Name: Chicken Alfredo Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 oz fettuccine noodles, uncooked; 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts; ½ tsp salt (for chicken); ¼ tsp black pepper (for chicken); ½ tsp paprika; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 2 tsp olive oil; ½ cup butter, salted; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 8 oz cream cheese; 1½ cups heavy cream; 8 oz parmesan cheese, shredded; ¼ tsp salt (for sauce); ¼ tsp black pepper (for sauce); 1 tbsp parsley, freshly chopped

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

This creamy Chicken Alfredo recipe is a restaurant-quality dish you can make easily at home. Perfectly seasoned, tender chicken breast is paired with rich and velvety Alfredo sauce tossed over fettuccine noodles. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s an indulgent comfort food that will satisfy the whole family.

Chicken Alfredo Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy and rich Alfredo sauce: Made from real cream, butter, and parmesan for unbeatable flavor.
Quick and easy: Ready in just over 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Perfectly seasoned chicken: The pan-seared chicken brings a flavorful, juicy bite to every forkful.
One-pan sauce: The Alfredo sauce is made in the same skillet used for the chicken, adding depth of flavor and saving time.
Customizable: Add broccoli, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrients.
Restaurant-quality meal at home: Impress your guests or your family without leaving your kitchen.
Great for leftovers: Tastes just as delicious reheated the next day.
Crowd-pleaser: A universally loved classic that never fails.
Balanced textures: Creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta.
Garnish ready: Add parsley and freshly cracked pepper for a fresh, beautiful finish.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

12 oz fettuccine noodles, uncooked

For the Chicken:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
½ tsp paprika
1 tsp Italian seasoning
2 tsp olive oil

For the Alfredo Sauce:

½ cup salted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
8 oz cream cheese
1½ cups heavy cream
8 oz parmesan cheese, shredded
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
1 tbsp freshly chopped parsley

Directions

Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Prepare the chicken: Pound chicken breasts to even thickness using a rolling pin or heavy pan. Season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 3 to 5 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked through (internal temp should be 165°F). Remove from the skillet, cover loosely with foil, and rest for 5 minutes.
Make the Alfredo sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and melt, then stir in garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
Add cream cheese: Whisk in cream cheese until mostly melted (mixture may appear clumpy—this is normal).
Add cream and cheese: Gradually whisk in the heavy cream until smooth. Stir in the shredded parmesan and continue stirring until melted and creamy.
Combine with pasta: Add the cooked fettuccine noodles to the sauce and toss to coat. Use reserved pasta water to thin the sauce as needed. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve: Slice rested chicken into strips and serve over the pasta. Garnish with chopped parsley and freshly cracked pepper.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6 people
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

Add vegetables: Toss in steamed broccoli, sautéed mushrooms, or baby spinach.
Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Alfredo sauce.
Swap proteins: Use shrimp or grilled salmon instead of chicken.
Lighten it up: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a slightly lighter sauce.
Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta: Substitute as needed to meet dietary preferences.
Lemon zest: Add zest of one lemon to brighten up the sauce.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

Reheating: Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.

Freezing: Alfredo sauce does not freeze well due to dairy separation. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days refrigerated.

FAQs

What’s the best pasta for Chicken Alfredo?

Fettuccine is the classic choice, but linguine, tagliatelle, or penne also work well with Alfredo sauce.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, leftover or rotisserie chicken can be sliced and added directly to the finished Alfredo pasta for a faster meal.

Is heavy cream necessary?

Heavy cream provides the rich texture, but you can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter sauce—just expect a thinner consistency.

Can I use pre-shredded parmesan cheese?

Freshly shredded parmesan melts better and gives a smoother sauce, but pre-shredded works in a pinch.

Why is my Alfredo sauce clumpy?

This is normal when melting cream cheese into butter. It smooths out after whisking in the cream and cheese.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prep the chicken and sauce a few hours in advance, but for the best texture, combine with pasta just before serving.

How do I avoid overcooking the chicken?

Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F, and don’t cook it longer than needed.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, just make sure to use a large enough skillet and pot to accommodate the doubled quantities.

What can I substitute for cream cheese?

You can use mascarpone or add more heavy cream and parmesan to thicken the sauce without cream cheese.

Conclusion

This Chicken Alfredo recipe brings together rich, creamy flavors with tender, juicy chicken for a meal that feels both comforting and elegant. Simple ingredients and easy steps make it a reliable choice for busy nights, special dinners, or anything in between. Once you try it, this homemade classic will quickly become a household favorite.