If you’re craving a rich, creamy, and comforting pasta dish, Chicken Alfredo is the perfect choice. This classic Italian-American recipe features tender chicken breast served with fettuccine pasta drenched in a luscious Alfredo sauce made from butter, cream, and Parmesan cheese. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this Chicken Alfredo recipe is simple, quick, and sure to satisfy.
In this article, I’ll walk you through the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, tips for making the best Chicken Alfredo, and some delicious variations you can try. Let’s dive in!
What is Chicken Alfredo?
Chicken Alfredo is a pasta dish that originated in Italy but became popular in the United States with the addition of chicken. The star of the dish is the Alfredo sauce — a creamy blend of butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, which coats the fettuccine noodles perfectly. The juicy, seared chicken adds protein and heartiness to this indulgent dish.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Alfredo Recipe
- Rich and creamy: The sauce is velvety smooth with the perfect balance of cheese and cream.
- Simple ingredients: Made with pantry staples like butter, cream, garlic, and Parmesan.
- Easy to make: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Customizable: Add mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes to make it your own.
- Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike love this comforting meal.
Ingredients for Chicken Alfredo Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Chicken Alfredo:
For the Chicken:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Alfredo Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Pasta:
- 12 ounces fettuccine pasta (or your favorite pasta)
- Water and salt for boiling pasta
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh chopped parsley
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese
Step-by-Step Chicken Alfredo Recipe
Follow these simple steps to create an irresistible Chicken Alfredo dinner.
1. Prepare the Chicken
- Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for quick, even cooking.
- Season both sides of the chicken with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside. Once cooled slightly, slice into thin strips.
2. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add fettuccine and cook according to package instructions (usually 8-10 minutes) until al dente.
- Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
3. Make the Alfredo Sauce
- In the same skillet used for chicken, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring continuously.
- Allow the cream to heat through but not boil, about 3-4 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
4. Combine Everything
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with Alfredo sauce.
- Toss well to coat every strand of pasta.
- Add sliced chicken on top and gently mix to combine.
- Cook for 1-2 more minutes until everything is heated through.
5. Serve and Garnish
- Transfer Chicken Alfredo to plates or bowls.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Serve immediately for the best taste.
Tips for the Best Chicken Alfredo
- Use fresh Parmesan cheese: Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
- Don’t overcook the chicken: It should be juicy and tender, not dry.
- Reserve pasta water: The starchy water helps loosen the sauce and improve its texture.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the sauce before serving and add more salt or pepper as needed.
- Add veggies: For a healthier twist, sauté spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms and toss them in the sauce.
Variations You Can Try
- Garlic Parmesan Chicken Alfredo: Increase the garlic in the sauce for a stronger flavor punch.
- Shrimp Alfredo: Substitute chicken with sautéed shrimp for a seafood version.
- Creamy Mushroom Alfredo: Add sautéed mushrooms to the sauce for an earthy twist.
- Spicy Alfredo: Add crushed red pepper flakes or Cajun seasoning to spice things up.
- Low-carb Alfredo: Use zucchini noodles instead of pasta for a keto-friendly meal.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
For one serving of Chicken Alfredo (recipe serves 4):
- Calories: 700-800 kcal
- Protein: 45g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fat: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
Why Make Chicken Alfredo at Home?
Making Chicken Alfredo from scratch is not only budget-friendly but also allows you to control the quality of ingredients and customize it to your taste. Compared to restaurant versions, homemade Alfredo is fresher, creamier, and free from unnecessary preservatives or additives.
Complete Chicken Alfredo Recipe — Printable Version
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Boneless chicken breast | 2 large |
| Garlic powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Italian seasoning | 1 teaspoon |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Fettuccine pasta | 12 ounces |
| Unsalted butter | 4 tablespoons |
| Garlic cloves | 3, minced |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup |
| Parmesan cheese | 1 cup, grated |
| Salt | To taste |
| Pepper | To taste |
| Fresh parsley | For garnish |
Instructions
- Pound chicken breasts to even thickness. Season with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet, cook chicken 5-6 minutes per side until cooked through. Slice and set aside.
- Boil salted water and cook fettuccine until al dente. Drain, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
- Melt butter in a skillet. Sauté garlic 1 minute.
- Add heavy cream, heat gently. Whisk in Parmesan until smooth.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper. Thin with pasta water if needed.
- Toss pasta in sauce. Add sliced chicken and combine.
- Garnish with parsley and extra cheese. Serve immediately.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Alfredo recipe is a timeless classic that never disappoints. Its creamy, cheesy sauce paired with tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta makes it a favorite for all ages. Whether you stick to the basic recipe or add your favorite veggies and spices, this dish is sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation.
