If you are craving something rich and comforting, this recipe is for you.
It feels like a fancy restaurant meal made in your own kitchen. This Creamy Garlic Chicken & Shrimp Alfredo satisfies every single carb craving you have.
Why You Will Make This Again
This recipe is perfect for cozy winter nights at home. It combines juicy chicken and tender shrimp in one pan. You get the best of both worlds in every bite.
It is a reliable crowd-pleaser for any casual hosting event. Your guests will think you spent hours in the kitchen. In reality, it takes less than 40 minutes to finish.
How This Comes Together
You will use one skillet for the sauce and the proteins. This keeps the cleanup fast and simple. The velvety garlic sauce builds flavor from the seared chicken bits. Even a beginner can master this technique with ease.
What You Will Need
Check your pantry for these simple ingredients before you start cooking.
- 1 lb fettuccine pasta
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 0.5 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 0.5 tsp kosher salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Step-By-Step Directions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook fettuccine according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 0.5 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Season chicken and shrimp with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sear chicken until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Sear shrimp until pink and opaque, approximately 2 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Melt butter in the skillet and sauté minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Whisk in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer for 3-5 minutes until slightly reduced.
- Stir in parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and thickened.
- Return the chicken and shrimp to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and toss to coat thoroughly. Add reserved pasta water if necessary to adjust sauce consistency.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
How To Serve It
Serve this dish in warm shallow bowls for the best experience. It looks beautiful when topped with extra fresh parsley and cracked pepper. Pair it with a crisp green salad or warm garlic bread. This is a hearty meal that stands alone perfectly.
Leftovers & Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream. This helps the sauce become creamy again. Avoid the freezer as the cream sauce might separate.
Make It Even Better
- Use high-quality heavy cream for the best sauce texture.
- Do not overcook the shrimp or they will become rubbery.
- Freshly grated parmesan melts much better than the bottled kind.
- Always reserve some pasta water to fix a thick sauce.
- Pat your chicken dry before searing to get a better crust.
- This is a great dish for impressing your date tonight.
- Warm your serving bowls to keep the pasta hot longer.
Easy Ways To Change It Up
- Add steamed broccoli or spinach for a healthy vegetable boost.
- Swap the fettuccine for penne or rigatoni to catch more sauce.
- Use a dash of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Try this with zucchini noodles for a lower-carb winter option.
Quick Questions
Can I use pre-shredded parmesan cheese?
It is best to grate your own cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheese has coatings that prevent it from melting smoothly. This can make your sauce feel grainy or clumpy.
What if my sauce is too thick?
This is where the reserved pasta water comes in handy. Add it one tablespoon at a time while tossing. The starch helps emulsify the sauce perfectly.
Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
You can, but the sauce will be much thinner. Heavy cream provides the classic velvety texture of a true Alfredo. If using half-and-half, you may need extra cheese to thicken it.
I hope you love this Creamy Garlic Chicken & Shrimp Alfredo as much as I do. It is the perfect way to end a busy day. Enjoy every bite!
— Ethan
Creamy Garlic Chicken & Shrimp Alfredo
Ingredients
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook fettuccine according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 0.5 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Season chicken and shrimp with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sear chicken until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and sear shrimp until pink and opaque, approximately 2 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Melt butter in the skillet and sauté minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Whisk in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer for 3-5 minutes until slightly reduced.
- Stir in parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and thickened.
- Return the chicken and shrimp to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and toss to coat thoroughly, adding reserved pasta water if necessary to adjust sauce consistency.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
