Creamy Dream Chicken Alfredo Recipe for Pasta Lovers

Whipping up a creamy chicken alfredo brings pure comfort right to your dinner table.

Pasta lovers know this classic dish never disappoints with its rich, velvety sauce.

Tender chicken pieces nestled among silky noodles create a hearty meal that satisfies deep hunger.

Parmesan cheese melts smoothly, blending with heavy cream to craft an irresistible sauce.

Home kitchens transform into gourmet restaurants when these simple ingredients combine their magic.

Weeknight cooking becomes exciting with this foolproof recipe that impresses everyone around the table.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this delectable Italian-inspired classic.

Why Chicken Alfredo is a Family Favorite

• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: Whip up a restaurant-quality meal with minimal ingredients and basic cooking skills, perfect for busy home cooks looking to impress.
• Customize Your Comfort: Easily adapt the recipe by adding vegetables, switching protein, or adjusting cheese levels to match your taste preferences and nutritional needs.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dinner Solution: Create a universally loved dish that satisfies both kids and adults, making it an ideal option for family meals or casual gatherings with friends.
• Quick Gourmet Experience: Prepare a luxurious-tasting pasta dish in under 30 minutes, transforming ordinary ingredients into a sophisticated meal without complicated techniques.

Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Alfredo

• Chicken Breasts: A lean protein that provides the primary source of meat in this creamy pasta dish.
• Fettuccine: A classic Italian pasta that serves as the base for this rich and comforting meal.
• Parmesan Cheese: A hard, flavorful cheese that creates the signature creamy texture of Alfredo sauce.

• Heavy Cream, Butter: Work together to create a rich and smooth base for the Alfredo sauce.
• Garlic: Adds a deep, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish.

• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the chicken.
• Olive Oil: Used for cooking the chicken and preventing sticking in the skillet.
• Fresh Parsley: An optional garnish that adds a touch of freshness and color to the final dish.

How to Prepare Chicken Alfredo

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfection

Cook fettuccine in salted water until al dente.

Drain thoroughly and set aside, allowing the pasta to rest while preparing other components.

Step 2: Sear Succulent Chicken

Generously season chicken breasts with salt and black pepper.

Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat.

Cook chicken until golden brown and fully cooked, approximately 6-8 minutes per side.

Transfer to a cutting board and let rest before slicing.

Step 3: Awaken Garlic Flavors

In the same skillet used for chicken, add minced garlic.

Saute for roughly 1 minute until aromatic and lightly golden.

Step 4: Create Luxurious Cream Base

Pour in heavy cream and add butter to the skillet.

• Butter completely melts
• Mixture becomes silky smooth
• Cream starts to simmer softly

Step 5: Develop Cheesy Alfredo Sauce

Gradually incorporate Parmesan cheese into the cream mixture.

• Cheese melts completely
• Sauce transforms into a rich, creamy consistency
• No lumps remain

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add cooked fettuccine directly into the skillet.

Toss thoroughly, ensuring every pasta strand gets coated with the decadent Alfredo sauce.

Step 7: Plate and Garnish

Slice chicken breasts into elegant strips.

Arrange sliced chicken atop the sauced pasta.

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Serve immediately while piping hot.

Tips to Make Chicken Alfredo Perfect

• Cook fettuccine al dente to maintain a slight firmness, preventing mushy texture in your final dish.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust that locks in juicy flavor.
• Grate Parmesan fresh and add gradually to prevent clumping and ensure a smooth, silky Alfredo sauce.
• Swap fettuccine with spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice for a lighter, low-carbohydrate version of this classic meal.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg or red pepper flakes to the sauce for an unexpected depth of flavor that elevates the entire dish.

Variations to Try with Chicken Alfredo

• Gluten-Free Friendly: Replace traditional fettuccine with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta to accommodate those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegetarian Option: Swap chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or roasted cauliflower for a plant-based protein alternative that maintains the creamy sauce's richness.
• Low-Carb Version: Use spiralized butternut squash or spaghetti squash instead of pasta, keeping the classic Alfredo sauce and protein intact for a lighter meal.
• Dairy-Reduced Alternative: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese to create a lighter, lactose-friendly version that still delivers incredible flavor.

Serving Chicken Alfredo in Style

• Elegant Dinner Party Presentation: Arrange the sliced chicken artfully over a bed of creamy fettuccine, sprinkled with vibrant chopped parsley for a sophisticated restaurant-style look.
• Rustic Family-Style Serving: Place the skillet directly on the table, letting everyone serve themselves with warm, crusty bread on the side for soaking up extra Alfredo sauce.
• Healthy Side Balance: Pair the rich pasta with a crisp green salad topped with light vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables to complement the creamy chicken Alfredo.
• Wine Pairing Delight: Serve with a chilled glass of crisp Chardonnay or light Pinot Grigio to enhance the creamy texture and balance the dish's richness.

Storing Chicken Alfredo for Freshness

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover the chicken and pasta separately to maintain texture.
• Place cooled chicken Alfredo in a freezer-safe container, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months. Seal tightly to prevent freezer burn.
• Sprinkle a few drops of water over the pasta to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed. Add a splash of cream to restore sauce consistency.

FAQs

• How do I know if my chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The chicken should be white throughout with no pink areas and juices should run clear.

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, while fettuccine is traditional, you can substitute with linguine, penne, or any pasta you prefer. Wider noodles work best for creamy sauces.

• What if my Alfredo sauce is too thick?

Add a little pasta water or more cream to thin it out. Stir continuously to maintain a smooth, creamy consistency. If it’s too thin, let it simmer briefly to reduce.

Chicken Alfredo Recipe

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4.7 from 20 reviews

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

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Description

Creamy chicken alfredo pasta brings Italian-inspired comfort to weeknight dinners. Parmesan cheese and tender chicken create a luxurious sauce you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Pasta and Base Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) fettuccine pasta
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter

Seasonings and Extras:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

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Instructions

1. Boil fettuccine in salted water at high heat for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside in a warm location.
2. Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season generously with kosher salt and cracked black pepper on both sides.
3. Heat olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high temperature. Cook chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F, creating a golden-brown exterior.
4. Transfer chicken to a cutting board and allow to rest for 3-4 minutes to retain moisture. Slice into thin diagonal strips.
5. Reduce skillet heat to medium-low. Add minced garlic and sauté for 45-60 seconds until aromatic, being careful not to burn.
6. Pour heavy cream into the skillet. Add butter and whisk continuously until completely incorporated and sauce begins to simmer.
7. Gradually sprinkle Parmesan cheese into the cream mixture, stirring constantly to create a smooth, velvety sauce without lumps.
8. Add cooked fettuccine directly into the sauce, gently tossing with tongs to ensure complete and even coating.
9. Arrange sliced chicken atop the sauced pasta. Garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley for added color and flavor. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

• Select high-quality, freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a richer, more authentic flavor profile that melts smoothly into the sauce.
• Use room temperature chicken to ensure even cooking and prevent uneven browning, which helps achieve a golden exterior and juicy interior.
• Consider switching to whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier alternative that maintains the dish’s creamy texture and satisfying taste.
• Customize the protein by substituting chicken with grilled shrimp, sautéed mushrooms, or roasted vegetables for diverse dietary preferences and exciting flavor variations.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 630 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 43 g
• Saturated Fat: 22 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 140 mg