Nothing says comfort like a plate of grilled chicken Alfredo. The smoky, char-grilled chicken paired with a rich, creamy Alfredo sauce creates a dish that’s equal parts indulgent and satisfying.
In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to create the best-grilled chicken, Alfredo—from selecting the right ingredients to avoiding common mistakes.
Why We Love This Grilled Chicken Alfredo!
Grilled chicken Alfredo isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. This dish has an incredible ability to bring people together, whether it’s a weeknight family dinner or a celebration. Here’s why it stands out:
The perfect balance of flavors: The smoky notes from the grilled chicken complement the rich and creamy Alfredo sauce, creating a harmony of taste in every bite.
Restaurant-quality at home: You don’t have to spend a fortune dining out when you can recreate a classic dish in your own kitchen with ease.
Customizable for everyone: This dish is a versatile canvas. Pair it with your favorite pasta, add some fresh veggies, or sprinkle extra Parmesan for a personalized touch.
Comfort food with a twist: The grilling adds a layer of sophistication to the classic Alfredo, making it suitable for both casual and formal occasions.
Satisfying and indulgent: Few dishes can match the hearty satisfaction of a creamy Alfredo sauce paired with juicy grilled chicken and perfectly cooked pasta.
This recipe is your ticket to culinary bliss, promising flavor, texture, and satisfaction in every bite.
Ingredients with Quantities
Before diving into the preparation, make sure you’ve got the following ingredients on hand:
For the chicken:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Alfredo sauce:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1½ cups grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the pasta:
- 12 oz fettuccine or linguine
- Water for boiling
- A generous pinch of salt
How to Make Grilled Chicken Alfredo
Step 1: Season and Grill the Chicken
Begin by seasoning the chicken breasts with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to enhance the natural flavors.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. A hot grill is key to getting those perfect char marks and ensuring even cooking.
Place the chicken on the grill and cook each side for 6-8 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Once cooked, allow the chicken to rest for about 5 minutes. This lets the juices settle, making the chicken tender and juicy.
After resting, slice the chicken into thin strips, ready to add to your Alfredo.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Boil a large pot of water, adding a generous pinch of salt to bring out the pasta’s flavor.
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, aiming for al dente—firm enough to hold up to the rich sauce.
Drain the pasta, saving about ½ cup of the cooking water to adjust the sauce later, if needed.
Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce
Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring often, until the garlic becomes fragrant and turns a light golden brown. Avoid letting the garlic burn, as it will develop a bitter taste.
Stir in the heavy cream, lowering the heat to a gentle simmer for 3-4 minutes.
Slowly whisk in the Parmesan cheese, ensuring it melts smoothly into the sauce. Take your time with this—rushing can lead to lumps.
For an extra depth of flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg (optional). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Put It All Together
Toss the cooked pasta in the Alfredo sauce, ensuring each piece is perfectly coated. If the sauce feels too thick, simply add a splash of the reserved pasta water until you achieve your desired consistency.
Serve the pasta on plates, top with grilled chicken slices, and garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
Expert Tips for Perfect Grilled Chicken Alfredo
To make your grilled chicken Alfredo even more delicious, here are some expert tips that will take your dish to the next level:
Start with fresh ingredients: Using fresh ingredients like Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and quality olive oil can make a noticeable difference in the flavor and texture of your grilled chicken Alfredo. Fresh ingredients elevate the dish to a whole new level of richness.
Marinate for maximum flavor: For an extra burst of flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and your favorite herbs. This will infuse the chicken with delicious seasonings, making your grilled chicken Alfredo even more flavorful.
Use a cast-iron grill pan: If you don’t have an outdoor grill, a cast-iron pan can mimic those beautiful grill marks.
Warm your serving dishes: Alfredo sauce cools quickly, so to maintain the creamy consistency of your grilled chicken Alfredo, warm your serving plates before plating. This helps keep the dish at the perfect temperature longer.
Double the sauce: For those who love an extra creamy pasta experience, consider doubling the sauce recipe. More sauce means more of the rich, velvety goodness to coat the pasta and chicken in your grilled chicken Alfredo.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even simple recipes can go wrong if you’re not careful. Here are common pitfalls to sidestep:
Overcooking the chicken: Dry, tough chicken can ruin the dish. Use a meat thermometer for precise cooking.
Skipping the resting step: Cutting into the chicken immediately after grilling causes juices to escape, leaving it dry.
Rushing the sauce: Alfredo sauce requires a slow, steady heat to avoid curdling or separating.
Using pre-grated cheese: Pre-grated Parmesan often contains anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting smoothly into the sauce.
Undercooking or overcooking the pasta: Pasta that’s too soft or too firm disrupts the overall texture of the dish. Aim for al dente perfection.
Serving Suggestions
Grilled chicken Alfredo is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides and garnishes.
Fresh Salad: A crisp Caesar salad or mixed greens with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the Alfredo sauce.
Roasted Vegetables: Side dishes like roasted broccoli, asparagus, or zucchini add a splash of color and balance to the meal.
More Pasta Recipes you will love!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What Defines Alfredo?
Alfredo sauce is a rich, creamy sauce made primarily from butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. It’s known for its velvety texture and rich flavor. The sauce was first popularized by an Italian chef named Alfredo di Lelio in Rome, where he served it to his wife to help her regain strength. Over time, the dish spread globally, with many variations, such as the popular grilled chicken Alfredo, which adds grilled chicken on top of the creamy pasta for an extra layer of flavor.
What is the Difference Between Chicken Alfredo and Chicken Fettuccine?
While grilled chicken Alfredo and chicken fettuccine may seem similar, the key difference lies in the sauce. Chicken Alfredo uses a creamy Alfredo sauce made with butter, cream, and Parmesan, which gives the dish a rich, velvety texture. On the other hand, chicken fettuccine usually refers to fettuccine pasta served with a tomato-based sauce or other types of sauces that are less creamy. The main distinction is the indulgence and creaminess of the Alfredo sauce versus the more straightforward pasta and tomato sauces often used in chicken fettuccine.
Why is Chicken Alfredo So High in Calories?
Grilled chicken Alfredo can be high in calories due to the rich ingredients used in the sauce, such as heavy cream, butter, and Parmesan cheese. These ingredients, while contributing to the indulgent and creamy texture, also increase the calorie content of the dish. The pasta itself, especially when served in large portions, adds additional calories. While this dish is delicious and satisfying, it’s best enjoyed in moderation if you’re watching your calorie intake. For a lighter version, you can substitute some of the cream with milk, use less butter, or opt for whole wheat or low-carb pasta.
grilled chicken alfredo recipe
Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Alfredo sauce:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1½ cups grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the pasta:
- 12 oz fettuccine or linguine
- Water for boiling
- A generous pinch of salt
Instructions
Step 1: Season and Grill the Chicken
- Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, ensuring it’s hot for perfect char marks. Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, using a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to lock in the juices, then slice it into thin strips.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
- Boil a large pot of water with a generous pinch of salt. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain, saving about ½ cup of cooking water for later.
Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce
- Melt butter in a saucepan and sauté minced garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add heavy cream and simmer for 3-4 minutes. Gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until smooth, adding salt and pepper to taste. Optionally, stir in a pinch of nutmeg for extra flavor.
Step 4: Put It All Together
- Toss the pasta in the Alfredo sauce, adjusting the consistency with the reserved pasta water if needed. Serve the pasta on plates, top with grilled chicken slices, and garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.