Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe

Introduction

Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, garlicky, cheesy, and oh-so satisfying. Picture tender, juicy chicken seared until golden, tossed with perfectly cooked pasta, then smothered in a silky Alfredo sauce made from butter, cream, and Parmesan.

This dish is special because it strikes the perfect balance between weeknight convenience and restaurant-quality flavor. In under 30 minutes, you can serve your family a plate of creamy indulgence that feels like it came straight from an Italian trattoria.

Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner, a cozy date night, or a hearty family meal, this recipe always delivers. And the best part? You don’t need fancy ingredients—just a few pantry staples and fresh chicken.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe

  • ✅ Ready in just 30 minutes
  • ✅ Creamy, cheesy, and ultra-comforting
  • ✅ Family-friendly dinner everyone loves
  • ✅ Simple ingredients, no fancy tools needed
  • ✅ Easy to customize with veggies or spice
chicken alfredo pasta recipe served in a white bowl

🛒 Ingredients for Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe

For the pasta and chicken:

  • 12 oz fettuccine (or spaghetti/penne)
  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp paprika (optional, for color)

For the Alfredo sauce:

  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced (see our guide on how to mince garlic)
  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional, adds warmth)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Optional substitutions:

  • Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.
  • Swap Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.
  • Add broccoli or spinach for extra nutrition.

👩‍🍳 How to Make Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe (Step-by-Step)

1. Cook the pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.

boiling pasta for chicken alfredo pasta recipe

2. Prepare the chicken

Pat chicken dry. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then cook chicken 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Let rest, then slice into strips.

3. Add the Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and sauté 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream, whisk, and simmer 3–4 minutes. Stir in Parmesan until creamy and smooth.

4. Combine everything

Toss drained pasta into the Alfredo sauce. If too thick, add a splash of pasta water. Add sliced chicken on top. Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan.

mixing chicken and pasta in creamy alfredo sauce

⭐ Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Alfredo

  1. Use freshly grated Parmesan—pre-shredded won’t melt as creamy.
  2. Slice chicken after resting to keep it juicy.
  3. Add a squeeze of lemon juice to balance richness.

🔄 Variations

  • Low-Carb: Serve Alfredo chicken over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
  • Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta.
  • Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes or Cajun seasoning.
  • Veggie Boost: Toss in broccoli, peas, or mushrooms.
different variations of chicken alfredo pasta recipe

🍽 Serving Suggestions & Pairings

This dish pairs beautifully with:

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🥡 Storage & Meal Prep

  • Fridge: Store in airtight container up to 3 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 1 month. Thaw in fridge overnight.
  • Reheat: Warm gently on stovetop with splash of milk/cream.

🥗 Nutrition Information (per serving)

  • Calories: 620
  • Protein: 35g
  • Carbohydrates: 48g
  • Fat: 32g
  • Saturated Fat: 18g
  • Sodium: 780mg
  • Cholesterol: 130mg
  • Sugar: 2g

(Values are estimates, based on 4 servings.)


❓ FAQ – Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe

Q1: Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. Use whole milk for best results.

Q2: How do I keep the chicken juicy?
Let it rest before slicing to lock in juices.

Q3: Can I make it ahead?
Yes, but sauce thickens—add splash of cream when reheating.

Q4: What pasta works best?
Fettuccine is classic, but penne or spaghetti also work.

Q5: Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely! Broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms are delicious additions.

Print
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chicken alfredo pasta recipe served in a white bowl

Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe


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  • Author: Amanda
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 Servings (Serves four portions)

Description

Fettuccine with juicy chicken and creamy Parmesan sauce makes an easy, satisfying meal for any night.


Ingredients

For the pasta and chicken:

  • 12 oz fettuccine (or spaghetti/penne)

  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 tsp salt

  • ½ tsp black pepper

  • ½ tsp paprika (optional, for color)

For the Alfredo sauce:

  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream

  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

  • ½ tsp salt

  • ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional, adds warmth)

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)


Instructions

  • Cook pasta until al dente.

  • Season and cook chicken until golden; slice.

  • Make Alfredo sauce with butter, garlic, cream, and Parmesan.

  • Toss pasta in sauce, top with chicken, garnish.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated Parmesan.
  • Add veggies for nutrition.
  • Adjust thickness with pasta water.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes

Closing

This chicken alfredo pasta recipe is creamy, comforting, and comes together in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a restaurant-quality meal at home.

👉 If you try this recipe, please ⭐ leave a rating, 💬 drop a comment, and 📌 share on Pinterest to spread the love.

Your next family favorite dinner is just a pot of creamy pasta away. 💛

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