Easy Chicken Alfredo Recipe

Introduction

This easy chicken Alfredo pasta is rich, creamy, and incredibly satisfying, a comforting pasta to make for either a busy weeknight or a special family dinner. The tender, seasoned chicken is paired with fettuccine that is just perfectly cooked and finished in butter, garlic, heavy cream, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese to create a velvety homemade Alfredo sauce.

This recipe is a home version that's easy to make and still has the flavor and richness of a restaurant version. Serve with garlic bread and fresh salad for a total meal sure to be enjoyed by all.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Delicious colorful homemade alfredo sauce that is rich and creamy

• Simple, 35 minutes to prepare

• Great for family dinners Improved over restaurant-quality pasta.

• Can be easily made with simple ingredients.

• High protein and full of flavor

• Very convenient for mealtime and leftovers

Recipe Information

Detail Information

Prep Time = 15 minutes

Cook Time = 20 minutes

Total Time = 35 minutes

Servings = 4

Difficulty=Easy

Course=Main Course

Cuisine=Italian-American

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Alfredo Sauce

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 cups heavy cream

• 1½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• ¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste)

• ½ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper

For the Pasta

• 12 ounces (340 g) fettuccine pasta

• Fresh parsley, chopped

• Additional pieces of Parmesan cheese for garnish

Equipment

• Large pot

• Large skillet

• Colander

• Cutting board

• Chef's knife Measuring cups and spoons

• Tongs

• Wooden spoon

Instructions

Step 1—Cook the Pasta

Bring salted water to a boil in a large pot. Cook fettuccine to al dente, according to instructions on the package. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the pasta water. Drain pasta and reserve.

Step 2 – Season the Chicken

Use paper towels to dry chicken breasts. Add an equal layer of garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to both sides.

Step 3 – Cook the Chicken

In a big skillet, cook the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side or until golden brown and the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C). Place the chicken on a cutting board and allow to rest for 5 minutes, then cut into thin strips.

Step 4—Prepare the Alfredo Sauce

Decrease the heat to medium. Add butter to the same skillet and melt. Sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds, the minced garlic. Add heavy cream to the mixture one drop at a time, stirring constantly. Simmer gently; do not boil for 3-4 minutes. Slowly pour in the Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Step 5 – Combine Everything

Combine cooked fettuccine with Alfredo sauce and toss lightly so that all fettuccine is coated. Add some pasta water if the sauce dries out until you get the consistency you like. Put the sliced chicken back into the skillet and stir all ingredients lightly.

Step 6 – Garnish and Serve

Serve and transfer the chicken alfredo to the serving plates.

Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and more grated Parmesan cheese.

Serve hot with garlic bread or fresh green salad.Expert Tips

• Parmesan melts much better if it is freshly grated.

• The cream shouldn't boil, or else it may separate.

• Chicken should be rested before slicing to ensure that it remains juicy.

• Save pasta water to add to sauce if necessary.

• Cook pasta until al dente (tender but not mushy) for the best texture.

Variations:

Broccoli Chicken Alfredo

Serve with steamed broccoli at the end for added nutrition and color.

Mushroom Alfredo

If you're sautéing mushrooms before you add them to the Alfredo sauce, do a deep sauté to add a rich, earthy flavor.

Spicy Chicken Alfredo with Sausage

Add crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for a mild kick.

Shrimp Alfredo

Substitute the chicken with seasoned shrimp and enjoy a tasty seafood recipe.

What to Serve With

• Garlic bread

• Caesar salad

• Steamed broccoli

• Roasted asparagus

• Sautéed green beans

• Roasted Brussels sprouts

• Mixed garden salad

Storage

Once the pasta is cooked, let it cool completely before putting it into an airtight container. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Heat in a skillet, or saucepan, gently over low heat until smooth, adding a splash of milk or heavy cream. Or microwave it at 30-second intervals, stirring in between each interval.

Frequently Asked Questions

May I use a different type of pasta?

Yes. Alfredo sauce is best suited with penne, linguine, spaghetti or rotini

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Absolutely. They can be sliced and put in during the final step using rotisserie chicken or residual grilled chicken.

Can I freeze chicken alfredo?

This particular recipe is best served fresh or refrigerated, as cream-based sauces can have a tendency of separating when frozen.

Why is my Alfredo sauce too thick?

Just add a little of the pasta water, milk, or cream until the sauce is the desired consistency.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

The sauce and chicken can be cooked in advance and the fresh pasta cooked and then tossed with the sauce and chicken just before serving.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient Amount

Calories = 760

Protein=42g

Carbohydrates=48g

Fat=44g

Saturated Fat = 22 g

Cholesterol = 190 mg

Sodium = 720 mg

Fiber=2g

Sugar=3g

Conclusion

This easy chicken Alfredo recipe is a comforting, one-dish meal of juicy seasoned chicken, tender fettuccine, and a rich and delicious homemade chicken Alfredo sauce for any occasion. It's a recipe made from simple ingredients that's easy to prepare and tastes like it's made in a restaurant and will be made again and again. Serve it with garlic bread, a crisp salad, or roasted vegetables and enjoy a complete meal the whole family will enjoy.