Easy Chicken Alfredo Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chicken Alfredo Pasta recipe is a crowd-pleaser that requires minimal prep and delivers maximum flavor. The homemade Alfredo sauce is smooth, creamy, and full of cheesy goodness, while the chicken adds heartiness and protein to round out the meal. It’s quick enough for busy nights, but also elegant enough to serve for special occasions. Plus, it uses common pantry staples and comes together all in one pot if you cook the pasta first and reuse the same pan.

Ingredients

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

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

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
3. Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and let rest. Slice into strips.
4. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds.
5. Stir in the heavy cream and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes.
6. Add the Parmesan cheese and whisk until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
7. Return the sliced chicken to the skillet, then add the cooked pasta. Toss to coat everything in the sauce.
8. Garnish with Italian seasoning or chopped parsley, and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Use grilled chicken or rotisserie chicken for a shortcut.
• Add steamed broccoli, spinach, or peas for a veggie boost.
• Swap the fettuccine with penne, linguine, or gluten-free pasta.
• Stir in a touch of nutmeg for a traditional Alfredo flavor.
• Add crushed red pepper flakes for a hint of spice.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.
You can also microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
Not recommended for freezing, as the sauce may separate upon thawing.

FAQs

What pasta is best for Alfredo sauce?

Fettuccine is the traditional choice because it holds onto the rich sauce well, but any pasta will work.

Can I use milk instead of cream?

You can use whole milk, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich. For best results, use heavy cream or half-and-half.

How do I keep the Alfredo sauce from clumping?

Use freshly grated Parmesan and stir constantly while it melts into the sauce to ensure smoothness.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, but it’s best enjoyed fresh. Reheat gently and add a splash of cream or milk to refresh the sauce.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not by default, but you can use gluten-free pasta and ensure the Parmesan is gluten-free.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely. Broccoli, spinach, mushrooms, or peas make great additions to balance the richness.

What can I use instead of Parmesan?

Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano are good substitutes with similar flavor and texture.

Can I bake this into a casserole?

Yes. Combine the cooked pasta, chicken, and Alfredo sauce in a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes.

How do I make it spicy?

Add red pepper flakes to the sauce or season the chicken with cayenne pepper before cooking.

Can I make this without chicken?

Yes, simply omit the chicken or substitute it with shrimp or sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian version.

Conclusion

Easy Chicken Alfredo Pasta is the ultimate creamy comfort food that comes together in no time with simple, wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re serving it for a casual family dinner or a cozy night in, this dish delivers a delicious balance of creamy sauce, tender pasta, and juicy chicken. With endless ways to customize and add your own twist, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

Easy Chicken Alfredo Pasta

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Easy Chicken Alfredo Pasta is a creamy, comforting dish made with tender chicken and fettuccine tossed in a rich, homemade Alfredo sauce. It’s a quick and satisfying meal perfect for weeknights or special occasions.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 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 tablespoon olive oil or butter (for cooking chicken)
• 8 oz fettuccine or pasta of choice
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook fettuccine according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
3. Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and let rest, then slice into strips.
4. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt the butter. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Stir in heavy cream and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
6. Add Parmesan cheese and whisk until sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
7. Return sliced chicken to the skillet along with the cooked pasta. Toss to coat in the sauce.
8. Garnish with Italian seasoning or parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

• Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smoother sauce.
• Add vegetables like broccoli or spinach for extra nutrition.
• Use grilled or rotisserie chicken for a shortcut.
• Reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.
• Not recommended for freezing due to cream-based sauce separation.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 620
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 520mg
• Fat: 38g
• Saturated Fat: 22g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 34g
• Cholesterol: 155mg