Chicken Alfredo is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and absolutely satisfying. Originating from Italian-American cuisine, this dish pairs juicy pan-seared chicken with fettuccine pasta smothered in a rich Alfredo sauce. Made with butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, the sauce is what makes it so irresistible. It’s a crowd-pleaser perfect for family dinners, date nights, or when you simply crave a creamy pasta indulgence.
If you’re new to cooking or just want something delicious without fuss, Chicken Alfredo is a great go-to. Let’s break it down together—step-by-step!
Quick Facts
Here’s a quick look at what to expect:
| Course | Dinner |
|---|---|
| Cuisine | Italian-American |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Servings | 4 |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 25 minutes |
| Calories | ~780 per serving |
Equipment Needed
Before diving into the cooking, make sure you have all the tools ready. Having the right equipment helps make the process smooth and stress-free.
- Large skillet or sauté pan: To cook the chicken and prepare the sauce.
- Large pot: For boiling pasta.
- Tongs or spatula: To flip the chicken and stir pasta.
- Strainer or colander: To drain the cooked pasta.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient amounts.
- Knife and cutting board: To slice the chicken.
- Grater: Fresh Parmesan melts better and tastes fresher.
- Mixing bowl (optional): For prepping or resting cooked chicken.
- Wooden spoon or whisk: To stir the sauce smoothly.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make Chicken Alfredo:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced in half horizontally)
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- 1¼ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
Let’s make this creamy dream step-by-step!
- Cook the pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook fettuccine until al dente (about 8–10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- Prep the chicken: Season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Remove and rest.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Add cream: Pour in heavy cream. Let it simmer for 3–4 minutes.
- Add cheese: Stir in Parmesan slowly until melted and smooth.
- Combine everything: Slice the cooked chicken. Add drained pasta to the sauce. Toss well. Top with sliced chicken and garnish with parsley.
Essential Note:
Be sure not to overheat the cream or cheese when making the sauce. High heat can cause the sauce to break or become grainy. Simmer gently and stir often. Also, use freshly grated Parmesan—not pre-shredded—for a smooth, velvety sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Here’s an estimate per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 780 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 52 g |
| Protein | 38 g |
| Fat | 47 g |
| Saturated Fat | 26 g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3 g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 14 g |
| Trans Fat | 0.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 160 mg |
| Sodium | 500 mg |
| Potassium | 490 mg |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Vitamin A (IU) | 1250 IU |
| Vitamin C (mg) | 2 mg |
| Calcium | 300 mg |
| Iron | 2 mg |
Recipe Notes
This recipe tastes best when served fresh, but leftovers reheat well with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce. Use grilled chicken for a smoky twist.
Cooking Tips and Tricks
- Pound your chicken evenly before cooking. It ensures even cooking and prevents dry spots.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet. Give the chicken space so it sears and doesn’t steam.
- Use low to medium heat for the sauce. This keeps the cream smooth and prevents separation.
- Salt your pasta water generously. It adds flavor directly to the noodles.
- Toss pasta with sauce off the heat. This stops the sauce from thickening too much.
If you’re making it ahead, keep the pasta and sauce separate until ready to serve. Reheat the sauce slowly on low heat while stirring.
With this creamy, rich Chicken Alfredo recipe, you’re just 35 minutes away from a restaurant-quality dinner right at home. Give it a try and wow your loved ones! If you liked this recipe, don’t forget to share it—and tell me how it turned out!
