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

When you need comfort food with a touch of elegance, Chicken Alfredo Pasta never fails to deliver. Creamy, savory, and filled with tender bites of seasoned chicken, this classic dish feels both indulgent and approachable. Whether you’re hosting guests or making a weeknight meal for the family, it’s a sure way to get everyone to the table.

The rich Alfredo sauce, made from scratch, clings beautifully to every piece of pasta. It’s one of those recipes that once you learn how to make, you’ll revisit again and again. Plus, it’s endlessly adaptable. Toss in spinach or mushrooms, swap the pasta shape, or make it extra garlicky. The core flavors always shine through.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Alfredo Pasta

This dish hits the perfect balance of creamy and savory. The pan-seared chicken brings a satisfying bite that pairs beautifully with the silky Alfredo sauce. It tastes like restaurant-quality pasta but made right in your own kitchen. The best part? It’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for both special nights and quick dinners.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use for Chicken Alfredo?

While fettuccine is the traditional choice, you can absolutely switch it up. Penne, rigatoni, or even linguine hold onto the sauce beautifully. The goal is to use a pasta that has enough surface area or ridges to soak up that creamy Alfredo goodness. If you’re going for gluten-free, brown rice or chickpea pasta also work well.

Ingredients for the Chicken Alfredo Pasta

To make the best Chicken Alfredo Pasta, it’s all about simple ingredients with quality in mind. Each one plays a role in building flavor and texture.

Chicken breast: Boneless and skinless, sliced into thin strips for quick cooking and maximum flavor.
Fettuccine pasta: A flat, wide noodle that’s ideal for catching all that creamy sauce.
Heavy cream: This is the base of your Alfredo sauce, lending a rich, velvety texture.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated gives the best melt and bold cheesy flavor.
Butter: Helps sauté the garlic and starts the sauce on a silky note.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the sauce with aroma and depth.
Salt and pepper: Basic seasoning that enhances every bite.
Olive oil: Used to sear the chicken to golden perfection.
Parsley: Optional, but adds a nice freshness to finish.

How To Make the Chicken Alfredo Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

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

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken strips with salt and pepper. Sear the chicken until golden on both sides and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.

Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic. Cook for about a minute, just until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and stir, letting it simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 4: Add the Cheese

Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, whisking constantly until it melts into a smooth sauce. If it gets too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet and toss gently to coat. Return the chicken to the pan and toss everything until evenly combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 6: Serve

Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot with extra Parmesan on the side.

Serving and Storing Chicken Alfredo Pasta

This recipe yields enough for 4 generous servings, perfect for family dinner or a cozy dinner party. Serve it straight from the skillet while it’s creamy and warm. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce, and warm gently on the stove or in the microwave. Avoid overheating as the sauce may separate.

What to Serve With Chicken Alfredo Pasta?

Garlic Bread

To soak up every last drop of sauce, you can’t go wrong with a golden, buttery piece of garlic bread.

Roasted Asparagus

Its slight crispness and earthy flavor balance the richness of the Alfredo perfectly.

Classic Caesar Salad

A fresh Caesar with crunchy croutons and tangy dressing is always a good call.

Lemon Herb Broccoli

The zest and brightness from lemony broccoli adds freshness to the plate.

Caprese Skewers

Cherry tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella on a stick give a light and fun starter.

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

Start your meal with a warm and savory bowl to complement the pasta.

Parmesan Roasted Zucchini

Simple and cheesy, this is a great way to sneak in more veggies.

A Glass of Chardonnay

If you’re sipping, a chilled glass of white wine like Chardonnay pairs beautifully.

Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If this creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta left you inspired, you might also want to explore more comforting and flavorful pasta dishes:

Try the rich and herby Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta for a tangy vegetarian twist.
The satisfying One-Pot Creamy Sausage Rigatoni is perfect for easy cleanup.
Check out Creamy Lemon Butter Salmon if you’re craving seafood with a citrusy finish.
For something totally cozy, give Delicious Ooey Gooey Mac and Cheese a go.
Or, mix things up with the Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta if you want even more Alfredo-style goodness.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add mushrooms or swap the pasta? Did you spice up the sauce? I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. If you have any questions, drop them below!

Explore beautifully curated comfort meals and cozy dinner inspiration on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover your next weeknight favorite.

Conclusion

Chicken Alfredo Pasta is the kind of dish that wraps you in comfort without being fussy. It’s simple, satisfying, and endlessly customizable. Once you get the hang of the sauce, it’ll become your go-to creamy pasta base for countless meals. From weeknight dinners to last-minute guests, this one always delivers.