Easy Chicken Alfredo Recipe: Creamy, Quick, and Delicious

If you’ve been searching for a creamy chicken Alfredo recipe that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor, you’ve come to the right place! This classic dish combines tender chicken with rich Alfredo sauce and perfectly cooked fettuccine for a meal that’s both comforting and indulgent.

What is Chicken Alfredo?

Chicken Alfredo is a variation of the traditional Fettuccine Alfredo, an Italian-American dish that uses a creamy sauce made from butter, Parmesan, and heavy cream. This recipe adds pan-seared chicken to make it a more filling, protein-rich meal. To create the perfect sauce, it’s essential to use high-quality ingredients like freshly grated Parmesan. For tips on perfecting the sauce, check out The Kitchn’s Alfredo Sauce Guide

The Kitchn

Ingredients for Chicken Alfredo

To make this chicken Alfredo recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

Fettuccine pasta (16 oz)
Chicken breasts (1 lb, boneless, skinless)
Butter (1/2 cup)
Heavy cream (2 cups)
Garlic (2-3 cloves, minced)
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (2 cups)
Olive oil (2 tbsp for cooking chicken)
Salt and pepper (to taste)
Italian seasoning (1 tsp)

Substitutions:

Swap out fettuccine for other pasta varieties like penne or linguine.
Use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.
To enhance the flavor of your Alfredo, make sure to use freshly grated Parmesan. This ensures the sauce stays smooth and creamy. Read more on this in Bon Appétit’s Parmesan Grating Tips
The Kitchn

.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Chicken Alfredo

1. Prepare the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Set aside and let it rest before slicing into thin strips.

2. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain. Be sure to reserve about ½ cup of pasta water, which will help loosen the sauce later if needed.

3. Make the Alfredo Sauce

In the same skillet where the chicken was cooked, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer, stirring frequently. Slowly add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce becomes too thick, use the reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency.
For best results, allow the sauce to thicken slightly before mixing with the pasta.

4. Combine and Serve

Toss the cooked fettuccine into the Alfredo sauce until fully coated. Add the sliced chicken on top and stir gently to combine.
Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.

Tips for the Perfect Chicken Alfredo

Use room-temperature cream: Letting the cream warm up helps prevent curdling when it’s added to the hot pan.
Freshly grate your Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese can result in a grainy sauce, so always use freshly grated cheese for the smoothest texture.
Reserve pasta water: If the Alfredo sauce gets too thick, adding a splash of reserved pasta water can loosen it up without diluting the flavor. Learn more about achieving a perfectly smooth sauce from Serious Eats’ Guide to Chicken Breasts
The Kitchn

.

Variations of Chicken Alfredo

This chicken Alfredo recipe can easily be customized:

Vegetable Alfredo: Add sautéed mushrooms, steamed broccoli, or roasted asparagus to incorporate more nutrients and flavor into the dish.
Seafood Alfredo: Replace chicken with shrimp or scallops for a seafood twist.
Baked Chicken Alfredo: Transfer the pasta mixture into a baking dish, sprinkle with extra Parmesan, and bake at 375°F for 10-15 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken Alfredo pairs wonderfully with:

Garlic bread for a classic accompaniment.
A simple green salad or roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus.
Garnish with fresh parsley or an extra drizzle of olive oil for added flavor and presentation.

Storage and Reheating

Leftovers? No problem! Here’s how to store and reheat your chicken Alfredo:

Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm the pasta in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to maintain the sauce’s creamy consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make Chicken Alfredo without heavy cream?
Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with milk or Greek yogurt for a lighter version, though the sauce may be thinner.

How do I thicken Alfredo sauce?
Thicken the sauce by adding more Parmesan or letting it simmer until it reduces.

What is the best pasta for Chicken Alfredo?
While fettuccine is traditional, you can use any pasta like penne or linguine for this recipe.

Can I freeze Chicken Alfredo?
Yes, but the sauce may separate upon thawing. To restore its creamy texture, add more butter or cream when reheating.