Name: Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 12 oz fettuccine pasta; 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp garlic powder; 2 tbsp olive oil; 3 tbsp unsalted butter; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 1/2 cups heavy cream; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional); 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

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If you’re after a dinner that’s as soul-satisfying as it is easy to whip up, Chicken Alfredo Pasta is an absolute must-make. This beloved Italian-American dish brings together juicy chicken, velvety Alfredo sauce, fettuccine noodles, and a dusting of fresh parsley for a comfort food experience that tastes like a restaurant treat but is secretly simple enough for any busy weeknight. Give it a try once, and you’ll soon find it earning a spot in your regular rotation!

Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken Alfredo Pasta shines with a handful of simple ingredients, but each one brings something essential—whether it’s crafty creaminess, comforting depth, or a pop of fresh color. Let’s take a look at how these staples come together for a flawless pasta night.

Fettuccine Pasta: The wide, flat noodles hold onto the creamy sauce for perfect bites every time.
Olive Oil: Adds a subtle peppery flavor and helps sear the chicken to perfection.
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Lean, tender, and the ideal protein to soak up all that rich Alfredo sauce.
Salt: Essential for bringing out flavor in both the chicken and the pasta.
Black Pepper: Adds a classic warmth and balances the creamy richness.
Garlic Powder: Gives the chicken a subtle, irresistible garlicky depth.
Unsalted Butter: Melts into the sauce for a luxurious, glossy base.
Garlic Cloves: Sautéed for bold, fragrant flavor right at the heart of your Alfredo.
Heavy Cream: The star that creates that signature silky, dreamy Alfredo texture.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Salty, nutty, and creamy—this cheese is what makes Alfredo Alfredo!
Ground Nutmeg (optional): One small pinch and the sauce becomes magically aromatic.
Chopped Fresh Parsley (optional, for garnish): Adds a burst of color and a fresh, herbal lift before serving.

How to Make Chicken Alfredo Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Fettuccine

Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Drop in your fettuccine pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente—it should have just the right amount of bite. Once done, drain the noodles and set them aside; you want them ready to bathe in that luscious Alfredo sauce later.

Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken

Grab your chicken breasts and season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the chicken. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side until each breast is golden and cooked through. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate to rest before slicing into thin, juicy strips.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Alfredo Sauce

In the same skillet you used for the chicken—no reason to waste all those flavorful bits!—melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant and just golden. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently as it starts to bubble. Reduce the heat to low and add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese melts into a smooth, creamy sauce. A little pinch of nutmeg here can elevate the whole dish if you’d like an extra-special touch.

Step 4: Bring Everything Together

Now for the best part: combining it all! Toss the cooked fettuccine directly into the skillet with your Alfredo sauce, giving the noodles a good swirl so they’re fully coated. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Top with those succulent slices of chicken, letting them nestle right into the sauce and pasta. If you’re feeling fancy, swirl the skillet once or twice to let all the flavors mingle.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Right before serving, sprinkle plenty of fresh chopped parsley over the top. This not only makes your Chicken Alfredo Pasta look absolutely stunning but adds a natural, slightly peppery freshness to balance all that creamy goodness. Serve while it’s still steaming and ultra-creamy for maximum comfort food satisfaction!

How to Serve Chicken Alfredo Pasta

Garnishes

Chopped fresh parsley is a classic garnish for Chicken Alfredo Pasta, lending both gorgeous color and a fragrant, herbaceous lift. For an extra punch, shower a little more freshly grated Parmesan on top—no one ever complained about more cheese—and even a grind of black pepper for an elegant finish.

Side Dishes

This pasta plays beautifully with classic sides. Think garlic bread for saucy swoops, a crisp Caesar or mixed greens salad for a refreshing crunch, or roasted veggies like broccoli and asparagus to cut through the richness and round out your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your Chicken Alfredo Pasta in a large shallow bowl for restaurant-quality flair, or swirl individual portions into neat nests. For a special touch, make Parmesan cheese crisps as edible garnishes, or spoon the pasta into baked Parmesan “baskets” for a truly memorable presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Chicken Alfredo Pasta keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Be sure to let it cool a bit before storing, and give it a gentle toss so the sauce stays evenly distributed.

Freezing

While you can freeze Chicken Alfredo Pasta, keep in mind the creamy sauce may change texture slightly after thawing. For best results, freeze portions in tightly sealed containers and reheat gently—add a splash of cream or milk to restore some creaminess if needed.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers slowly on the stovetop over low heat, adding a sprinkle of milk or cream to revive the sauce. Stir often so the sauce doesn’t separate. In a hurry? The microwave works too—just use a lower power setting and cover the dish to keep the pasta moist.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta shape for Chicken Alfredo Pasta?

Absolutely! While fettuccine is classic, penne, linguine, or even spaghetti work well—the sauce clings beautifully to many kinds of pasta.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare all the components in advance. For best results, store the chicken, pasta, and sauce separately, then reheat gently and combine just before serving for the freshest texture.

Is there a way to lighten up Chicken Alfredo Pasta?

For a lighter take, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or swap in grilled chicken breast and add steamed or roasted veggies for extra nutrition without compromising flavor.

What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?

If you don’t have Parmesan, Romano or Asiago cheese makes a great substitute. Choose a hard, sharp cheese for the best creamy, salty flavor in your Alfredo sauce.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Chicken is ready when it’s no longer pink inside and the juices run clear, or when an instant-read thermometer reads 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part. Letting the chicken rest before slicing ensures it stays juicy in your Chicken Alfredo Pasta!

Final Thoughts

You don’t need a special occasion to treat yourself and your loved ones to Chicken Alfredo Pasta—it’s the kind of meal that turns any night into something worth savoring. With simple steps and big, creamy flavor, it just might become a tradition in your kitchen. I can’t wait for you to try it!