This chicken alfredo pasta is the ultimate creamy, cheesy comfort food. Featuring tender chicken, fettuccine, and a rich homemade alfredo sauce, this dish is easy to make and restaurant-quality. Whether for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this classic Italian-American favorite is always a hit!
Why Make This Recipe?
- Creamy & Flavorful – Rich homemade alfredo sauce made from scratch.
- Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Protein-Packed – Loaded with juicy, pan-seared chicken.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – A great choice for both family meals and date nights.
How to Make Chicken Alfredo Pasta
A simple one-pan recipe that creates a velvety smooth sauce with tender pasta and juicy chicken.
Ingredients
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Directions
1. Cook the Pasta
Boil fettuccine in salted water until al dente, according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
2. Cook the Chicken
Season chicken with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
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3. Make the Alfredo Sauce
In the same pan, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly.
4. Combine Everything
Slice chicken and return it to the pan. Add the drained pasta and reserved pasta water, tossing until the sauce coats the noodles evenly.
5. Serve & Garnish
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese before serving.
How to Serve Chicken Alfredo Pasta
Pair this dish with:
- Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta for a twist on classic alfredo.
- Harissa-Spiced Chickpea Salad for a fresh, tangy side.
- A side of garlic bread for the ultimate comfort meal.
How to Store Chicken Alfredo Pasta
- In the Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- In the Freezer: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months.
- To Reheat: Warm in a pan over low heat with a splash of milk or cream.
Tips to Make the Best Alfredo Pasta
- Use Fresh Parmesan – It melts better and creates a smoother sauce.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken – Keep it juicy by searing it over medium heat.
- Save Pasta Water – Helps thin and bind the sauce to the pasta.
- Add Extra Flavor – Stir in mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes.
Variations of Chicken Alfredo Pasta
- Shrimp Alfredo – Swap chicken for shrimp for a seafood twist.
- Low-Carb Alfredo – Use zucchini noodles or cauliflower pasta.
- Spicy Alfredo – Add extra red pepper flakes or Cajun seasoning.
- Bacon Alfredo – Stir in crispy bacon bits for a smoky flavor.
FAQs
Q: Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
A: Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. Add 1 tbsp flour for thickness.
Q: What’s the best pasta for Alfredo?
A: Fettuccine works best, but penne or linguine also work well.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Store sauce separately and mix when ready to serve.
Q: How do I prevent my sauce from clumping?
A: Stir constantly and use freshly grated Parmesan (pre-shredded cheese may not melt properly).
Conclusion
This chicken alfredo pasta is creamy, rich, and absolutely delicious. With tender chicken, smooth alfredo sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s a meal that never disappoints.
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PrintChicken Alfredo Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This chicken alfredo pasta is creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor! A quick 30-minute meal with juicy chicken and homemade alfredo sauce.
Ingredients
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
1. Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water and drain.
2. Season chicken with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
3. Heat olive oil in a pan and cook chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden. Set aside.
4. In the same pan, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
5. Add heavy cream, Parmesan, and red pepper flakes, stirring constantly.
6. Slice chicken and return to the pan. Add drained pasta and reserved pasta water, tossing to coat.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.
Notes
– Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smoother sauce.
– Save pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.
– Don’t overcook the chicken to keep it juicy.
– Stir in spinach or mushrooms for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Calories: 620 kcal per serving
- Sugar: 3g
- Fat: 36g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 42g