Easy Chicken Alfredo Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is everything you love about comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor—without the fuss. It uses basic pantry ingredients and cooks quickly in just one or two pans, making cleanup a breeze. The Alfredo sauce is silky smooth and easy to master, and the seasoned chicken adds protein to turn this into a complete and satisfying meal. Whether you’re cooking for the family or treating yourself, this recipe is a guaranteed hit.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder (optional, for seasoning the chicken)
• Olive oil or butter
• Fettuccine or pasta of choice
• Butter
• Garlic cloves, minced
• Heavy cream
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. While the pasta cooks, season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and let rest, then slice.
4. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and cook for 2–3 minutes until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
6. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Return the sliced chicken to the pan and stir to combine.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Add steamed broccoli, spinach, or peas to the pasta for a veggie boost.
• Use shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood twist.
• Stir in a pinch of nutmeg or red pepper flakes to enhance the flavor of the sauce.
• Swap fettuccine with penne, linguine, or gluten-free pasta.
• Mix in sautéed mushrooms for added texture and umami.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.
Microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
Not recommended for freezing, as the cream sauce may separate when thawed.

FAQs

Can I use milk instead of cream?

You can, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich. For a better balance, use half-and-half if cream isn’t available.

How do I keep the sauce from separating?

Use low heat when cooking the sauce, and avoid boiling after adding the cheese. Stir gently and consistently.

What type of Parmesan works best?

Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and gives the sauce a smoother texture than pre-shredded or powdered versions.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, simply slice and add to the sauce at the end to heat through.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not by default, but you can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and ensuring all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

How do I thicken the Alfredo sauce?

Simmer a little longer or add extra Parmesan cheese. Avoid flour or cornstarch, as the cheese should thicken the sauce naturally.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

It’s best fresh, but you can prep the chicken and sauce ahead. Reheat gently and toss with freshly cooked pasta before serving.

What other cheeses can I add?

Try adding mozzarella for stretchiness or Romano for a sharper flavor.

What should I serve with Chicken Alfredo Pasta?

A side salad, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread all pair perfectly with this rich dish.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, this recipe scales easily. Use a larger skillet and adjust cooking time slightly as needed.

Conclusion

Easy Chicken Alfredo Pasta is the ultimate comfort food that’s fast, flavorful, and satisfying. With tender chicken, creamy homemade sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, this dish delivers restaurant-quality results in the comfort of your own kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or just need something cozy after a long day, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your rotation.

Easy Chicken Alfredo Pasta

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Easy Chicken Alfredo Pasta is a rich, creamy dish made with tender chicken, fettuccine, and a homemade Alfredo sauce of butter, cream, and Parmesan. It’s a comforting and satisfying meal that comes together in just 30 minutes.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Diet: Kosher

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
• 8 oz fettuccine or pasta of choice
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and let rest, then slice.
4. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Melt the butter and add minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
6. Stir in Parmesan cheese and cook for 2–3 minutes, whisking until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
7. Add cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Return sliced chicken to the pan and stir to combine.
8. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve hot.

Notes

• Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce.
• Add vegetables like broccoli or spinach for extra nutrition.
• Use shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood variation.
• To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.
• Not suitable for freezing, as the sauce may separate.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 650
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 550mg
• Fat: 40g
• Saturated Fat: 24g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 38g
• Cholesterol: 170mg