add gentle heat.

Is milk a good substitute for cream

Milk works but produces a thinner sauce.

Can I freeze this dish

Freezing is not recommended due to the cream sauce.

What pasta works best

Spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine all work well.

Can I make it gluten-free

Yes, use gluten-free pasta.

How do I prevent sauce separation

Keep heat low and stir consistently.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Chicken Spaghetti Alfredo is a rich, comforting pasta dish that delivers classic flavors with a homemade touch. With tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, it is a dependable recipe that brings warmth and satisfaction to the table every time.

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