Pasta Chicken Alfredo is one of those timeless dishes that never fails to impress. Tender pasta coated in a silky Alfredo sauce, paired with juicy, pan-seared chicken—it’s a comforting yet elegant meal that feels indulgent but comes together easily. I first made this dish after craving restaurant-style Alfredo at home, and I was amazed at how simple it was to recreate that creamy perfection. The key lies in the homemade sauce: real butter, cream, and Parmesan cheese combine to create a rich, smooth texture that clings beautifully to every strand of pasta. Once, I added a sprinkle of lemon zest and a handful of spinach, and it added a fresh, vibrant twist. Whether you’re cooking for family, date night, or just yourself, this Chicken Alfredo is pure comfort in a bowl.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Pasta Chicken Alfredo is creamy, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. The tender chicken adds protein and richness, while the sauce delivers that unmistakable buttery, cheesy flavor everyone loves. It’s a quick and impressive meal—ready in about 30 minutes—and uses simple ingredients you probably already have. Plus, it’s versatile: you can swap the pasta shape, use grilled chicken, or add veggies for a wholesome twist. Every bite is luscious, smooth, and restaurant-quality—without ever leaving your kitchen.
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Pasta Chicken Alfredo – Creamy, Rich, and Comforting Classic
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Pasta Chicken Alfredo is a classic Italian-American dish featuring tender fettuccine tossed in a rich, creamy Alfredo sauce made with butter, cream, and Parmesan cheese — topped with juicy, seasoned chicken for the ultimate comfort meal.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces fettuccine pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook fettuccine pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C). Remove from pan and let rest, then slice into strips.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Reduce heat to low and whisk in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. If sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water to loosen.
- Stir in cooked pasta and toss until evenly coated with the sauce.
- Add sliced chicken on top and heat through for 1–2 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the smoothest, creamiest sauce.
- Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Add steamed broccoli or sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Fettuccine or linguine pasta – The classic choice for Alfredo, though any pasta works beautifully.
Chicken breasts – Boneless and skinless; seared to golden perfection for juicy flavor.
Butter – Forms the base of the rich Alfredo sauce.
Garlic (minced) – Adds depth and savory aroma.
Heavy cream – The key to the sauce’s creamy texture and richness.
Parmesan cheese (freshly grated) – Creates that classic Alfredo flavor and smooth finish.
Olive oil – For searing the chicken.
Salt and black pepper – Essential seasonings for balance.
Parsley (optional) – Adds freshness and color before serving.
Optional additions: Spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli for extra flavor and nutrition.
Directions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water.
Meanwhile, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from the skillet, let rest for a few minutes, then slice into strips.
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, whisking until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Add the sliced chicken back to the skillet, tossing everything together until heated through.
Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan on top.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s creamy consistency. Avoid microwaving for too long, as it can make the sauce separate.
Variations and Customizations
Broccoli Chicken Alfredo – Add steamed broccoli for a healthy, colorful twist.
Mushroom Alfredo – Sauté mushrooms before adding the cream for an earthy depth.
Cajun Chicken Alfredo – Season the chicken with Cajun spices for a bold, smoky flavor.
Shrimp Alfredo – Swap the chicken for shrimp for a seafood variation.
Lemon Garlic Alfredo – Add lemon zest and a squeeze of juice for freshness.
Spinach Alfredo – Stir in baby spinach just before serving for added greens.
Baked Chicken Alfredo – Transfer to a baking dish, top with mozzarella, and bake until bubbly.
FAQs
Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be slightly thinner.
What’s the best pasta for Alfredo?
Fettuccine is traditional, but penne, spaghetti, or linguine all work well.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Absolutely—rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut.
How do I prevent the sauce from clumping?
Use freshly grated Parmesan and whisk constantly as it melts.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free pasta and ensure your cheese and cream are gluten-free.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
It’s best made fresh, but you can prep ingredients in advance.
Why is my sauce too thick?
Add a splash of pasta water or milk to thin it out.
Can I make it without garlic?
Yes, but the garlic adds wonderful flavor to the sauce.
Can I use milk instead of cream?
You can, though the sauce will be lighter and less rich.
What sides go well with Chicken Alfredo?
Garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables are perfect pairings.
Conclusion
Pasta Chicken Alfredo is the definition of comfort—rich, creamy, and satisfying in every bite. With its buttery sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s no wonder this dish has become a timeless favorite. It’s easy to make yet elegant enough for special occasions, and it never fails to impress. Whether you stick to the classic version or add your own twist, this creamy pasta will have everyone asking for seconds. Gather around the table, serve it hot, and enjoy a dish that feels like pure indulgence.