Name: Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 12 ounces fettuccine pasta; 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 tablespoons butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1½ cups heavy cream; 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional); Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

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If you’re craving a dish that brings together rich flavors, tender textures, and comforting warmth, look no further than this Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe. This classic Italian-American favorite combines tender chicken breasts with perfectly cooked fettuccine, all enveloped in a luscious Parmesan and garlic-infused cream sauce. Whether you’re aiming to impress at a special dinner or simply want a satisfying weeknight meal, this recipe delivers that silky, indulgent experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows seven small white bowls arranged on a dark wooden table with a white marbled texture. At the center bottom is a bowl of two raw chicken pieces, pale pink and smooth, lightly seasoned. Above it to the left is a bowl of pale yellow butter, solid and smooth, and next to it is a bowl of fine, white flour or grated cheese with a powdery look. To the right of the chicken is a bowl filled with light, crumbly cheese that looks soft and fluffy. Above this is a bowl of white shredded cheese, finely grated with a delicate texture. Above the chicken in the center is a bowl of rigatoni pasta, large, tubular, and yellow with a smooth surface. At the top right is a clear glass bottle with a golden liquid, likely oil, shiny and transparent. Finally, at the top left is a small bowl of white sour cream or sauce, creamy and topped with a sprinkle of black pepper. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures, from the tender chicken to the velvety sauce and perfectly al dente pasta.

12 ounces fettuccine pasta: The wide, flat noodles hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully.
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Provides tender protein that soaks up the Alfredo flavors.
1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the ingredients’ natural tastes without overpowering.
½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle hint of spiciness that balances richness.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings aromatic herbs that lift the dish’s depth.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Used to sear the chicken, adding color and flavor.
3 tablespoons butter: Combines with garlic to create the base of the sauce’s luxurious taste.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Offers a fragrant, savory note essential for Alfredo.
1½ cups heavy cream: The silky backbone of the creamy sauce.
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Melts smoothly, giving the sauce its signature tangy richness.
¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional): A little warmth that rounds out the creamy sauce beautifully.
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish): Adds a burst of color and freshness to finish the dish.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Fettuccine

Start by boiling the fettuccine pasta in salted water according to the package directions until it reaches al dente—meaning it’s tender but still has a bit of bite. Drain the pasta well, and set it aside to await its creamy companion. The perfectly cooked pasta is the essential canvas for the luscious sauce.

Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, season your chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. These simple spices elevate the chicken’s flavor without overwhelming it. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the chicken. Cook each side for about 5 to 6 minutes until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken and slice it into strips. This step ensures juicy, flavorful chicken that complements the creamy sauce perfectly.

Step 3: Create the Sauce Base

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant but not browned. This quick step infuses the butter with garlic’s irresistible aroma, setting the stage for the creamy Alfredo sauce.

Step 4: Simmer the Cream Sauce

Now it’s time to add the heavy cream to the skillet. Bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to combine the flavors. Slowly add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and the optional pinch of nutmeg, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes silky-smooth. Using freshly grated cheese is key for that authentic, luscious texture.

Step 5: Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce

Finally, add the cooked fettuccine and sliced chicken back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together, ensuring each strand of pasta and piece of chicken is perfectly coated in that creamy, cheesy goodness. This final step brings all the elements together into one harmonious dish ready to delight your taste buds.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe

Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top adds not only beautiful color contrast but also a hint of fresh, herbaceous brightness that balances the creamy sauce. For an extra touch, consider fresh cracked black pepper or a light drizzle of good-quality olive oil.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides such as garlic bread, which helps mop up the irresistible sauce, or a light green salad tossed with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the Alfredo. For something heartier, steamed broccoli or sautéed spinach make perfect vegetable companions.

Creative Ways to Present

To elevate your presentation, try serving the pasta in individual shallow bowls garnished with parsley, and a lemon wedge on the side to add a fresh citrus zing if desired. Another fun idea is to bake the Alfredo pasta briefly in a casserole dish topped with extra Parmesan and breadcrumbs for a crispy, golden crust that’s simply delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to three days, making it perfect for a quick lunch or easy dinner the next day without losing its rich flavors.

Freezing

While Alfredo sauces don’t always freeze perfectly due to their dairy content, you can freeze leftovers if needed. Transfer the pasta to a freezer-safe container and ensure it’s well sealed. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best results, but be aware the texture of the sauce might change slightly upon freezing.

Reheating

When ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat the pasta gently on the stovetop over low heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring often to prevent the sauce from separating. Adding a splash of cream or milk can help restore the sauce’s creamy consistency during reheating.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While fettuccine is traditional and ideal for cream sauces, penne, linguine, or even rigatoni work well too. Just make sure to cook the pasta al dente for the best texture.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Cook chicken until its internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), or when the juices run clear and there is no pink inside. Slicing it open after cooking helps check doneness as well.

Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?

You can lighten the sauce by substituting half the heavy cream with milk or using a lower-fat cream alternative, though the sauce may be less rich. Adding more vegetables like spinach or broccoli also helps balance the dish.

Can I prepare this recipe without garlic?

Yes, though garlic adds a classic depth to Alfredo sauce, you can omit it if needed. Adding aromatic herbs like thyme or a pinch of onion powder can help maintain flavor complexity.

What can I add to make this dish more colorful and nutritious?

Adding sautéed vegetables such as zucchini, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes is a great way to introduce color, texture, and nutrients without sacrificing the creamy integrity of the dish.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe has a special way of turning any meal into a celebration of comforting flavors and rich textures. It’s one of those dishes that feels both indulgent and approachable, perfect for feeding family and friends with love. Give it a try and let the buttery, cheesy sauce combined with tender chicken and perfect pasta win you over time and time again.