Name: Chicken Alfredo
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast; 12 oz fettuccine pasta; 1 ½ cups heavy cream; 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 3 tbsp butter; 1 tbsp olive oil; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Creamy, dreamy, and downright irresistible, Chicken Alfredo is the kind of dish that makes you sigh with contentment after every bite. The rich, garlicky parmesan sauce wraps each strand of fettuccine in a velvety embrace, while juicy, golden-seared chicken brings the heartiness to this indulgent pasta dinner. Whether you’re cooking for your family or impressing guests, this recipe delivers comfort and elegance in one satisfying meal.

Perfectly balanced between creamy and savory, this Chicken Alfredo is surprisingly simple to make. With just a handful of ingredients and a little technique, you’ll have a restaurant-style dinner ready in under 30 minutes. It’s one of those reliable recipes you’ll reach for again and again, especially on nights when you need something cozy but quick.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Alfredo

Chicken Alfredo hits that sweet spot between comfort food and dinner-party-worthy. The sauce is rich but not overwhelming, thanks to the balance of butter, cream, and freshly grated parmesan. It’s kid-friendly, weeknight-easy, and endlessly customizable. Add mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes to make it your own. Plus, it reheats beautifully, making leftovers just as tempting.

What Type of Pasta Should I Use for Chicken Alfredo?

Fettuccine is the classic choice for Alfredo because its broad, flat shape holds onto the silky sauce beautifully. However, you can use linguine, tagliatelle, or even penne if you prefer. The goal is to choose a pasta that can support the creamy richness without getting lost in the sauce.

Ingredients for the Chicken Alfredo

This dish doesn’t require much, but every ingredient plays a key role in building flavor and texture. You’ll want to use the best-quality ingredients you can find, especially when it comes to the cheese and cream.

Chicken breast
Fettuccine pasta
Heavy cream
Parmesan cheese
Garlic
Butter
Olive oil
Salt and pepper
Parsley (optional)

How To Make the Chicken Alfredo

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Cook chicken until golden and fully cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate and let rest before slicing.

Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream, bring to a simmer, and stir occasionally for 2-3 minutes. Gradually whisk in the parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing gently to coat. If the sauce is too thick, use some reserved pasta water to loosen it. Slice the chicken and layer it over the pasta. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Serving and Storing Chicken Alfredo

Chicken Alfredo is best served immediately, with a warm plate and maybe a sprinkle of extra parmesan on top. This recipe feeds 4 generously, making it great for families or a small gathering. If you do have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or milk to bring back the creaminess.

What to Serve With Chicken Alfredo?

Garlic Bread

Nothing sops up extra Alfredo sauce better than a golden, buttery piece of garlic bread.

Caesar Salad

Crisp romaine, parmesan shavings, and a punchy dressing contrast beautifully with creamy pasta.

Roasted Asparagus

Lightly charred asparagus spears add a fresh and healthy balance to this rich meal.

Sautéed Mushrooms

Earthy and savory mushrooms pair wonderfully with the creamy sauce and chicken.

Caprese Salad

Tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic bring brightness to the plate.

Grilled Zucchini

Another veggie-forward option that adds texture and color to your dinner.

White Wine

A chilled glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio brings a touch of acidity to balance the richness.

Want More Pasta Ideas?

If you love this creamy Chicken Alfredo, you’ll want to dive into more delicious pasta creations from Janet Dishes:

Try our Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta for a tangy, veggie-loaded twist.
Our Tuscan Chicken Pasta offers sun-dried tomato magic in every bite.
Feeling bold? Go for the Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta with a kick of spice.
You might also love our hearty Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce for a protein-packed version.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so it’s ready for your next cozy pasta night.

Did you try adding mushrooms or using a different kind of pasta? I’d love to hear how yours turned out in the comments below!

For more crave-worthy meals and daily inspiration, check out Janet Dishes on Pinterest and keep your recipe box full of favorites.

Conclusion

Chicken Alfredo brings warmth and flavor to the table in the most comforting way. It’s rich, easy to prepare, and always a hit. Whether you’re serving it to loved ones or enjoying a solo indulgence, this creamy classic is the kind of recipe that never goes out of style.