If you're craving a creamy, indulgent meal that’s both comforting and satisfying, Chicken Alfredo is the perfect dish. This Italian-American classic combines tender chicken with a rich, velvety Alfredo sauce made from butter, cream, and Parmesan cheese. It’s a dish that’s perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or simply when you need something comforting and delicious.
With just a few simple ingredients and some quick steps, you can have a restaurant-quality meal right in your kitchen. Here’s how to make the perfect Chicken Alfredo from scratch!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Creamy & Rich – The Alfredo sauce is luxuriously creamy with just the right balance of flavors.
✔ Tender Chicken – Juicy chicken breasts seasoned and seared to perfection, pairing beautifully with the pasta.
✔ Simple Ingredients – You don’t need a long list of ingredients to make this hearty dish.
✔ Quick & Easy – Ready in 30 minutes, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner or when you’re craving comfort food.
✔ Customizable – You can add veggies, change the protein, or adjust the seasoning to your preference.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Chicken
- 2 large chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Alfredo Sauce
- 2 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (100g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup (120 ml) chicken broth (or pasta water)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Pasta
- 250g (8 oz) fettuccine pasta (or your preferred pasta shape)
How to Make Chicken Alfredo
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the fettuccine pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
- Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of pasta water. Set the pasta aside.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken breasts to the pan and sear for 5-6 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C).
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly.
Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Cook for 4-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese, continuing to stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Taste the sauce and season with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Chicken with Sauce
- Add the cooked pasta to the Alfredo sauce, tossing it gently to coat the noodles in the creamy sauce.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to thin it out to your desired consistency.
- Add the sliced chicken on top of the pasta, tossing again to combine.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
- Plate the Chicken Alfredo and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your rich, creamy, and comforting Chicken Alfredo!
Nutrition Information (Per Serving, Approximate)
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Protein: 40g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fat: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Chicken Alfredo
🔥 Use freshly grated Parmesan – For the best flavor, always use freshly grated Parmesan rather than pre-shredded. It melts more smoothly into the sauce.
🔥 Don’t overcook the chicken – Chicken breasts can dry out quickly, so be sure not to overcook them. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
🔥 Make it spicier – If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for an extra kick.
🔥 Add veggies – For a healthier twist, try adding broccoli, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes into the sauce or as a topping.
🔥 Save pasta water – Pasta water is a great tool to help thin out your sauce without losing flavor. It contains starch that helps the sauce cling to the noodles.
What to Serve with Chicken Alfredo
🍷 Wine Pairing – Pair with a glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio for a great balance of acidity and creaminess.
🥗 Salad – Serve with a simple Caesar salad or a fresh green salad to balance out the richness of the pasta.
🍞 Garlic Bread – Don’t forget the garlic bread or crusty rolls to scoop up that extra sauce!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! While fettuccine is the classic choice for Chicken Alfredo, you can use any pasta shape you like—penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti all work well.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Chicken Alfredo is best served fresh, but you can store the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently on the stove, adding a bit of cream or pasta water to bring it back to its creamy consistency.
Can I make this dish without heavy cream?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with whole milk or a combination of milk and cream cheese for a lighter version, but the texture and richness will be slightly different.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Alfredo
✨ Quick and Easy – You can have this dish on the table in 30 minutes—perfect for busy nights.
✨ Indulgent and Satisfying – The creamy sauce and tender chicken are comfort food at its best.
✨ Versatile – You can easily add your favorite veggies or spices to customize the dish.
✨ Family-friendly – This recipe is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike!
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