Introduction

This Date Night Spaghetti Alfredo with Chicken is a rich and creamy twist on a classic favorite. Juicy marinated chicken is grilled to perfection and served atop silky Alfredo pasta, making it a perfect meal to impress your loved one. It’s comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly simple to prepare.

A white plate holds three main layers: at the back, a neat pile of bright green, crisp green beans arranged horizontally; in the middle, a light cream-colored mound of creamy noodles with a smooth texture, topped with small bits of green herbs; in the front, slices of grilled chicken with a golden-brown color and slightly charred edges, revealing tender meat inside. A gold fork twirls some noodles on the left side of the plate, resting on the noodles. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, with a glass of light amber drink nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb chicken breast

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon lemon juice

2 tablespoons mayo

2 teaspoons all-purpose seasoning

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 tablespoon brown sugar

½ teaspoon kosher salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

3 tablespoons butter

1 teaspoon garlic paste

1 cup heavy cream

½ teaspoon kosher salt

4 oz parmesan cheese, freshly grated (about 1 ¼ cup)

8 oz spaghetti

1-2 cups reserved starchy pasta water

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, mayo, all-purpose seasoning, smoked paprika, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Using a knife, butterfly the chicken breast into thin, flat pieces. Pat dry and trim any visible fat.

Step 2: Add the chicken to the marinade and coat thoroughly. If possible, marinate for 20-30 minutes; if short on time, proceed immediately to cooking.

Step 3: Heat a grill or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and oil the surface. Grill the chicken for 5 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove and let rest.

Step 4: Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add salt, and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. Reserve 1-2 cups of starchy pasta water just before draining.

Step 5: In a skillet, melt butter over medium-low heat. Add garlic paste and whisk until fragrant, about 60 seconds. Pour in heavy cream, whisk to combine, and season with salt. Bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 6: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted. Reduce heat to low and add cooked spaghetti directly to the skillet. Toss to coat evenly. Add reserved pasta water gradually until sauce is glossy and clings to the noodles.

Step 7: Thinly slice the grilled chicken and arrange it over the creamy Alfredo spaghetti. Top with extra Parmesan, fresh basil, and cracked black pepper. Serve with a side of vegetables or salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator.

If you prefer, substitute the chicken with shrimp or sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian option.

Use freshly minced garlic instead of garlic paste if available for a more robust aroma.

Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to enhance freshness.

FAQs

Can I use pre-grated Parmesan cheese?

While pre-grated Parmesan is convenient, freshly grated cheese melts better and provides a richer flavor in the Alfredo sauce.

How do I prevent the Alfredo sauce from becoming too thick?

Gradually add reserved pasta water to the sauce while tossing the pasta. The starch in the water helps loosen the sauce and allows it to coat the noodles smoothly without becoming overly thick.