Have you ever craved a restaurant-quality pasta dish but wanted to avoid the hefty bill and long wait times? Making a delicious chicken with alfredo recipe at home is not only budget-friendly but also allows you to control the quality of ingredients and customize flavors to your liking. This creamy chicken alfredo pasta recipe delivers rich, velvety sauce coating tender pasta and perfectly seasoned chicken—a combination that never fails to satisfy. Whether you're cooking for a weeknight family dinner or impressing guests at a dinner party, this homemade alfredo brings comfort food to a whole new level. The best part? You probably have most ingredients in your pantry already, making this an accessible yet indulgent meal anyone can master.

Ingredients List

    • 1 lb (450g) fettuccine or linguine pasta
    • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
    • Salt and black pepper to taste
    • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
    • Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

For the Alfredo Sauce:

    • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
    • 4 cloves garlic, minced
    • 2 cups heavy cream
    • 1 ½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
    • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional, but recommended)
    • Salt and white pepper to taste

Timing / Cooking Schedule

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 25 minutes

Total time: 35 minutes

This recipe is significantly faster than ordering takeout and delivers fresher results. You can even prep the chicken and chop ingredients ahead of time to cut your active cooking time in half.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then season both sides generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Drying the chicken helps achieve a beautiful golden crust.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from heat, let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips. Resting keeps the chicken juicy.

Step 3: Boil the Pasta While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining—this starchy liquid can help adjust sauce consistency later.

Step 4: Make the Alfredo Sauce In the same skillet (wiped clean), melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. This classic chicken with alfredo recipe relies on fresh garlic for depth of flavor.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Season Reduce heat to low and gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until fully melted and smooth. Season with nutmeg, salt, and white pepper. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time.

Step 6: Combine Everything Toss the drained pasta in the creamy chicken alfredo pasta recipe sauce until evenly coated. Add sliced chicken on top or mix it in. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan.

Nutritional Information

Nutritional Information

Per serving (serves 4):

    • Calories: 780
    • Protein: 42g
    • Carbohydrates: 58g
    • Fat: 42g
    • Fiber: 3g
    • Vitamin C: 6% DV
    • Iron: 18% DV

Tips, Variations, or Cooking Advice

Dietary Swaps: - Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles. - Dairy-Free: Substitute coconut cream and nutritional yeast for a plant-based version. - Keto-Friendly: Replace pasta with shirataki noodles or spaghetti squash.

Flavor Variations: Add sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, or mushrooms to boost nutrition and flavor. A splash of white wine in the sauce adds restaurant-quality depth.

Meal Prep Tips: Cook chicken and sauce separately, store in airtight containers, and cook fresh pasta when ready to serve for best texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Overcooking the Chicken Dry, rubbery chicken ruins the dish. Use a meat thermometer and remove chicken at exactly 165°F.

Mistake 2: Using Pre-Grated Cheese Pre-shredded Parmesan contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Always grate fresh cheese from a block.

Mistake 3: Boiling the Sauce High heat causes cream to separate. Keep the heat low and gentle for a silky, stable sauce.

Mistake 4: Skipping Pasta Water That starchy water is liquid gold for adjusting sauce consistency and helping it cling to noodles.

Storage / Leftovers Tips

Store leftover chicken with alfredo recipe components in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep pasta and sauce separate if possible to prevent sogginess. For the creamiest results with your creamy chicken alfredo pasta recipe leftovers, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce's silky texture. Avoid microwaving on high power, which can cause the sauce to separate. While freezing is possible (up to 2 months), cream-based sauces may break slightly upon thawing—whisk vigorously while reheating to re-emulsify. For best quality, consume refrigerated leftovers within 2-3 days and frozen portions within one month.