EASY CHICKEN ALFREDO RECIPE

Imagine twirling a forkful of perfectly cooked fettuccine coated in a luscious, creamy sauce, studded with tender, juicy chicken. The aroma alone is enough to make your mouth water, and the first bite? Pure comfort food bliss! I promise, this Chicken Alfredo recipe will become your go-to for a satisfying and surprisingly easy meal.

What You’ll Need: The Chicken Alfredo Ingredients List

Chicken Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Alfredo Sauce Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pint heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 1/4 tsp salt, or to taste
• 1/4 tsp black pepper, or to taste
• Pinch of nutmeg (optional, but adds a lovely warmth)

Pasta & Other Ingredients:

• 1 lb fettuccine pasta
• Optional: 1 head of broccoli, cut into florets for Chicken Broccoli Alfredo
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Let’s Get Cooking: Chicken Alfredo Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

1. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. This helps them cook quickly and evenly.
2. In a bowl, toss the chicken with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure each piece is well coated.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken to the skillet in a single layer (don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary).
3. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned. Set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta (and Broccoli, if using)

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the fettuccine pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
3. If you’re making Chicken Broccoli Alfredo, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water during the last 3-4 minutes of cooking. This will ensure they’re tender-crisp.
4. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining. This starchy water is liquid gold!
5. Drain the pasta and broccoli (if using) and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Alfredo Sauce

1. In the same skillet you used for the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
3. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
4. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the Parmesan cheese until it’s melted and the sauce is smooth.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg (if using).

Step 5: Combine Everything

1. Add the cooked pasta and broccoli (if using) to the Alfredo sauce.
2. Toss to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
3. Stir in the cooked chicken.
4. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.

Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Alfredo

Want to take your Chicken Alfredo to the next level? Here are a few tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years:

• Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Pre-shredded Parmesan cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly into the sauce. Freshly grated cheese will give you a much creamier result.
• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Nobody likes dry, rubbery chicken! Cook it just until it’s cooked through, and don’t be afraid to pull it off the heat a little early, as it will continue to cook in the sauce.
• Adjust the Sauce to Your Liking: The beauty of this recipe is that you can easily adjust the seasoning and thickness of the sauce to your preferences. Add more Parmesan for a cheesier flavor, or more pasta water to thin it out.
• Add a Splash of White Wine: For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a splash of dry white wine to the sauce after cooking the garlic. Let it simmer for a minute or two to cook off the alcohol before adding the heavy cream.
• Spice it Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a subtle kick to the dish.

Variations and Add-ins: Making Chicken Alfredo Your Own

This Chicken Alfredo recipe is a fantastic base that you can customize to your heart’s content. Here are a few ideas:

• Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta: Adding broccoli florets is a classic and healthy addition. You can also try other vegetables like asparagus, peas, or spinach.
• Shrimp Alfredo: Substitute the chicken with cooked shrimp for a delicious seafood twist.
• Sun-Dried Tomato Alfredo: Add some chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for a burst of flavor.
• Mushroom Alfredo: Sauté some sliced mushrooms with the garlic before adding the heavy cream.
• Spice it up! A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a delightful warmth.

Alfredo Sauce Troubleshooting: Common Problems and Solutions

Alfredo sauce can sometimes be a little finicky, but don’t worry! Here’s how to troubleshoot some common problems:

• Sauce is Too Thick: Gradually add reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
• Sauce is Too Thin: Simmer the sauce for a few more minutes to allow it to thicken. You can also add a little more Parmesan cheese.
• Sauce is Grainy: This is usually caused by the Parmesan cheese not melting properly. Make sure you’re using freshly grated cheese and that the sauce is simmering gently over low heat. If the sauce is already grainy, try whisking in a tablespoon of heavy cream or butter to help smooth it out.
• Sauce is Bland: Add more salt, pepper, or Parmesan cheese to taste. A squeeze of lemon juice can also brighten up the flavor.

Serving Suggestions: What to Serve with Chicken Alfredo

Chicken Alfredo is a rich and satisfying meal on its own, but it’s even better when served with the right accompaniments. Here are a few ideas:

• Garlic Bread: A classic pairing that’s perfect for soaking up all that delicious Alfredo sauce.
• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or carrots are all great options.
• Steamed Green Beans: A light and healthy side dish.

Check Out These Other Delicious Pasta Recipes!

If you love pasta as much as I do, you’ll definitely want to check out these other amazing recipes:

• Try this Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Linguine for another quick and easy weeknight meal.
• Craving something a little different? Give this Chicken Stroganoff a try.
• For a lighter option, try this Creamy Zucchini Noodle Chicken Alfredo. It is a healthy, low-carb alternative.
• You may also like Creamy Alfredo Chicken which is another variation of this classic dish.
• Another great option is Creamy Chicken Alfredo.
• Also try Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta for a quick and delicious one-pan meal.

Storage and Reheating: Keeping Your Chicken Alfredo Fresh

Got leftovers? Here’s how to store and reheat your Chicken Alfredo:

• Storage: Store leftover Chicken Alfredo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: The best way to reheat Chicken Alfredo is in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of milk or cream to help loosen the sauce. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook it, as the sauce can become rubbery.

Why I Love This Recipe (and You Will Too!)

This Chicken Alfredo recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl. It’s the perfect comfort food for a chilly evening, a satisfying weeknight dinner that the whole family will love, and a dish that’s surprisingly easy to make. Whether you stick to the classic version or add your own creative twists, I’m confident that this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. So go ahead, give it a try – you won’t be disappointed!

Easy Chicken Alfredo

Alice Yowell

This Easy Chicken Alfredo recipe features tender chicken and perfectly cooked fettuccine tossed in a creamy, homemade Alfredo sauce. It’s a comforting and satisfying meal that’s surprisingly simple to make, perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 650 kcal

Equipment

• Large pot
• Large skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Colander
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Tongs or spatula

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pint heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• ¼ tsp salt, or to taste
• ¼ tsp black pepper, or to taste
• Pinch of nutmeg optional
• 1 lb fettuccine pasta
• 1 head of broccoli, cut into florets optional
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

 

• Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
• In a bowl, toss the chicken with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add the chicken to the skillet in a single layer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly browned. Set aside.
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Add the fettuccine pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
• If using broccoli, add it to the boiling water during the last 3-4 minutes of cooking.
• Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
• Drain the pasta and broccoli (if using) and set aside.
• In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
• Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
• Reduce the heat to low and stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
• Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using).
• Add the cooked pasta and broccoli (if using) to the Alfredo sauce.
• Toss to coat the pasta evenly. Add pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
• Stir in the cooked chicken.
• Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.

Notes

For a creamier sauce, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Adjust the sauce thickness with pasta water. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in a skillet with a splash of milk or cream. Variations include adding shrimp, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms. For an extra layer of flavor, add a splash of dry white wine to the sauce after cooking the garlic.