Irresistible Homemade Chicken Alfredo Recipe For Pasta Night

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

Pasta lovers adore this classic Italian-inspired dish for its rich, velvety sauce.

Weeknight meals can transform into something special with just a few simple ingredients.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly this recipe comes together without complicated techniques.

Professional chefs and kitchen novices alike find chicken alfredo irresistibly delicious and approachable.

Cheese, cream, and perfectly seasoned chicken create a magical combination that promises satisfaction.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this delectable meal.

Chicken Alfredo That Checks All the Creamy Boxes

• Quickly Craft a Comforting Meal: This chicken Alfredo recipe offers a delightful dinner solution that's both impressive and easy to prepare.
• Speed Demon Cooking: The entire dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners when time is short.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Kids and adults alike will love the creamy, cheesy sauce and tender chicken, creating a universally appealing meal that satisfies everyone at the table.
• Minimal Ingredient Magic: With just a handful of simple ingredients and basic cooking techniques, even novice cooks can confidently whip up this restaurant-quality pasta dish at home.

Chicken Alfredo Ingredient Guide

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein for substantial main dish, boneless and skinless work best, look for fresh, uniform-sized pieces.
• Parmesan Cheese: Rich, salty cheese providing deep flavor, aged varieties offer more intense taste.

• Fettuccine: Classic pasta for creamy sauces, wide and flat shape holds sauce perfectly, traditional Italian style preferred.

• Heavy Cream, Butter: Creamy base creating luxurious sauce texture, full-fat versions recommended for richness.
• Garlic, Italian Seasoning, Salt, Black Pepper: Flavor enhancers adding depth and complexity, fresh garlic provides more intense taste.
• Olive Oil: Cooking medium for chicken, extra virgin preferred for better flavor.

• Parsley: Fresh herb adding color and light herbal note, optional but recommended for visual appeal and subtle freshness.

Chicken Alfredo Creamy Prep Guide

Step 1: Boil the Pasta Perfectly

Fill a large pot with water and sprinkle salt generously.

Bring the water to a rolling boil.

Slide the fettuccine into the bubbling water and cook until it reaches that ideal al dente texture.

Before draining, carefully scoop out some pasta water and set it aside for later magic.

Step 2: Sizzle the Chicken

• Garlic powder
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper

Heat olive oil in a skillet until it shimmers.

Gently place the seasoned chicken into the pan.

Let it dance and sizzle, cooking for 5-7 minutes on each side until it turns a gorgeous golden brown.

Check that the internal temperature hits 165°F.

Once done, let the chicken rest and relax for a few minutes before slicing.

Step 3: Craft the Creamy Alfredo Sauce

In the same skillet where the chicken just sizzled, melt butter until it becomes a silky pool.

Toss in minced garlic and let it become fragrant and dance around the pan for about a minute.

Pour in heavy cream and let it simmer gently, stirring constantly.

Slowly sprinkle in Parmesan cheese, whisking until the sauce transforms into a smooth, dreamy masterpiece.

Season with a pinch of salt and a dash of black pepper.

Step 4: Bring Everything Together

Tumble the cooked pasta into the creamy sauce, twirling it until every strand is beautifully coated.

If the sauce seems too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water to create the perfect consistency.

Arrange the sliced chicken on top of the pasta.

For a final touch of freshness, scatter some chopped parsley over the dish if you’d like.

Chicken Alfredo – Creamy Pasta Tips

• Save the starchy pasta water to adjust sauce consistency, helping it cling perfectly to noodles and preventing dryness.
• Use fresh garlic powder and high-quality Italian seasoning for deeper, more complex flavor profiles in your chicken.
• Whisk Parmesan cheese gradually and continuously to prevent clumping and ensure a silky, creamy sauce texture.
• Cook chicken to exactly 165°F/74°C for juicy, safe-to-eat meat without overcooking or drying out the protein.
• Sauté minced garlic briefly to release aromatic oils without burning, creating a rich, mellow background flavor.

Chicken Alfredo Keep Warm

• Store leftover Chicken Alfredo in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Keep pasta and chicken separately to prevent soggy noodles and maintain better texture when reheating.
• Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, adding a splash of milk or pasta water to restore sauce's creamy consistency.
• Gently reheat pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a bit of cream to revive the sauce's smoothness.

Meals That Go With Alfredo

• Elevate Creamy Chicken Alfredo with Perfect Pairings
• Crisp White Wine Complement: Sauvignon blanc or chardonnay cuts through the richness, refreshing the palate with bright, acidic notes that balance the creamy sauce.
• Vibrant Green Salad Partner: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, adding crisp texture and tangy flavor that contrasts the heavy pasta dish, creating a delightful meal balance.
• Roasted Vegetable Side Kick: Toss asparagus or roasted Brussels sprouts with garlic and olive oil, providing a nutritious and flavorful accompaniment that adds depth and nutrition to the creamy chicken alfredo.
• Warm Garlic Bread Companion: Serve crusty, herb-infused garlic bread to soak up extra sauce, offering a crunchy texture and complementary garlic flavor that enhances the overall dining experience.

Creamy Chicken Alfredo With Easy Swaps

• Vegetarian Alfredo Delight: Replace chicken with roasted cauliflower or grilled portobello mushrooms, keeping the creamy sauce and pasta intact for a plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free Chicken Classic: Use gluten-free fettuccine and ensure all ingredients like Parmesan cheese are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Lighter Protein Option: Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half, and use grilled shrimp or turkey breast instead of traditional chicken for a lower-calorie alternative.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Create the sauce using coconut cream, nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan, and use dairy-free butter substitute to accommodate lactose-intolerant individuals.

FAQs

• What type of pasta works best for Chicken Alfredo?

Fettuccine is traditional and ideal due to its wide, flat shape that perfectly holds the creamy Alfredo sauce, but you can also use linguine or penne if preferred.

• Can I make this recipe healthier?

Yes, use whole wheat pasta, replace heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, and use less cheese to reduce calories while maintaining flavor.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C, ensuring the chicken is safe to eat without being overcooked and dry.

• What if I don't have Parmesan cheese?

You can substitute with Romano cheese or a blend of Pecorino and Asiago for a similar rich, tangy flavor profile in the Alfredo sauce.

Chicken Alfredo Recipe

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4.7 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Rich and creamy chicken alfredo brings Italian comfort to your dinner table with tender pasta embracing juicy chicken in a luxurious parmesan sauce. Hearty flavors and smooth textures invite you to savor each delightful bite of this classic comfort meal.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Seasonings and Oils:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

Alfredo Sauce Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 cups (360 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1 cup (100 grams) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Pasta and Garnish:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) fettuccine pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for boiling pasta)
• Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the water reservoir by adding salt and bringing to a rolling boil. Submerge fettuccine and cook until tender, maintaining a vigilant eye on texture. Extract and preserve a modest portion of starchy liquid before straining.
2. Lavish chicken breasts with aromatic seasonings, creating a robust flavor profile. Activate a skillet with olive oil over medium thermal intensity. Sear chicken until achieving a golden exterior and ensuring complete internal cooking. Allow meat to rest briefly before transforming into elegant slices.
3. Utilize the same culinary vessel to craft the velvety sauce. Melt butter and introduce minced garlic, releasing its fragrant essence. Stream heavy cream into the pan, allowing gentle simmering while maintaining constant movement. Progressively incorporate Parmesan, whisking meticulously until achieving a luxurious, silken consistency. Balance with subtle salt and pepper notes.
4. Marry the pasta with the creamy sauce, ensuring comprehensive coating. Modulate sauce consistency by introducing reserved liquid incrementally if needed. Transfer to serving plates, positioning sliced chicken atop the creamy foundation. Optional: Embellish with delicate parsley sprinkles for visual and flavor enhancement.

Notes

• Pasta Water Magic: Reserve the starchy pasta water to help create a silky, perfectly coated sauce that clings beautifully to the noodles.
• Chicken Perfection: Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a golden, crispy exterior that locks in maximum flavor and moisture.
• Sauce Rescue Technique: If the Alfredo sauce breaks or becomes too thick, slowly whisk in a splash of pasta water or additional cream to restore its creamy consistency.
• Dietary Flexibility: Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version, or use gluten-free pasta and cornstarch instead of flour for a gluten-free adaptation.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 700
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 950 mg
• Fat: 42 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg