Chicken Alfredo Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chicken Alfredo Pasta is a go-to favorite for good reason. The creamy, cheesy sauce combined with juicy chicken and al dente pasta creates a deliciously indulgent meal that’s easy to make at home. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner, special occasions, or when you want something familiar and flavorful. Plus, it’s customizable and ready in about 30 minutes.

Ingredients

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

boneless, skinless chicken breasts
olive oil or butter
salt and pepper
garlic cloves
heavy cream
Parmesan cheese
fettuccine or your favorite pasta
Italian seasoning (optional)
fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning if using.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Cook the chicken until golden and fully cooked through. Remove and slice.
4. In the same skillet, add more butter if needed and sauté minced garlic for about 1 minute.
5. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
6. Gradually stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
7. Return the sliced chicken to the skillet and stir to coat with the sauce.
8. Add the cooked pasta and toss until fully coated.
9. Garnish with chopped parsley and additional Parmesan, if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people and takes approximately 30 minutes to prepare from start to finish, making it perfect for a quick dinner that feels like a treat.

Variations

• Lighter Version: Use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream.
• Vegetarian Option: Omit the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms or steamed broccoli.
• Add Heat: Mix in red pepper flakes or a touch of cayenne.
• Different Pasta: Try penne, linguine, or tagliatelle.
• Cheesy Boost: Add mozzarella or cream cheese for an extra rich texture.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm slowly on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, just slice or shred and stir it in at the end to heat through.

What type of pasta is best for Alfredo?

Fettuccine is traditional, but any pasta shape works well with this sauce.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, store it in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheat gently before combining with pasta and chicken.

Is heavy cream necessary?

It gives the richest flavor, but you can use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version.

Can I add vegetables?

Definitely. Broccoli, spinach, or peas are great choices.

How do I thicken the Alfredo sauce?

Let it simmer to reduce or stir in extra Parmesan or a bit of cream cheese.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and check that all ingredients are certified gluten-free.

What can I serve with Chicken Alfredo Pasta?

A side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables pair well.

Can I freeze Chicken Alfredo Pasta?

It’s not ideal as the cream can separate, but it can be frozen and reheated with some added cream or milk to revive the sauce.

Is this dish kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Its creamy, cheesy flavor is usually a hit with both kids and adults.

Conclusion

Chicken Alfredo Pasta is a creamy, comforting classic that never goes out of style. With its simple ingredients and rich flavor, it’s a dish that delivers every time — whether for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Easy to prepare and endlessly versatile, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home cooking rotation.

Chicken Alfredo Pasta

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Chicken Alfredo Pasta is a creamy, comforting classic featuring tender chicken, rich Alfredo sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s an indulgent and satisfying dish perfect for cozy dinners or special occasions.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 12 oz fettuccine or preferred pasta
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
• Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning if using.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until golden and fully cooked. Remove and slice.
4. In the same skillet, add more butter if needed. Sauté minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
6. Gradually stir in Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
7. Return sliced chicken to the skillet and stir to coat in the sauce.
8. Add cooked pasta to the pan and toss until evenly coated with sauce.
9. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

• Use pre-cooked chicken to save time—just heat through in the sauce.
• Substitute half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version.
• Add vegetables like broccoli or spinach for extra nutrition.
• Red pepper flakes can give it a nice kick of heat.
• Store leftovers with a splash of cream to help with reheating.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
• Calories: 650
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 620mg
• Fat: 38g
• Saturated Fat: 20g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 38g
• Cholesterol: 135mg