Chicken Alfredo Pasta

Name: Chicken Alfredo Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 2 large chicken breasts, halved lengthwise; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1 tsp salt; 4 tbsp unsalted butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 ½ cups heavy cream; 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish

August 29, 2025

Servings: 4 Total Time: 35 mins Difficulty: Beginner

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Introduction

Chicken Alfredo Pasta is one of those dishes that feels decadent yet comforting at the same time. A classic Italian-American creation, it combines tender pasta, juicy chicken, and a luxuriously creamy Alfredo sauce made with butter, cream, and Parmesan cheese. It’s the kind of dish that instantly makes a weeknight dinner feel like a special occasion.

This recipe is simple, approachable, and guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. With its creamy sauce coating every strand of pasta and the added protein of chicken, it’s not only delicious but also filling and hearty.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it strikes the perfect balance between comfort food and elegance. The creamy Parmesan sauce is rich without being overly heavy, and the golden, pan-seared chicken adds just the right amount of protein and flavor. It’s also versatile—you can serve it plain, jazz it up with veggies, or even swap the protein.

Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser—everyone from kids to adults will clean their plates. For me, it’s the ultimate comfort pasta recipe.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

Restaurant-style quality in less than 40 minutes.
Combines creamy pasta + juicy chicken = a winning combo.
Easy to customize with shrimp, broccoli, mushrooms, or spinach.
Great for family dinners, date nights, or even meal prep.
A dish that’s both indulgent and satisfying.

Prep & Cook Time

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Servings & Nutrition

Servings: 4
Calories: ~650 per serving (varies depending on portion size and added ingredients)

Cuisine & Course

Cuisine: Italian-American
Course: Main Course (Dinner/Lunch)

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

2 large chicken breasts, halved lengthwise (4 cutlets)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)

For the Pasta:

12 oz (340 g) fettuccine pasta (or penne)
1 tsp salt (for boiling water)

For the Alfredo Sauce:

4 tbsp unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 ½ cups heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Simple Cooking Directions

Season and sear chicken until golden and cooked through.
Cook pasta until al dente.
Make Alfredo sauce with butter, cream, and Parmesan.
Toss pasta in sauce and top with sliced chicken.
Garnish with parsley and extra cheese.

Step-by-Step Preparation

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add pasta and cook until al dente (8–10 minutes).
Reserve ½ cup pasta water, drain, and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Season chicken cutlets with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C).
Remove, rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.

Step 3: Make Alfredo Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
Pour in heavy cream, simmer 3–4 minutes.
Stir in Parmesan gradually until creamy and smooth.
Season with salt and pepper. Add reserved pasta water if needed to thin the sauce.

Step 4: Combine Pasta & Sauce

Add drained pasta to the sauce, tossing until coated.

Step 5: Serve

Plate pasta, top with sliced chicken, and sprinkle with parsley + extra Parmesan.

How to Serve

Serve hot in shallow pasta bowls.
Pair with garlic bread, roasted veggies, or a fresh Caesar salad.
A glass of white wine (Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio) enhances the creamy flavors.

Additional Recipe Tips

Pound chicken breasts evenly for quicker cooking.
Use fresh Parmesan—pre-shredded won’t melt smoothly.
Don’t let the cream boil; simmer gently for the best sauce.
Reserve pasta water—it’s liquid gold for perfect sauce consistency.

Variations

Shrimp Alfredo – Swap chicken for sautéed shrimp.
Vegetable Alfredo – Add broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms.
Bacon Alfredo – Stir in crispy bacon bits for smoky flavor.
Light Alfredo – Use half-and-half instead of cream for a lighter version.
Spicy Alfredo – Add red chili flakes for a kick.

Freezing & Storage

Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or cream.
Freezing: Not recommended for the full dish (pasta + sauce) as the sauce may separate. You can freeze just the cooked chicken and sauce for up to 1 month. Reheat slowly and toss with freshly cooked pasta.

Special Equipment Needed

Large pot for boiling pasta
Large skillet or sauté pan for chicken and sauce
Sharp knife & cutting board
Whisk for smooth sauce

Conclusion

Chicken Alfredo Pasta is the perfect blend of comfort and elegance. The tender pasta, juicy chicken, and creamy Parmesan sauce make it a dish worth savoring any night of the week. It’s quick enough for busy evenings but fancy enough for guests—making it a must-have recipe in your collection.

Whether you stick to the classic version or experiment with shrimp, veggies, or bacon, this dish will never disappoint. One bite, and you’ll understand why Chicken Alfredo Pasta is a timeless favorite

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