Chicken Alfredo

Hey y'all! If you're dreaming of creamy, comforting pasta, there's nothing like homemade Chicken Alfredo. Rich, velvety sauce, juicy chicken, and perfectly cooked fettuccine make this dish an all-time dinner favorite. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight meal, special occasion, or you just want to treat yourself, this Chicken Alfredo recipe is sure to impress everyone at your table. Let’s get cooking!

Why You'll Love This Chicken Alfredo

• Creamy, luscious Alfredo sauce coats every bite for ultimate comfort food satisfaction.
• Simple, staple ingredients make dinner easy, no fancy tools needed.
• Cooks in just 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute entertaining.
• Customizable with veggies, herbs, or your favorite pasta shapes.
• Family-friendly and kid-approved—everyone goes back for seconds!

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb), sliced into strips
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 8 oz fettuccine pasta
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ¼ cups heavy cream
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Directions

Prep the Chicken

1. Pat chicken breasts dry and season on both sides with ½ teaspoon salt and black pepper.

Cook the Chicken

2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and cook for 4-5 minutes per side or until golden and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
3. Transfer chicken to a plate and cover to keep warm.

Cook the Pasta

4. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually 10-11 minutes). Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain pasta.

Make the Alfredo Sauce

5. In the same skillet used for chicken, melt butter over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, until fragrant.
6. Pour in heavy cream, whisking to combine, and bring to a gentle simmer. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes to slightly thicken.
7. Add Parmesan cheese, nutmeg (if using), and remaining ½ teaspoon salt. Whisk until cheese melts and sauce is smooth, about 2 minutes. If sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water until you reach desired consistency.

Combine & Serve

8. Slice chicken into strips. Add drained pasta and chicken to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly.
9. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan as desired.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Notes

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• Let your Parmesan come to room temperature before adding—it’ll melt smoothly.
• Always reserve pasta water! It helps achieve the perfect sauce texture.

Variations

• Broccoli Chicken Alfredo: Add cooked broccoli florets to the pasta for extra color and nutrition.
• Mushroom Chicken Alfredo: Sauté sliced mushrooms alongside the garlic for earthy flavor.
• Lightened-Up Alfredo: Use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.

Required Equipment

• Large skillet
• Large pot for pasta
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Whisk
• Tongs or pasta fork

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.
• Chicken Alfredo does not freeze well, as the creamy sauce may separate.

Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations

• Serve with garlic bread or warm baguette for mopping up every bit of sauce.
• Pair with a crisp green salad tossed in light vinaigrette for balance.
• For a complete meal, add roasted veggies like asparagus or Brussels sprouts.

Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Alfredo

• Don’t overcook the chicken—juicy strips make every bite irresistible.
• Use high-quality Parmesan for rich, nutty flavor.
• Add the pasta directly to the sauce while it’s hot to help the sauce cling beautifully.

FAQ: Chicken Alfredo

Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Just slice or shred and toss it in with the pasta and sauce to warm through.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

You can prep the Alfredo sauce a day ahead, but reheat gently and add a splash of cream or milk to restore creaminess.

Can I use other pasta shapes?

Yes—penne, linguine, or spaghetti also work great in Chicken Alfredo!

★★★★★ 4.40 from 44 ratings

Chicken Alfredo

yield: 4 servings

prep: 15 mins

cook: 25 mins

total: 40 mins

A classic Italian-American dinner featuring tender chicken breast, creamy Alfredo sauce, and fettuccine pasta. Easy to prepare and perfect for family meals or special gatherings.

🖨️ Print Pin Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 12 oz fettuccine pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

1. 1
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook fettuccine pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. 2
   Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and cook chicken breasts until golden and cooked through, about 6–7 minutes per side. Remove chicken and let rest.
3. 3
   In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
4. 4
   Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and cook until the sauce thickens, about 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly.
5. 5
   Slice the cooked chicken and add to the sauce. Add the drained fettuccine and toss to combine until evenly coated.
6. 6
   Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving, if desired.

CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO ↑

Approximate Information for One Serving

Serving Size: 1 serving

Calories: 720 caloriescal

Protein: 42gg

Fat: 34gg

Saturated Fat: 0g

Trans Fat: 0g

Cholesterol: 0mg

Sodium: 0mg

Potassium: 0mg

Total Carbs: 62gg

Fiber: 0g

Sugar: 0g

Net Carbs: 0g

Vitamin A: 0

Vitamin C: 0mg

Calcium: 0mg

Iron: 0mg

Nutrition Disclaimers

Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.

Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.

To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.

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