Craving a cozy, creamy pasta dish that comes together in just half an hour? Look no further than this Easy Chicken Alfredo, a weeknight wonder that brings together juicy chicken, tender fettuccine, and a luscious Parmesan cream sauce. Whether you’re whipping up dinner for the family or impressing that special someone, this recipe never fails to deliver big flavor with minimal fuss. From its glossy Alfredo sauce to perfectly seasoned chicken, every bite feels like a restaurant treat made right in your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simplicity is at the heart of Easy Chicken Alfredo, and every component plays its part in creating classic comfort. With a handful of pantry staples and a few fresh touches, you’ll achieve authentic flavor and silken texture that hits all the right notes.
- Fettuccine pasta (12 ounces): The classic noodle choice for Alfredo, providing that satisfying twirl and just the right surface to cling to creamy sauce.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Just a splash for searing the chicken and building delicious, golden flavor in your skillet.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts (1 pound, cut into strips or bite-sized pieces): Lean, quick-cooking protein that absorbs all the herby, garlicky goodness.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon) & Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Simple seasonings that let the chicken shine and balance the richness of the dish.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): Adds depth and that irresistible, glossy finish to the creamy sauce.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): A must for fragrant, savory undertones that define Alfredo’s best moments.
- Heavy cream (1 1/2 cups): The secret to that lavish, silken sauce—accept no substitutes for truly dreamy results!
- Parmesan cheese (1 cup, grated): Real Parmesan melts into the sauce for nutty, salty flavor and creamy texture.
- Nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Just a pinch, but it adds an incredible warmth and subtle complexity to the sauce.
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish: A pop of color and a fresh finish that makes each plate look and taste special.
How to Make Easy Chicken Alfredo
Step 1: Cook the Fettuccine
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Drop in your fettuccine and cook according to package directions until perfectly al dente—just tender with a tiny bite. This is when you can multitask prepping the chicken! When the pasta is done, don’t forget to save about half a cup of that starchy water. Then drain and set the pasta aside, ready for its creamy destiny.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
While your pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Pat the chicken strips dry, season them generously with salt and pepper, and add to the hot pan. Let the chicken cook undisturbed until golden on one side, then flip and sear the other—about 4 to 5 minutes per side. This quick sear locks in juiciness! Once cooked through, transfer the chicken to a plate and keep those tasty drippings in the pan.
Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter in the same skillet—this is where all those savory flavors from the chicken get picked up! Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, just a minute. Pour in the heavy cream and let it gently simmer, then stir in the Parmesan and nutmeg if you like a cozy hint of spice. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens ever so slightly, gleaming with creaminess.
Step 4: Bring Everything Together
Return the chicken to the skillet, then tumble in the cooked fettuccine. Toss everything together, coating every strand in that rich sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, splash in a bit of reserved pasta water until it’s silky and flowy. Let it all heat through for a minute, so the chicken soaks up the flavors. You’re moments away from Easy Chicken Alfredo bliss!
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Dish up your creamy creation while steaming hot. Sprinkle each serving with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Whether it’s a regular Tuesday or a special celebration, this Easy Chicken Alfredo is ready to steal the show.
How to Serve Easy Chicken Alfredo
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra Parmesan is always a crowd-pleaser, but don’t stop there! Chopped fresh parsley adds vibrant color and a hint of garden-fresh flavor. For a little zing, try a light shower of grated lemon zest or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for gentle heat—these little touches turn each bowl of Easy Chicken Alfredo into a plate worthy of applause.
Side Dishes
Pair your Easy Chicken Alfredo with crisp Caesar salad, roasted broccoli, or bright sautéed spinach for a restaurant-style meal at home. Garlic bread or a warm baguette is practically mandatory for mopping up the silky sauce! A glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water with lemon rounds out the experience, bringing balance and a touch of celebration to your table.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling playful? Serve Easy Chicken Alfredo in individual pasta bowls topped with extra parsley, or swirl fettuccine into nests for a dramatic presentation. You can even try a “family-style” approach by piling the pasta high on a big platter—let everyone dig in. For parties, portion into ramekins for personal servings, or add a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs for a bit of crunch. Imagination makes this comforting classic feel brand new every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Have leftovers? Lucky you! Store any remaining Easy Chicken Alfredo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The sauce might thicken as it cools, but that just means extra creaminess with each reheat. Make sure to let the dish cool to room temperature before sealing it up so everything stays fresh and delicious.
Freezing
If you want to freeze your Easy Chicken Alfredo, portion it into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Lay the bags flat to save space, and don’t forget to label with the date. The sauce may separate slightly upon thawing, but a good stir as you reheat will help restore its creamy consistency. Try to enjoy within two months for best flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, place leftovers in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to help loosen up the sauce as it warms. Gently toss until everything is steaming and velvety smooth. For a quick fix, microwave individual portions in 30-second bursts, stirring between each until perfectly hot. Garnish with extra parsley and dive in!
FAQs
Can I use another type Main Course
Absolutely! While fettuccine is traditional, Easy Chicken Alfredo tastes delicious with linguine, penne, or even spaghetti. Just adjust pasta cooking time based on the shape you choose.
Is there a dairy-free option for Alfredo sauce?
You can substitute the heavy cream and butter for dairy-free alternatives like full-fat coconut milk and vegan butter. Use a vegan Parmesan-style cheese, and you’ll have a creamy, satisfying sauce that fits your dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.
Can I add vegetables to Easy Chicken Alfredo?
Definitely! Steamed broccoli, wilted spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or sautéed mushrooms all make fabulous additions. Toss them in with the chicken right before mixing with the sauce for a color-packed, nutrition-boosted dish.
What’s the best way to avoid clumpy sauce?
Make sure to add Parmesan cheese a little at a time, stirring constantly until smooth. Low heat is key when thickening your Alfredo sauce—heavy cream and cheese can separate if things get too hot.
Can I prep Easy Chicken Alfredo in advance for a dinner party?
You sure can! Make the sauce and chicken ahead, and store them separately in the fridge. When ready to serve, cook the pasta fresh, warm the sauce and chicken slowly, combine, and toss everything together. Your guests will never know you weren’t cooking all evening!
Final Thoughts
Ready to make something truly comforting and impressive in under 30 minutes? This Easy Chicken Alfredo has earned its place as a go-to classic for good reason. Every time I serve it, the plates come back clean and smiles are guaranteed. I hope you’ll try it soon and share it with everyone who needs a little creamy, dreamy joy for dinner!
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Easy Chicken Alfredo Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Chicken Alfredo recipe is a creamy and indulgent pasta dish that comes together quickly for a delicious weeknight meal. Tender chicken strips are coated in a rich Parmesan cream sauce and tossed with fettuccine, creating a satisfying dinner that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Fettuccine Alfredo:
- 12 ounces fettuccine pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into strips or bite-sized pieces)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Alfredo Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, optional
Garnish:
- Chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook the Fettuccine: Boil the fettuccine pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside, saving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Cook the Chicken: Season and cook chicken in olive oil until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
- Make the Alfredo Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté garlic in butter, then add cream, Parmesan, and nutmeg. Simmer until thickened.
- Combine and Serve: Return chicken to the pan, add pasta, and toss in the sauce. Add pasta water if needed. Garnish with parsley and serve.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for quicker prep.
- Add steamed broccoli or spinach for extra veggies.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
