Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta is a classic Italian-American dish featuring tender chicken, rich and velvety Alfredo sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. This comforting and indulgent meal is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Creamy – The Alfredo sauce is smooth, buttery, and full of cheesy goodness.
- Easy to Make – With simple ingredients and minimal steps, this dish is perfect for beginners.
- Family-Friendly – A crowd-pleaser that both kids and adults will love.
- Customizable – Easily adaptable with different proteins or vegetables.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Fettuccine pasta
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Butter
- Garlic, minced
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Directions
- Cook the Pasta – Boil fettuccine pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken – Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat and cook the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the pan and slice into strips.
- Make the Alfredo Sauce – In the same pan, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and mix until smooth.
- Combine Everything – Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. Add the sliced chicken and mix well.
- Serve – Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Protein Swap – Use shrimp, salmon, or grilled tofu instead of chicken.
- Add Vegetables – Include broccoli, spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra nutrition.
- Lighter Option – Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or milk for a lighter sauce.
- Spicy Kick – Add red pepper flakes or Cajun seasoning for some heat.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s consistency. Avoid microwaving for too long, as the sauce may separate.
- Freezing: Alfredo sauce can become grainy when frozen, so it is best enjoyed fresh. However, if necessary, freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months and reheat gently.
FAQs
How can I prevent the Alfredo sauce from becoming too thick?
If the sauce thickens too much, add a little reserved pasta water or milk to loosen it up.
Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce?
Yes, but homemade sauce has a fresher and richer taste. If using store-bought, enhance it with garlic and extra Parmesan.
What type of pasta works best for Alfredo?
Fettuccine is traditional, but penne, linguine, or spaghetti also work well.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, but for best results, store the sauce and pasta separately and combine them when reheating.
How do I keep the chicken from drying out?
Cook the chicken over medium heat and let it rest before slicing to retain its juices.
Is there a dairy-free alternative?
Use coconut cream or cashew-based sauces, and replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken can be used for convenience.
How do I thicken my Alfredo sauce?
If the sauce is too thin, simmer it longer or add more grated Parmesan cheese.
What can I serve with Chicken Alfredo Pasta?
Garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables make excellent side dishes.
Can I add wine to the sauce?
Yes, a splash of white wine can enhance the depth of flavor. Add it after sautéing the garlic and let it reduce before adding cream.
Conclusion
Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta is a timeless comfort dish that’s both easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re making it for a quick dinner or a special gathering, this creamy and cheesy pasta will always be a hit. Experiment with different variations to suit your preferences, and enjoy this restaurant-quality meal at home!
Print
Description
This creamy chicken alfredo pasta is a rich and comforting dish with tender chicken, fettuccine noodles, and a homemade garlic parmesan Alfredo sauce. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts (cooked and sliced)
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the fettuccine according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese and seasonings.
- Add the cooked chicken and pasta, tossing to coat in the sauce.
- Simmer for a few minutes until heated through.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor.
- Add mushrooms or spinach for extra nutrition.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *