Craving a rich and creamy pasta dish that comes together in under an hour? This Chicken Alfredo recipe is your go-to comfort food! With juicy chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a velvety homemade Alfredo sauce, it's a restaurant-quality meal made right in your kitchen. If you've ever wondered how to make chicken Alfredo or how to make Alfredo sauce at home, you're about to find out!
Ingredients List
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2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts—tender and juicy when seared.
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2 tablespoons olive oil—for pan-searing the chicken.
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper—to taste.
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3 cloves garlic, minced – adds depth to the sauce.
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2 cups heavy cream—for that signature creamy Alfredo base.
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1/2 cup unsalted butter—melted into the sauce.
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1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese—melty, nutty, and essential.
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12 oz fettuccine pasta—a classic Alfredo pairing.
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Fresh parsley, chopped—optional garnish.
Substitutions:
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Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker version.
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Swap heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
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Gluten-free pasta works beautifully for a GF version.
Timing
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 25 minutes
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Total Time: 40 minutes
Compared to dining out, this is faster, fresher, and far more satisfying.
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from pan and let rest before slicing.
Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce
In the same skillet, lower heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant (about 1 minute). Pour in the heavy cream and stir until it begins to simmer. Slowly whisk in Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add cooked pasta to the Alfredo sauce, tossing to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time. Slice chicken and layer on top of the pasta.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and a bit more Parmesan if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your homemade Chicken Alfredo!
Nutritional Info
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Calories per serving: ~780 kcal
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Protein: 35g
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Carbohydrates: 55g
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Fat: 45g
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Fiber: 2 g
Healthier Alternatives
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Low-carb: Use zucchini noodles or shirataki pasta.
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Vegan: Replace chicken with mushrooms and use vegan butter, plant cream, and nutritional yeast.
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Dairy-free: Swap butter and cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free Parmesan alternatives.
Serving Suggestions
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Pair with a crisp Caesar salad and garlic bread.
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Serve with roasted broccoli or asparagus for extra greens.
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Add a glass of chilled Chardonnay for a restaurant feel.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Overcooking the pasta—go for al dente to avoid mushy noodles.
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Using pre-shredded Parmesan—it doesn’t melt well. Freshly grated is best.
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Skipping the pasta water—it helps emulsify and thicken the sauce.
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Cooking sauce on high heat—simmer gently to avoid breaking the cream.
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Not resting the chicken—letting it rest locks in juices.
Storing Tips
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Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Freezer: Alfredo sauce can separate when frozen, so freeze pasta and sauce separately if possible.
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Reheat: Gently warm on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk.
Conclusion
Creamy, dreamy, and incredibly satisfying—this Chicken Alfredo recipe is perfect for a cozy night in or impressing guests. Now that you know how to make Chicken Alfredo from scratch, try it tonight, and don’t forget to comment with your favorite add-ins or share with fellow pasta lovers!
FAQs
How to make Alfredo sauce?
Melt butter in a pan, add garlic, then whisk in heavy cream. Simmer and stir in Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.
How to make chicken Alfredo?
Sear seasoned chicken breasts, cook pasta, and combine both with homemade Alfredo sauce. Top with parsley and serve!
How to make homemade Alfredo sauce?
Use butter, heavy cream, garlic, and freshly grated Parmesan. Simmer and stir until thickened—rich and flavorful every time.
How to make Alfredo pasta?
Boil your favorite pasta, toss it in Alfredo sauce, and top with your protein or veggies of choice.
How to make Alfredo sauce at home?
Start with butter and garlic, stir in cream, and melt in Parmesan. Add salt and pepper to taste—simple and delicious!
