Creamy Classic Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe for Dinner Magic

Comfort meets elegance in this classic chicken alfredo pasta that promises a creamy culinary adventure.

Tender chicken pieces nestle perfectly among silky noodles, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.

Rich parmesan cheese melts into a luxurious sauce, coating each strand with velvety goodness.

Home cooks appreciate how simple ingredients can produce such magnificent results.

Weeknight dinners suddenly feel like special occasions when you serve this delightful dish.

Pasta lovers will adore the balance of protein and smooth, indulgent sauce.

Anticipation builds with every stir of the wooden spoon, promising a meal that satisfies both hunger and soul.

Perfect Sides With Chicken Alfredo Pasta

• Pair Creamy Chardonnay: Smooth, buttery white wine complements the rich Alfredo sauce, enhancing the dish's creamy texture and balancing its decadent flavors.
• Serve Fresh Arugula Salad: Peppery greens with lemon vinaigrette cut through the heaviness of the pasta, adding a bright, refreshing contrast to the rich chicken Alfredo.
• Match Garlic Bread Sides: Crispy, herbed garlic bread provides a crunchy texture that perfectly absorbs the luxurious Alfredo sauce, creating a delightful side accompaniment.
• Select Sparkling Water with Lemon: Crisp, light beverage cleanses the palate between bites, helping to refresh the taste buds and balance the dish's creamy intensity.

How To Keep Chicken Alfredo Pasta Tasty

• Store leftover Chicken Alfredo in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Separate chicken and pasta to maintain texture and prevent sogginess.
• Package the dish in freezer-safe containers, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing cream-based sauces for best quality.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few tablespoons of water or milk to restore moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until warmed through.
• Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce's creamy consistency.

Answers To Chicken Alfredo Pasta Questions

• Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, while fettuccine is traditional, you can substitute with linguine, penne, or any long pasta that holds sauce well.

• How do I know if the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s safe to eat.

• Is there a way to make this dish lighter?

Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, and use less Parmesan cheese to reduce calories and fat content.

• Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Prepare the components separately and combine just before serving to maintain the best texture and prevent the pasta from becoming soggy.

Why Classic Chicken Alfredo Pasta Is So Creamy

• Conquer Comfort Cooking: Simple, Satisfying Chicken Alfredo creates a restaurant-quality meal with minimal kitchen skills required.
• Craft a Crowd-Pleaser: This classic pasta dish delights everyone from picky kids to sophisticated adults, making it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
• Quick and Customizable: Prepare the entire meal in under 30 minutes, with easy options to add vegetables or swap protein for endless meal variations.
• Master One-Skillet Magic: Minimize cleanup by using the same skillet for chicken and sauce, transforming basic ingredients into a creamy, indulgent dinner that feels like a special treat.

All Ingredients For Chicken Alfredo Pasta

• Chicken Breasts: Tender protein that forms the main source of protein in the dish.
• Fettuccine Pasta: Classic long, flat pasta that serves as the base of the recipe.
• Parmesan Cheese: Aged Italian cheese that provides rich, savory flavor to the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Creamy base that creates the luxurious Alfredo sauce texture.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth sauce base.
• Nutmeg: Subtle spice that enhances the overall flavor profile of the sauce.

• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds depth and traditional flavor to the sauce.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the dish's taste.

• Parsley, Additional Parmesan Cheese: Fresh herb and extra cheese for finishing the dish with brightness and additional flavor.

• Canola Oil: Neutral oil used for cooking the chicken to achieve a golden-brown exterior.

Cooking Steps For Chicken Alfredo Pasta Made Easy

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Cook fettuccine in salted water following package instructions. Drain pasta, keeping a small cup of starchy water for later sauce magic.

Step 2: Season Chicken Deliciously

Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper, ensuring every inch gets flavor love.

Step 3: Sear Chicken to Golden Perfection

• Exterior turns golden brown
• Inside becomes fully cooked
• No pink remains in center

Remove chicken and let it rest before slicing.

Step 4: Create Aromatic Garlic Base

• Minced garlic
• Gentle heat

Sauté until garlic releases its incredible fragrance.

Step 5: Build Luxurious Cream Sauce

• Salt
• Pepper
• Nutmeg

Simmer sauce until it becomes slightly thickened.

Step 6: Transform Sauce with Cheese

Whisk Parmesan cheese gradually, creating silky smooth consistency.

Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Toss fettuccine in creamy sauce. Adjust thickness using reserved pasta water.

Step 8: Add Sliced Chicken

Cut chicken into elegant strips and arrange beautifully over pasta.

Step 9: Finish with Elegant Touches

• Fresh chopped parsley
• Extra Parmesan cheese

Serve immediately and enjoy your restaurant-quality meal!

Simple Tips For Chicken Alfredo Pasta Success

• Save some pasta water before draining to help adjust sauce consistency if needed.
• Choose fresh Parmesan cheese and grate it yourself for the most authentic and rich flavor profile.
• Let chicken rest after cooking to retain maximum juiciness and prevent dry meat.
• Keep skillet heat at medium to prevent cream sauce from separating or burning.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure better browning and crispier exterior.

Delicious Takes On Chicken Alfredo Pasta

• Spicy Southwest Chicken Alfredo: Add diced jalapeños, chili powder, and cumin to the sauce. Top with fresh cilantro and serve with a side of salsa for a zesty kick.
• Mediterranean Chicken Alfredo: Mix in sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese. Sprinkle with dried oregano and fresh basil leaves for a Greek-inspired version.
• Mushroom Herb Chicken Alfredo: Sauté sliced cremini mushrooms with thyme and rosemary before adding to the sauce. Finish with truffle oil and fresh chives for an earthy, aromatic profile.
• Roasted Vegetable Chicken Alfredo: Roast bell peppers, zucchini, and red onions with olive oil and Italian seasoning.

Classic Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 30-32 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy classic chicken alfredo pasta blends Italian culinary tradition with comforting flavors. Rich parmesan sauce and tender chicken create a delightful meal you’ll savor down to the last delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound or 454 grams)

Pasta:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) dried fettuccine pasta

Seasonings and Flavorings:

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

Dairy and Cheese:

• 8 tablespoons (1 stick or 113 grams) European-style unsalted butter
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1 cup (2.5 ounces or 70 grams) finely grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

Cooking Oils:

• 2 tablespoons canola oil

Garnish:

• Coarsely chopped fresh parsley leaves

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Instructions

1. Prepare fettuccine according to package instructions, then drain while preserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
2. Generously season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
3. Heat canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked through. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest.
4. Using the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic until aromatic, approximately 1 minute.
5. Pour heavy cream into the skillet, bringing to a gentle simmer. Incorporate remaining seasonings and nutmeg, allowing mixture to simmer for 2-3 minutes.
6. Gradually incorporate Parmesan cheese, whisking until sauce transforms into a smooth, velvety consistency.
7. Fold cooked fettuccine into the creamy sauce, ensuring complete coating. Adjust sauce thickness by incrementally adding reserved pasta water.
8. Slice rested chicken into elegant strips.
9. Arrange chicken strips atop pasta, then embellish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese before serving immediately.

Notes

• Adjust pasta water carefully to control sauce thickness, preventing it from becoming too runny or dry.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for superior melting and richer flavor compared to pre-packaged cheese.
• Consider pounding chicken breasts to uniform thickness to ensure even cooking and prevent dry edges.
• Make it gluten-free by substituting regular fettuccine with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta alternatives.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-22 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 670 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 570 mg
• Fat: 42 g
• Saturated Fat: 21 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 45 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg