Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe

If you have ever craved a cozy, indulgent dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then this Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe is your perfect match. Combining tender, juicy chicken with rich, velvety Alfredo sauce and perfectly cooked fettuccine, this dish brings together classic American and Italian flavors in a way that is effortlessly satisfying. It’s an easy-to-make comfort food that’s packed with creamy goodness and a subtle garlicky kick, guaranteed to become one of your favorite weeknight dinners or dinner party showstoppers.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe is simple yet crucial, contributing layers of flavor, creamy texture, and vibrant color. From the savory chicken to the freshly grated Parmesan, every component ensures this dish turns out just right.

• 500 g (1 lb) large chicken breasts: Choose boneless and skinless for juicy, tender meat that cooks evenly.
• Salt and pepper: The essential seasoning to enhance the natural flavors of the chicken and sauce.
• ½ tbsp olive oil: For frying the chicken to a golden-brown perfection.
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter: Melts into the sauce, adding richness and depth.
• 3 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the sauce with an irresistible aromatic punch.
• 500 ml (2 cups) double/heavy cream: The heart of the sauce, creating that luscious creaminess.
• 50 g (½ cup) Parmesan cheese, freshly grated: Adds sharp, nutty complexity while thickening the sauce.
• 1 tsp salt: For seasoning the sauce perfectly.
• 1 tsp garlic powder (optional): Enhances the garlic flavor subtly without overpowering.
• 3 tbsp fresh chopped parsley: A fresh, green garnish that brightens the presentation and taste.
• 300 g (10 ½ oz) fettuccine or tagliatelle pasta, dried: The classic pasta choice to hold onto the creamy sauce wonderfully.
• 1 tsp salt for pasta water: To season the pasta water, enhancing the overall flavor of the pasta itself.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Chicken

Start by preparing the chicken breasts: slice them open carefully without cutting through entirely, then flatten each breast gently using a rolling pin covered with greaseproof paper. Season generously with salt and pepper to build flavor right from the start. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then fry the chicken until golden and cooked through, about 8 to 10 minutes depending on thickness. Check the internal temperature with a thermometer—it should reach 75°C (165°F). Once done, let the chicken rest briefly before slicing it diagonally; this ensures juiciness and tenderness in every bite.

Step 2: Make the Alfredo Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium-low and add butter to the empty skillet; let it melt fully before stirring in the minced garlic. Cook just until fragrant, about 30 seconds, careful not to brown the garlic too much. Pour in the heavy cream gently and bring it to a low simmer. Add salt and, if using, garlic powder to enhance the flavor. Stir in your freshly grated Parmesan cheese slowly, letting it melt completely and thicken the sauce. Fold the sliced chicken back into the sauce along with a sprinkle of fresh parsley to infuse a hint of color and freshness.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Season generously with salt, then cook the fettuccine or tagliatelle according to the package instructions, but set your timer to stop cooking one minute before the recommended time—this will give you perfectly al dente pasta that holds up brilliantly with the creamy sauce. Drain the pasta, reserving a small cup of the cooking water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with your creamy Alfredo sauce and chicken. Toss everything together gently to ensure every strand is coated in that luscious sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, stir in a little reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Taste once more and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot for the ultimate creamy comfort experience.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh chopped parsley is an absolute must to adorn this dish—it lends a burst of vibrant green that brightens up the creamy tones and adds a lovely herbal note. For an extra touch, you can sprinkle additional grated Parmesan or freshly cracked black pepper to elevate flavor and presentation.

Side Dishes

To complement the rich Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe, consider a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette, which cuts through the creaminess and adds refreshing contrast. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread is also a fantastic choice, perfect for savoring every last drop of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this dish in rustic wide pasta bowls to showcase the creamy sauce beautifully. Drizzle a little extra olive oil over the top for shine and richness and garnish with edible flowers or microgreens for a restaurant-worthy appearance that will wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The sauce may thicken, but that’s easy to fix when reheating.

Freezing

This Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe isn’t the best candidate for freezing because cream-based sauces can separate when thawed. However, if you must freeze it, pack it tightly in a freezer-safe container and consume within 1 month, thawing slowly in the fridge overnight.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce and prevent it from drying out. Avoid using a microwave as it can cause the sauce to separate and lose its silky texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe, offering a bit more flavor and juiciness, though the cooking time might be slightly longer.

What type of cream is best for Alfredo sauce?

Heavy or double cream is best because it has a higher fat content that creates a rich, silky sauce. Single cream can be used but may produce a thinner sauce.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

While challenging due to the Parmesan and cream, you can try using dairy-free cream alternatives and nutritional yeast, but the flavor and texture will differ from the traditional Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe.

How can I make this recipe low-carb?

Swap the fettuccine for zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles for a low-carb version, though keep in mind the texture and presentation will change.

Is it okay to use pre-grated Parmesan?

Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and offers better flavor, but pre-grated can work in a pinch. Just avoid the powdered kinds that don’t melt well.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe has all the elements that make comfort food truly special: tenderness, creaminess, and irresistible garlic-infused flavor. It’s a dish you can easily prepare any night of the week yet serve with pride as if it took hours. So, roll up your sleeves, grab these simple ingredients, and treat yourself and your loved ones to this mouthwatering meal that feels like a warm embrace on a plate.

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