The Creamiest Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe You’ll Ever Make

Creamy and indulgent, this chicken alfredo pasta recipe brings restaurant-quality comfort to your home kitchen.

Tender chicken nestles perfectly among silky, sauce-coated noodles.

The rich, velvety alfredo sauce creates a luxurious backdrop for each delectable bite.

Classic Italian flavors mingle with hearty protein, promising a satisfying meal that delights every palate.

Simple ingredients combine to craft a dish that feels both elegant and comforting.

Fresh parmesan cheese adds a final touch of decadence to this crowd-pleasing classic.

You’ll want to savor every single forkful of this irresistible pasta masterpiece.

Chicken Alfredo Pasta Ingredient List

• Pasta: A classic Italian staple that serves as the base of this creamy dish.
• Chicken: A protein-rich ingredient that adds hearty flavor and substance to the pasta.
• Heavy Cream: Provides a rich and luxurious base for the Alfredo sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Delivers a sharp, salty flavor that is essential to the traditional Alfredo sauce.

• Salt, Pepper: Enhance and balance the overall flavor of the dish.
• Nutmeg: Adds a subtle warmth and depth to the cream sauce.

• Garlic: Brings a pungent and aromatic foundation to the sauce.
• Butter: Provides a smooth, rich base for cooking and adding depth of flavor.
• Fresh Parsley: Offers a bright, fresh garnish that adds color and a light herbal note.

Making Chicken Alfredo Pasta Simple

Step 1: Launch Pasta Adventure

Fill a large pot with water and sprinkle in salt.

Bring water to a rolling boil and gently lower pasta into the bubbling liquid.

Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Cook until pasta reaches that perfect tender-yet-firm texture known as al dente.

Before draining, carefully scoop out a cup of the starchy cooking water – this liquid gold will be your secret weapon later.

Step 2: Season Chicken Masterpiece

Grab your chicken and give it a generous massage of salt and black pepper.

Make sure every inch gets some flavor love.

Step 3: Sizzle Chicken To Perfection

Heat a skillet and place chicken inside.

Listen for that delightful sizzling sound.

Cook until the outside turns a gorgeous golden brown and the inside is completely cooked.

Let the chicken rest for a few moments, then slice into beautiful medallions.

Step 4: Craft Creamy Sauce Wonderland

In the same skillet, melt butter and dance minced garlic around until fragrant.

• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese
• Nutmeg
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir and let the sauce simmer and thicken into a luxurious blanket of deliciousness.

Step 5: Create Flavor Symphony

Toss the cooked pasta into the creamy sauce.

If the sauce feels too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water to reach your ideal consistency.

Arrange sliced chicken on top and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Tips for Creamy Alfredo Pasta

• Save a cup of starchy pasta water to help create a silky, smooth sauce that clings perfectly to noodles.
• Use kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper on chicken for deeper, more complex flavor profiles.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internally, preventing undercooked meat while maintaining juiciness.
• Always use freshly grated parmesan for richer, more authentic flavor compared to pre-packaged cheese.
• Slowly add pasta water to adjust sauce thickness, creating a creamy texture without becoming too runny or thick.

Alfredo Pasta Flavor Variations

• Gluten-Free Comfort: Replace regular pasta with gluten-free penne or zucchini noodles for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with roasted portobello mushrooms or crispy tofu cubes for a plant-based alternative.
• Low-Carb Solution: Use spiralized cauliflower or spaghetti squash instead of traditional pasta to reduce carbohydrate intake.
• Dairy-Free Modification: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan cheese for a dairy-free sauce.

Serving Chicken Alfredo Pasta Ideas

• Comfort Plate Companion: Serve this creamy chicken alfredo alongside a crisp green salad with light vinaigrette for a balanced meal that cuts through the richness.
• Garlic Bread Sidekick: Pair with warm, toasted garlic bread to soak up extra sauce and add a delightful crunch that complements the smooth pasta texture.
• Wine Elevation: Select a chilled white wine like pinot grigio or chardonnay to enhance the creamy flavors and create a restaurant-worthy dining experience at home.
• Veggie Boost: Sprinkle roasted broccoli or sautéed spinach on top to add nutritional value and bright color to the classic white sauce pasta dish.

Storing Chicken Alfredo Pasta Easily

• Store leftover Chicken Alfredo pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The sauce may thicken, so gently reheat with a splash of milk or pasta water to restore its creamy consistency.
• Avoid freezing the complete dish as cream-based sauces tend to separate and lose their smooth texture. If you must freeze, store the chicken and sauce separately for better quality when reheating.
• Warm the pasta gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Add a little milk or reserved pasta water to help revive the sauce's creamy texture and prevent drying out.
• Keep the pasta and sauce separate until serving to maintain the best texture and prevent the noodles from becoming soggy during storage.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Fettuccine works best, but you can use penne, linguine, or spaghetti depending on your preference.

• How do I prevent the sauce from becoming grainy?

Always use freshly grated parmesan cheese and add it slowly while stirring continuously to maintain a smooth consistency.

• Is it possible to make this dish healthier?

Yes, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, use whole wheat pasta, and add more vegetables like spinach or broccoli to increase nutritional value.

• What if my sauce is too thick?

Simply add reserved pasta water gradually to thin it out and achieve the desired creamy texture.

Chicken Alfredo Pasta Comforting Perks

• Whip Up Quickly: Perfect for busy weeknights, this chicken Alfredo pasta comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it a go-to meal for hungry families.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add vegetables like spinach or broccoli to personalize the dish, catering to different taste preferences and nutritional needs.
• Master Comfort Food: Creamy, cheesy sauce paired with tender chicken creates a classic comfort meal that satisfies cravings and brings everyone to the table with smiles.
• Skill Builder Recipe: Suitable for beginner cooks, this recipe teaches essential cooking techniques like pan-frying chicken and creating a smooth cream sauce without complicated steps.

Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy chicken alfredo pasta blends Italian comfort with rich, velvety sauce and tender chicken. Parmesan cheese and herbs elevate this classic dish, promising a delightful culinary journey you’ll savor to the last bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 chicken breasts (1 pound or 454 grams)
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Pasta and Base:

• 8 ounces (227 grams) fettuccine pasta
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 8 tablespoons (113 grams) unsalted butter

Seasonings and Herbs:

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) canola oil
• Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Heat a large pot of salted water to boiling and cook pasta until tender yet firm, approximately 8-9 minutes. Reserve a cup of starchy cooking liquid before draining.
2. Season chicken pieces with kosher salt and cracked black pepper on both sides, ensuring even coverage.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear chicken until golden brown and internally cooked to 165°F, about 6-7 minutes per side. Allow meat to rest for 3 minutes, then slice into thin strips.
4. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant, approximately 30-45 seconds. Pour heavy cream and gradually whisk in grated parmesan cheese until smooth.
5. Season sauce with ground nutmeg, salt, and freshly ground pepper. Simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
6. Add cooked pasta directly into the creamy sauce, tossing to ensure complete coating. If sauce seems too thick, incorporate reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
7. Transfer pasta to serving plates, arrange sliced chicken on top, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a vibrant finish.

Notes

• Save a cup of starchy pasta water before draining, which helps create a silky, smooth sauce that clings perfectly to the noodles.
• Use heavy cream at room temperature to prevent sauce from breaking and ensure a consistent, creamy texture.
• Consider alternative protein options like grilled shrimp, sautéed mushrooms, or roasted vegetables for vegetarian adaptations.
• Quickly slice chicken against the grain while it’s warm to maintain maximum tenderness and prevent drying out.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 750
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 45 g
• Saturated Fat: 25 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg