Simple & Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Italian Recipe

Creamy chicken alfredo pasta brings pure comfort to your dinner table with minimal effort.

Smooth parmesan sauce coats tender pasta strands perfectly.

Italian culinary traditions shine through this simple yet delectable dish.

Home cooks adore how quickly these ingredients come together.

Rich flavors blend seamlessly in each delightful bite.

Cheese and chicken create a harmonious combination that satisfies deep hunger.

You’ll want seconds of this classic meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Chicken Alfredo Pasta That Never Goes Out of Style

• Quick Family-Friendly Dinner: Whip up this delicious Italian classic in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknight meals that everyone will love.
• Minimal Cooking Skills Required: Even beginner cooks can master this recipe with simple step-by-step instructions and basic kitchen techniques that guarantee success.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimize cleanup with a single skillet method that transforms basic ingredients into a creamy, restaurant-quality pasta dish without complicated cooking processes.
• Customizable Comfort Food: Easily adapt the recipe by adding vegetables, using different cheese types, or switching protein options to suit individual taste preferences and dietary needs.

Chicken Alfredo Pasta: What You’ll Need

• Pasta, Pasta Water: Key foundation of the dish, classic Italian pasta works best. Choose a shape that holds sauce well like fettuccine or penne.

• Chicken Breasts: Primary protein source, should be fresh and boneless. Look for even-sized pieces for consistent cooking.

• Butter, Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Rich and creamy sauce base. Select full-fat dairy for best flavor and texture. Use freshly grated Parmesan for superior taste.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Italian Seasoning, Nutmeg: Enhances overall flavor profile. Use freshly ground pepper and quality dried herb blends.

• Garlic: Adds depth and authentic Italian flavor. Fresh garlic cloves provide the most robust taste.

• Fresh Parsley: Brings color and fresh herb notes. Chop just before serving to maintain brightness.

• Olive Oil: Provides initial cooking fat for chicken. Choose extra virgin for best quality.

Alfredo Chicken Pasta Creamy Prep Method

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Grab a big pot and fill it with water.

Sprinkle in some salt and bring to a rolling boil.

Drop in your pasta and cook until it’s tender but still has a slight bite.

Drain the pasta, keeping a little pasta water on the side for later magic.

Step 2: Season and Sear Chicken

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Italian herb blend

Heat up some olive oil in a large skillet.

Cook the chicken until it’s golden brown and completely cooked through.

Let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice it into beautiful strips.

Step 3: Create Dreamy Alfredo Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter and toss in minced garlic.

Let it sizzle and become fragrant.

Pour in heavy cream slowly, stirring constantly.

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Cheese It Up

• Parmesan
• Mozzarella

Stir until everything melts into a smooth, creamy sauce.

Add a tiny pinch of nutmeg for extra warmth.

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

If the sauce feels too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water.

Step 5: Bring Everything Together

Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, making sure every noodle gets a creamy coating.

Gently fold in the sliced chicken.

Step 6: Serve with Style

Transfer the pasta to a beautiful serving dish.

Sprinkle some fresh parsley on top and add an extra dusting of Parmesan cheese.

Serve immediately and watch everyone’s eyes light up!

Chicken Alfredo Pasta Tips You Can Use

• Cut chicken into even, thin strips for consistent cooking and better sauce distribution, ensuring each bite is perfectly seasoned and tender.
• Select high-protein pasta like fettuccine or linguine to hold the creamy Alfredo sauce better and provide a more authentic Italian texture.
• Adjust sauce thickness by adding reserved pasta water gradually, creating a silky, smooth coating that clings perfectly to the noodles without becoming too runny.
• Add Parmesan and mozzarella off direct heat to prevent separation, stirring gently until smoothly incorporated for a luxurious, velvety sauce.
• Enhance sauce with a pinch of nutmeg or fresh garlic, transforming a classic recipe into a restaurant-quality dish with minimal extra effort.

Alfredo Chicken Pasta Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed chicken Alfredo pasta will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Cover the surface with plastic wrap directly touching the pasta to prevent a dry film from forming and reduce sauce separation.
• Warm leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore sauce creaminess. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
• Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Meals That Go With Alfredo Pasta

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chardonnay or pinot grigio to complement the creamy, rich Alfredo sauce, cutting through its heaviness while enhancing the chicken's delicate flavor.
• Elevate with Garlic Bread: Serve warm, buttery garlic bread alongside the pasta to soak up extra sauce and provide a crunchy textural contrast to the smooth, silky noodles.
• Match with Fresh Salad: Create a light mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the pasta's richness, adding brightness and cutting through the heavy cream-based sauce.
• Refresh with Sparkling Water: Serve chilled sparkling water with a lemon slice to cleanse the palate between bites and help digest the rich, creamy chicken Alfredo dish.

Alfredo Chicken Pasta With Topping Mixes

• Gluten-Free Chicken Alfredo: Replace regular pasta with gluten-free rice noodles or zucchini noodles. Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch to thicken the sauce instead of traditional wheat-based ingredients.
• Vegetarian Alfredo Alternative: Swap chicken with roasted cauliflower or grilled portobello mushrooms. Use plant-based butter and cashew cream for a creamy sauce. Add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
• Low-Carb Keto Version: Substitute pasta with spiralized spaghetti squash or shirataki noodles. Use heavy cream and extra Parmesan cheese. Replace chicken with grilled shrimp or salmon for added protein.
• Dairy-Free Option: Create the sauce using coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Select dairy-free cheese alternatives like nutritional yeast or cashew-based cheese. Use olive oil instead of butter for cooking chicken.

FAQs

• Why is it important to reserve pasta water?

Pasta water contains starch that helps thicken and bind the sauce, creating a more cohesive and creamy Alfredo dish. It also helps adjust the sauce’s consistency if it becomes too thick.

• Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can experiment with cheeses like Romano, Pecorino, or even a blend of cheeses. Each will bring a unique flavor profile to the Alfredo sauce while maintaining its creamy texture.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). The chicken should be golden brown on the outside and white throughout with no pink areas.

• What if I want to make the dish lighter?

Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, use less butter, and consider adding some vegetables like spinach or broccoli to increase nutritional value without compromising flavor.

Chicken Alfredo Pasta Italian Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy chicken alfredo pasta brings classic Italian comfort directly to dinner tables with its rich, cheesy sauce and tender chicken. Succulent pasta strands embrace savory chicken pieces, creating a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Proteins and Pasta:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 lb (450g) fettuccine or penne pasta

Seasonings and Spices:

• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional)

Dairy and Sauce Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)

Additional Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a generously salted water bath in a large pot, bringing it to a rolling boil. Submerge pasta and cook until it reaches a perfect al dente texture. Carefully extract the pasta, preserving a portion of the starchy cooking liquid for potential sauce adjustment.
2. Season chicken breasts with a robust blend of salt, pepper, and aromatic Italian herbs. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over moderate heat. Sear the chicken until it develops a golden exterior and reaches complete internal doneness, approximately 6-7 minutes per side. Allow the meat to rest briefly before transforming it into elegant, thin strips.
3. Utilize the same skillet to create a luxurious sauce base. Melt butter gently, then introduce minced garlic, allowing its fragrance to bloom for a brief moment. Stream in heavy cream while maintaining constant circular motion, coaxing the mixture toward a delicate simmer.
4. Incorporate Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, stirring methodically until they meld into a silky, uniform sauce. Consider adding a whisper of nutmeg for nuanced depth. Fine-tune the seasoning with strategic salt and pepper additions. Should the sauce appear overly dense, introduce reserved pasta water to achieve ideal consistency.
5. Marry the cooked pasta with the velvety Alfredo sauce, ensuring each strand receives a luxurious coating. Tenderly fold in the previously prepared chicken strips, creating a harmonious culinary composition.
6. Transfer the completed dish to an inviting serving vessel. Embellish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and an optional cascade of additional Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately to capture the dish’s peak temperature and textural perfection.

Notes

• Achieving perfectly cooked pasta requires careful timing, so test for al dente texture by tasting a strand a minute before package instructions suggest.
• For tender chicken, pound breasts to uniform thickness before seasoning to ensure even cooking and prevent dry edges.
• Create a lighter version by substituting half-and-half for heavy cream and using Greek yogurt to maintain creamy texture with reduced calories.
• Enhance flavor complexity by adding a splash of white wine or a pinch of red pepper flakes during sauce preparation for subtle depth and mild heat.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 1045
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 62 g
• Saturated Fat: 31 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 29 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 80 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 190 mg