Get ready to indulge in tender and juicy chicken breast, silky-smooth homemade Alfredo sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta – a match made in comfort food heaven!
And, it’s super versatile, pairing wonderfully with many side dishes—not only pasta!
What makes this dish stand out is its effortless preparation. This super-quick, one-pan chicken recipe is dinner-ready in just 30 minutes.
The sauce is ultra creamy, loaded with freshly grated Parmesan, fresh garlic, and butter. It’s my absolute favorite sauce because it’s super flavorful and pairs perfectly with the juicy Chicken.
Today, I’m showing you how easy it is to make comfort food with a classic Chicken Alfredo recipe.
Who can say no to recipes dripping with creamy sauce, and flavors, especially when they’re ready in a snap?
That’s what’s so amazing about this Chicken Alfredo – it’s the ultimate comfort food that doesn’t keep you waiting!
Why You’ll Love This Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe
- Creamy: enjoy one of the best velvety Alfredo sauces that wraps your taste buds in creamy goodness.
- Tender Chicken: Succulent, perfectly cooked Chicken that’s juicy and flavorful.
- Quick and Easy: Whip up a restaurant-quality meal in no time, making it perfect for busy evenings.
- Family Favorite: A dish loved by kids and adults, making it a crowd-pleaser.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of garlic, Parmesan, and butter creates a rich, satisfying flavor profile.
- Versatile: Customize it with your favorite pasta, adding veggies or other proteins if desired.
- Comfort Food: Warm, filling, and comforting – perfect for any season or occasion.
- Customizable Recipe: Feel free to add your favorite herbs, spices, or extra cheese to achieve your desired flavor.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Prep in advance for quick and delicious weekday lunches or dinners.
A Speedy, One-Pan Wonder!
Watch this quick step-by-step video to see how easy it is to make the best chicken alfredo recipe.
What is Chicken Alfredo?
Chicken Alfredo is a popular Italian-American pasta dish consisting of fettuccine pasta, cooked chicken, and a creamy Alfredo sauce. The Alfredo sauce is typically made from butter, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese, which are heated and mixed to create a rich and creamy sauce.
Known for its creamy and cheesy texture, this Fettuccine Alfredo is a popular item in Italian-American restaurants and is also commonly made at home due to its simplicity and deliciousness. While the classic version uses fettuccine pasta and Chicken, variations may include different pasta types or adding vegetables like broccoli or peas to add color and nutritional value.
Chicken Alfredo Ingredients and Substitutions
Here is the list of the ingredients that we need to make this comforting and creamy chicken alfredo recipe:
- Fettuccine – this is the classic choice for Chicken Alfredo, known for its flat, wide ribbons. You can use other pasta shapes like farfalle (bowties) or penne, but fettuccine is traditional and ideal for holding the creamy sauce.
For The Chicken
- Chicken Breast – Totally the star of the show! This cut is our top pick for this dish, thanks to its lean and tender goodness. It’s all about getting that perfect bite! And hey, if chicken breasts aren’t your thing, go for boneless chicken thighs or even chicken tenders! Just remember, cooking times might vary. Feeling adventurous? Swap the chicken for shrimp!
- Italian Seasoning – Adds a distinctly Italian flavor profile to the dish, enhancing its overall taste.
- Salt & pepper – Balance and enhance the flavors in the dish.
- Paprika – Adds a subtle, smoky flavor and a touch of color to the Chicken.
- Butter – Helps to create a flavorful sear.
- Olive Oil – Used to sear the chicken breast.
For The Sauce
- Butter – Unsalted butter helps create a rich and flavorful sauce while keeping the sodium levels low.
- Heavy Cream – It contributes to the sauce’s creamy and indulgent texture.
- Garlic – Use fresh minced garlic for an intense, delicious flavor. You can substitute with garlic powder, but I recommend using fresh garlic cloves if you can.
- Italian Seasoning – Feel free to use your favorite mix of dried herbs.
- Nutmeg – A pinch of this is a game-changer! It adds an unexpected depth and a touch of warmth to the flavor profile.
- Parmesan Cheese – This is the key ingredient in Chicken Alfredo, providing a salty, nutty, and cheesy flavor. And a little cheese tip – grate your Parmesan! Grating it yourself means it melts like a dream and packs a flavor punch that pre-grated just can’t match.
- Salt & pepper – The flavor enhancers!
How to Make Chicken Alfredo
Follow the next step and discover how easy it is to create this classic dish’s Italian recipe in your kitchen.
Pan Searing Chicken Breast
Generously season the chicken breasts with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper on both sides.
Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet and cook undisturbed for 5-7 minutes until the underside turns golden brown.
Flip the chicken breasts over and continue cooking the Chicken for 5-7 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
Prepare the Alfredo Sauce
In the same skillet you used for the chicken, add the remaining butter and the heavy cream to the skillet and whisk until the butter has fully melted.
Add minced garlic, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, whisking until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook on low for 3-4 minutes.
Stir in the Parmesan cheese until it melts and the sauce achieves a smooth consistency.
Prepare the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the fettuccine pasta and cook it until it reaches the desired al dente texture.
Assemble the Dish
Remove the sauce from the heat and toss it with the cooked fettuccine noodles.
Place the cooked chicken slices on top and sprinkle with chopped parsley, additional Parmesan cheese, and black pepper as desired.
Essential Tips for Success
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Choose fresh chicken, high-quality heavy cream, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.
- Season Chicken Well: The chicken breasts generously with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. This step ensures that the chicken is flavorful throughout.
- Cook Chicken to Perfection: Sear the Chicken in a hot skillet with olive oil and butter until it develops a golden-brown crust. Ensure the Chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to guarantee it’s fully cooked but still juicy.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the fettuccine pasta to al dente, meaning it should be slightly firm when bitten. Avoid overcooking, as it can become mushy.
- Avoid Boiling the Sauce: Be cautious not to bring the sauce to a boil after adding the cream. A gentle simmer is sufficient to thicken the sauce without curdling it.
- Freshly Grated Parmesan: Grate Parmesan cheese from a block rather than using pre-grated cheese. Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly and offers better flavor.
- Toss Pasta Immediately: After removing the sauce from the heat, promptly toss it with the cooked fettuccine noodles. This ensures the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy Alfredo sauce.
Recipe Variations
You can add many ingredients to a Chicken Alfredo recipe to enhance flavor and texture. Here are some popular additions:
- Fresh Herbs: Herbs like basil, parsley, thyme, or oregano can add freshness and color to your Chicken Alfredo.
- Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick to the dish if you like a bit of heat.
- Sundried Tomatoes: Chopped sun-dried tomatoes can give the sauce a sweet and tangy flavor.
- Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms, such as cremini or shiitake, can provide an earthy flavor and meaty texture to the sauce.
- Peas: Steamed or blanched peas can add a pop of color and a touch of sweetness to your Chicken Alfredo.
- Broccoli: Steamed or roasted broccoli florets can make the dish more nutritious and add a pleasant crunch.
- Spinach: Fresh spinach can be wilted into the sauce, adding a vibrant green color and a mild earthy taste.
- Lemon Zest: A little lemon zest can brighten the flavors and add a subtle citrusy note.
- Bacon: Crumbled bacon can provide a smoky, salty flavor that pairs well with the creamy sauce.
- Fresh Tomatoes: Diced fresh tomatoes can add a juicy, fresh element to your dish. Add them to the end of cooking for a burst of color and flavor.
- Grilled or Blackened Chicken: Grill or blacken the chicken for a smokier flavor and attractive grill marks.
Troubleshooting
When making Chicken Alfredo, like any other dish, you may encounter some issues while preparing it. Here are some common problems and troubleshooting tips to help you overcome them:
- Sauce Too Thin: To thicken the sauce, simmer it over low heat while stirring constantly. Add more grated Parmesan cheese or a slurry of cornstarch and cold water to thicken it gradually. Ensure not to overheat, as this can cause the sauce to curl.
- Sauce Too Thick: Thin the sauce by adding a bit of extra cream, milk, or chicken broth while stirring until you reach the desired consistency. Be sure to add liquid slowly to avoid over-thinning.
- Separated Sauce: If your sauce has separated, remove it from the heat immediately and whisk it vigorously to bring it back together.
- Curdled Sauce: If the sauce has curdled, it may be due to overheating or rapid temperature changes. Remove it from the heat and vigorously whisk in a little cold cream.
- Dry Chicken: To prevent overcooking, cook the chicken just until it’s no longer pink in the center.
- Soggy Pasta: Follow the recommended cooking time on the pasta package and taste-test a few minutes before the suggested time to ensure the pasta is al dente (firm to the bite).
Serving Ideas
- Classic Fettuccine: Serve your Chicken Alfredo over a bed of cooked fettuccine pasta. Ensure the pasta is well-cooked and coated evenly with the creamy sauce.
- Bread: Serve warm, crusty Italian or garlic bread on the side. It’s great for sopping up any leftover sauce on the plate.
- Vegetables: Steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans make a great side dish and add a pop of color to the plate.
- Lemon Wedges: Place a lemon wedge on each plate for diners to squeeze over their Chicken Alfredo if they like a bit of zesty brightness.
- Breadsticks: Serve breadsticks or bread rolls for a bread-based side that can be dipped into the Alfredo sauce.
- Alfredo Pizza: If you’ve turned your Alfredo sauce into a pizza topping, serve the slices with a side salad or coleslaw.
- Small Bites: Make bite-sized appetizers by serving Chicken Alfredo in small phyllo cups, mini tart shells, or as a filling for stuffed mushrooms.
Storing Ideas
It is essential to properly store this Chicken Alfredo to maintain its flavor and safety. Here are some great ideas for storing the leftovers:
- Fridge: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Ensure the Chicken Alfredo has cooled to room temperature before storing them. It can typically be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days.
- Freezer: The chicken Alfredo leftovers can be frozen for longer storage. Place them in an airtight, freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags and store them in the freezer for 1-2 months.
- Make ahead: If you’re planning to make fettuccine alfredo ahead of time, I recommend storing the pasta and sauce in different containers. When you’re ready to serve, gently reheat the sauce and mix it with the warmed pasta, and voilà, a delicious and convenient meal ready in no time!
Reheating
- Use a microwave for individual portions or a stovetop for larger quantities.
- Add a splash of cream or milk to the sauce to help restore its creamy consistency.
- Heat it gently over low to medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking or scorching.
More Easy Pasta Recipes
30-Minute Quick & Easy Chicken Alfredo
Ingredients
- 16 ounces fettuccine pasta
For The Chicken
- 1 1/2 pound chicken breast
- 2 tsp Italian Seasoning
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For The Sauce
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 2 cups parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Season chicken with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat and cook chicken for 5-7 mins each side until it reaches 165°F. Set aside and keep warm.
- Prepare the Alfredo Sauce: In the same pan, add butter and cream. Mix minced garlic, Italian seasoning, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer for 3-4 mins, then stir in the Parmesan cheese until smooth.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water, add pasta, and cook until al dente.
- Assemble the Dish: Toss cooked pasta with sauce, then top with sliced chicken and garnish with parsley, more Parmesan cheese, and black pepper.
Nutrition Information
The nutritional information provided on this website is intended to be a helpful reference and convenience for our users. It is offered as a courtesy and is based on data primarily sourced from the USDA Food Composition Database.
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