How to Make Chicken Alfredo

Chicken Alfredo is the ultimate creamy pasta dish that blends rich flavor, comforting texture, and restaurant-worthy appeal—all from your home kitchen. Whether you’re preparing dinner for family or craving something indulgent, this easy chicken Alfredo recipe brings tender, pan-seared chicken and a velvety Parmesan cream sauce together with fettuccine for a meal that never disappoints.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy, garlicky Alfredo sauce from scratch
• Juicy, well-seasoned chicken with a golden crust
• Ready in under 45 minutes
• Easily customizable with veggies or different pasta types
• Restaurant quality made simple at home

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Alfredo Sauce

• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
• 1¼ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Optional: pinch of nutmeg or red pepper flakes

For the Pasta

• 10 oz fettuccine or pasta of choice
• 1 tsp salt (for pasta water)

Garnish (optional)

• Chopped parsley
• Extra Parmesan

Instructions

1. Prep and Season Chicken
   Slice chicken breasts horizontally to make cutlets. Season both sides with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Cook the Chicken
   Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 4–5 minutes per side, until golden and fully cooked. Remove and let rest.
3. Boil the Pasta
   Cook fettuccine in salted boiling water until al dente (8–10 minutes). Drain and reserve ½ cup pasta water.
4. Make the Alfredo Sauce
   In the same skillet, melt butter. Sauté garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute). Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
5. Add Cheese and Seasonings
   Stir in Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Cook until cheese melts and sauce thickens slightly, about 3–4 minutes. Add a splash of pasta water if sauce is too thick.
6. Assemble the Dish
   Slice the cooked chicken. Toss pasta in the Alfredo sauce. Plate and top with chicken. Garnish with parsley and more Parmesan if desired.

Recipe Details

this recipe

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 4

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approximate)

• Calories: 870
• Protein: 38g
• Carbs: 38g
• Fat: 65g
• Saturated Fat: 36g
• Cholesterol: 225mg
• Sodium: 1120mg
• Fiber: 2g

Tips & Variations

• Make it lighter: Use half-and-half or whole milk, and reduce butter.
• Add veggies: Stir in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers.
• Swap the protein: Use shrimp, salmon, or even tofu for a twist.
• Use fresh cheese: Grate Parmesan fresh for the creamiest sauce.
• Avoid boiling the sauce: Simmer gently to keep it from separating.

Chicken Alfredo (Creamy & Easy)

Creamy, indulgent Chicken Alfredo with tender seasoned chicken and homemade Alfredo sauce. A rich comfort food classic that’s quick and satisfying.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 870

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• **For the Chicken**
• – 1 lb boneless chicken breasts
• – 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• – ½ tsp garlic powder
• – Salt and pepper
• – 2 tbsp olive oil
• **For the Sauce**
• – 2 tbsp butter
• – 2 garlic cloves minced
• – 2 cups heavy cream
• – 1¼ cups Parmesan grated
• – Salt and pepper to taste
• **For the Pasta**
• – 10 oz fettuccine
• – 1 tsp salt for boiling water
• **Optional Garnish**
• – Fresh parsley
• – Extra Parmesan

Equipment

• Skillet
• – Pasta pot
• Tongs or spatula
• – Grater

Method

 

1. Slice and season chicken.
2. Cook in skillet until golden and fully done. Set aside.
3. Boil pasta until al dente. Drain, saving ½ cup water.
4. In same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic.
5. Add cream and bring to gentle simmer.
6. Stir in cheese until smooth. Season to taste.
7. Slice chicken. Toss pasta with sauce. Serve topped with chicken and garnish.

Notes

– Swap cream with half-and-half for a lighter version
– Add broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms for extra nutrition
– Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce

FAQs

Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes, whole milk or half-and-half can be used, though the sauce may be thinner.

Can I make this ahead of time?
It’s best fresh, but you can prepare the chicken and sauce separately and combine just before serving.

What pasta types work best?
Fettuccine is traditional, but linguine, spaghetti, or penne are great too.

Can I freeze Chicken Alfredo?
Freezing the sauce and chicken separately works best; avoid freezing pasta as it gets mushy.

Conclusion

Chicken Alfredo is more than just a pasta dish—it’s a comfort classic that delivers rich flavor in every creamy bite. With simple techniques and a few quality ingredients, you’ll create a meal that’s just as satisfying as your favorite restaurant’s. Pair it with a crisp salad or garlic bread, and you’re in for a truly indulgent dinner.