Chicken Alfredo

Chicken Alfredo for a Comforting Homemade Dinner

Some recipes just make us feel taken care of, and Chicken Alfredo has always done that for us. Growing up, it was one of the first “fancy” meals we tried to recreate at home, mostly because we loved the idea of a creamy pasta dish that tasted like something from a restaurant. Over time we figured out how easy it actually is, and now it is one of those reliable weeknight dinners we turn to when we want something warm, rich, and satisfying without too much fuss. The silky sauce, the tender chicken, and the comforting bowl of pasta never disappoint.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Alfredo

There is a reason this dish has stood the test of time. It is simple to prepare, uses pantry ingredients, and always feels like an upgrade from regular pasta night. A homemade Alfredo sauce tastes so much fresher than anything from a jar, and it comes together quickly while the fettuccine cooks.

• The creamy Parmesan sauce coats every strand of pasta for a decadent yet manageable dinner

• Chicken cooks in the same skillet making cleanup easier while building flavor in the sauce

• You can customize the dish with vegetables like spinach or broccoli for added color and nutrition

• It works for weeknights but also feels special enough for guests

Let’s Talk Ingredients

This recipe uses simple ingredients that work together to create classic Chicken Alfredo flavor. Sliced chicken breast cooks quickly and adds protein to balance the rich sauce. Butter and garlic form the foundation of the Alfredo and give the dish that warm, savory aroma that fills the kitchen before the cream even goes into the pan. Heavy cream provides the signature silkiness and richness, and freshly grated Parmesan is essential for proper melting and smooth texture. Using fresh cheese rather than pre-shredded makes a noticeable difference in both flavor and sauce consistency.

Fettuccine is the traditional pasta for Alfredo because its wide shape holds onto the sauce beautifully, but you can use any long pasta you enjoy. A little reserved pasta water helps adjust the thickness of the sauce and keeps everything glossy and well coated. Parsley adds a bit of freshness at the end without taking away from the creaminess of the dish.

Step by Step Cooking Tips

Chicken Alfredo comes together smoothly when you follow a few simple steps. Cook the fettuccine until it is just al dente so it can finish absorbing flavor when tossed in the sauce. Sear the chicken in a hot skillet so it browns lightly and stays juicy. Removing the chicken before starting the sauce keeps it from overcooking while you build the Alfredo.

For the sauce, melt butter in the same skillet and sauté the garlic until fragrant. Add the cream and let it gently simmer until slightly thickened. Parmesan melts into the warm cream and creates a velvety finish. Toss the pasta and chicken directly into the skillet so everything comes together in one pan. If needed, a splash of pasta water loosens the sauce without diluting the flavor. Once everything is coated, top with parsley and serve right away. Alfredo tastes best hot from the pan when the sauce is at its creamiest.

Equipment

Large skillet used to brown the chicken and stir together the Alfredo sauce
Chef’s knife for slicing chicken
Wooden spoon for stirring the sauce
Tongs for tossing the pasta

Other Recipes to Try

If you enjoy this creamy pasta, here are more dishes you might like.

• Creamy Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta offers a seasonal twist with warm fall flavors.
• Salmon Lasagna Recipe is a comforting layered dish with tender salmon and creamy sauce.
• Pasta Primavera Recipe is light, colorful and perfect for using fresh vegetables.
• Creamy Chicken Alfredo with Capers provides a bright and savory variation for anyone who wants something different while still enjoying that creamy base.

Chicken Alfredo is simple enough to make on a busy night yet satisfying enough to serve to friends or family. Once you learn how quickly the sauce comes together, it becomes a recipe you can rely on again and again. We hope it brings the same comfort to your table that it has brought to ours.

Chicken Alfredo

Creamy fettuccine tossed with tender sautéed chicken in a rich homemade Alfredo sauce.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Servings 4 Servings

Equipment

• Large Skillet For cooking the chicken and simmering the sauce
• Saucepan For boiling the pasta
• Chef's knife For slicing chicken
• Tongs For turning chicken and tossing pasta
• Wooden spoon For stirring the Alfredo sauce

Ingredients

  

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For the Chicken

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, sliced into strips 450 g
• 1 tbsp olive oil 15 ml
• ½ tsp salt 3 g
• ¼ tsp black pepper 1 g
• ¼ tsp garlic powder 1 g

For the Pasta

• 12 oz fettuccine (or linguine) 340 g

For the Alfredo Sauce

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter 56 g
• 4 cloves garlic minced (12 g)
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream 360 ml
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese 100 g
• ½ tsp salt 3 g
• ¼ tsp black pepper 1 g
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley 6 g, optional

Instructions

 

• Cook the fettuccine in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Season chicken with salt, pepper and garlic powder. Cook until golden and cooked through, then remove to a plate.
• In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
• Pour in the heavy cream and simmer gently until it thickens slightly.
• Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
• Add the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat. If needed, add a splash of pasta water to loosen the sauce.
• Sprinkle with parsley and serve warm.

Notes

• Make it lighter: Use half and half instead of heavy cream, but simmer longer to thicken.
• Make it richer: Add an extra ¼ cup Parmesan for a thicker sauce.
• Add vegetables: Broccoli, peas or spinach can be mixed in during the final toss.
• Storage: Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce.

Keyword chicken

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