Date Night Spaghetti Alfredo with Chicken Recipe
A creamy, comforting Date Night Spaghetti Alfredo with tender grilled chicken breast, rich butter garlic cream sauce, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This flavorful and elegant pasta dish combines marinated and grilled chicken with a luscious homemade Alfredo sauce tossed with perfectly cooked spaghetti, ideal for a special dinner at home.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Marinade
- 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
Alfredo Sauce & Pasta
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic paste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 4 oz Parmesan cheese, freshly grated (about 1 ¼ cups)
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1–2 cups reserved starchy pasta water
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, mayo, all-purpose seasoning, smoked paprika, brown sugar, kosher salt, and black pepper. Use a knife to butterfly the chicken breast into thin, flat pieces. Pat dry with paper towels and trim any visible fat.
- Marinate the chicken: Add the chicken to the marinade and coat thoroughly on all sides. Ideally, marinate for 20-30 minutes to allow flavors to infuse, but proceed to cooking if short on time.
- Grill the chicken: Heat a grill or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and lightly oil the surface. Grill the chicken breasts for about 5 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove and let rest.
- Cook the spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon kosher salt and dissolve. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions, reserving 1-2 cups of starchy pasta water before draining.
- Make the Alfredo sauce: 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 ½ teaspoon kosher salt. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Incorporate cheese and pasta: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce is smooth. Lower heat to low. Add cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing with the sauce. Gradually add reserved pasta water, starting conservatively, until sauce is glossy and coats noodles evenly.
- Serve: Thinly slice rested grilled chicken and arrange over the spaghetti Alfredo. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, and cracked black pepper. Serve alongside your favorite vegetable, salad, or garlic bread.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken enhances flavor and tenderness, but it’s okay to grill immediately if pressed for time.
- Reserving pasta water is crucial to loosen the sauce and help it adhere better to the noodles.
- If sauce seems too thick, add more pasta water little by little to achieve desired consistency.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting quality and flavor.
- Serves well with a light side salad or steamed vegetables to balance richness.
Keywords: spaghetti alfredo, grilled chicken, creamy pasta, dinner recipe, Italian-American, chicken alfredo, date night dinner
