This Chicken Alfredo recipe is a comforting, creamy pasta dish that combines tender chicken with a rich, flavorful Alfredo sauce. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish will quickly become a family favorite. The creamy sauce, infused with garlic and Parmesan, coats the pasta perfectly, creating a luxurious meal that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor. Serve it with a side of garlic bread and a fresh salad, and you’ve got a delicious and satisfying meal.
The Perfect Chicken Alfredo for Any Occasion
Chicken Alfredo is a timeless Italian-American dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s simple to make, yet so indulgent and satisfying. The creaminess of the Alfredo sauce pairs wonderfully with the savory flavors of the chicken, making each bite irresistible. This recipe uses only a few key ingredients—chicken breast, pasta, cream, garlic, and Parmesan—making it both easy and budget-friendly. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or entertaining guests, this dish will impress.
Let’s Dish: About This Chicken Alfredo Recipe
This Chicken Alfredo recipe combines tender chicken breast with a creamy homemade Alfredo sauce and perfectly cooked pasta. The sauce is made from scratch with heavy cream, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, creating a rich and velvety texture. The chicken is seared to golden perfection, adding a nice crispy texture to complement the creamy sauce. This dish is both comforting and indulgent, making it a perfect choice for any pasta lover.
Why This Recipe Works
The secret to making the perfect Chicken Alfredo lies in the sauce. By using heavy cream, butter, garlic, and freshly grated Parmesan, you create a creamy, flavorful base that complements the chicken and pasta perfectly. The key to making this recipe extra special is to cook the chicken until it’s golden brown on the outside while remaining juicy on the inside. Pairing it with al dente pasta and homemade Alfredo sauce elevates the dish to restaurant-quality status right in your own kitchen.
Chicken Alfredo Ingredients
For the Chicken Alfredo:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning (optional)
The Alfredo Sauce:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Pasta:
- 8 ounces fettuccine pasta (or any pasta of your choice)
- Salt for boiling water
How to Make This Chicken Alfredo Recipe
Follow these easy steps to create a restaurant-quality Chicken Alfredo:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine (or pasta of your choice) and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning (optional). Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside to rest.
Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes until it thickens. Add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Slice the cooked chicken into thin strips. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce and toss until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce. Add the sliced chicken on top of the pasta and toss again to combine.
Step 5: Serve
Serve the Chicken Alfredo immediately, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Tips for the Best Chicken Alfredo
Use Fresh Parmesan Cheese: Grating your own Parmesan cheese results in a smoother, creamier sauce. Pre-grated cheese often contains additives that can prevent the sauce from becoming as creamy.
Don’t Overcook the Chicken: For juicy, tender chicken, be sure to cook it until golden brown on the outside but still moist on the inside. Overcooking can make the chicken dry.
Adjust the Sauce Consistency: If the Alfredo sauce becomes too thick, simply add a little pasta cooking water to thin it out.
Make it Lighter: For a lighter version of this dish, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or use a combination of low-fat milk and Greek yogurt. You can also use grilled chicken instead of pan-fried chicken for fewer calories.
PrintChicken Alfredo Recipe: A Classic and Creamy Italian Delight
Chicken Alfredo Recipe: A Creamy and Comforting Classic Pasta Dish
This homemade Chicken Alfredo recipe is the perfect combination of tender chicken and creamy Alfredo sauce, making it an ideal dish for any occasion. With juicy chicken breast, a rich and flavorful garlic Parmesan sauce, and a choice of pasta, this meal is easy to make yet packed with comforting flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, special occasion, or just craving a classic pasta dish, this Chicken Alfredo will surely be a crowd-pleaser!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
For the Chicken Alfredo:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning (optional)
For the Alfredo Sauce:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Pasta:
- 8 ounces fettuccine pasta (or any pasta of your choice)
- Salt for boiling water
Instructions
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine (or pasta of your choice) and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cook the Chicken:
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning (optional). Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside to rest.
Make the Alfredo Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes until it thickens. Add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine Everything:
Slice the cooked chicken into thin strips. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce and toss until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce. Add the sliced chicken on top of the pasta and toss again to combine.
Serve and Garnish:
Serve the Chicken Alfredo immediately, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Notes
- Adjust Seasoning: Feel free to add extra garlic or Parmesan to adjust the flavor of your sauce to your liking.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the Alfredo sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat and toss with fresh pasta and chicken when ready to serve.
- Use Different Pasta: While fettuccine is classic for Alfredo, you can use other types of pasta like penne, spaghetti, or rigatoni for a twist on this recipe.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Italian
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Calorie
How to Serve Chicken Alfredo
Chicken Alfredo is incredibly versatile and can be served with a variety of sides to create a complete meal:
With Garlic Bread
Pair your Chicken Alfredo with crispy garlic bread for a delightful and classic side dish. The bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
With a Fresh Salad
Serve Chicken Alfredo alongside a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.
With Roasted Vegetables
For a more balanced meal, serve your Chicken Alfredo with roasted vegetables like broccoli, zucchini, or asparagus.
Storing Chicken Alfredo
Chicken Alfredo is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store them for up to 2-3 days in the refrigerator. Reheat the dish gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore the sauce’s creamy texture.
Why We Love This Chicken Alfredo Recipe
Chicken Alfredo is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, savory, and oh-so-satisfying. It’s perfect for family dinners, date nights, or any occasion where you want to indulge in a luxurious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. With easy-to-find ingredients and simple preparation, you can enjoy this classic Italian dish anytime!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta for Chicken Alfredo?
Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti.
Can I make Chicken Alfredo ahead of time?
While the pasta and sauce are best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat and toss with fresh pasta when ready to serve.
Can I make Chicken Alfredo with chicken thighs?
Yes! If you prefer dark meat, you can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook.
More Dinner Recipes
- Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta: A quick and flavorful pasta dish with succulent shrimp and a creamy garlic sauce.
- Beef Stroganoff: Tender beef in a creamy mushroom sauce, served over egg noodles for a hearty meal.
- Lasagna: Layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, and gooey cheese make this a family favorite.
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