The Dreamiest Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe
Whipping up a delectable chicken alfredo pasta can transport you to an Italian kitchen in mere minutes.
Comfort and elegance merge seamlessly in this classic dish that promises pure satisfaction.
Smooth, velvety sauce coats perfectly cooked noodles while tender chicken pieces add hearty protein.
Rich parmesan and heavy cream create a luxurious base that elevates simple ingredients.
Weeknight dinners deserve something special, and this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
pasta lovers will appreciate how quickly this meal comes together without compromising on taste.
Grab your favorite skillet and let’s make magic happen – you won’t believe how delicious homemade alfredo can be.
What Makes Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta So Comforting
Ingredients That Bring Out the Creaminess in Alfredo Pasta
Main Ingredients:Dairy Components:Seasoning and Aromatics:Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Chicken Alfredo
Step 1: Season and Cook Chicken
Grab your chicken and sprinkle it with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Cook the chicken until it turns a beautiful golden brown, which takes about 6-7 minutes on each side.
Once done, let the chicken rest for a few moments, then slice it into delectable bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Create Luxurious Alfredo Sauce
Melt butter in a large pan over medium heat.
Toss in minced garlic and let it dance around for about a minute until it releases its irresistible aroma.
Pour in heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Stir occasionally and let it bubble away for roughly 5 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken.
Sprinkle in freshly grated Parmesan cheese and continue stirring until the sauce becomes silky smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Cook Pasta to Perfection
Fill a pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt.
Bring the water to a rolling boil and add your pasta.
Cook according to the package instructions, aiming for that perfect al dente texture.
Once cooked, drain the pasta but keep a small amount of pasta water on the side – this might come in handy later.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Transfer the cooked pasta directly into the Alfredo sauce.
Gently stir to ensure every strand is beautifully coated with the creamy goodness.
If the sauce seems too thick, splash in a bit of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
Step 5: Add Chicken and Serve
Carefully fold the sliced chicken into the pasta and sauce mixture.
Make sure every piece is generously coated with the luscious Alfredo sauce.
Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade creamy chicken Alfredo pasta!
Cooking Tips for Creamy, Rich Alfredo Sauce
Storage and Reheating Tips to Keep Pasta Creamy
Side Pairings to Complement Chicken Alfredo Pasta
Flavor Options for a Twist on Traditional Alfredo
FAQs
Fettuccine is the traditional choice, but you can also use linguine, penne, or any other long pasta that holds sauce well. The key is to choose a pasta shape with enough surface area to catch the creamy Alfredo sauce.
Use whole wheat pasta, swap heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk, and use less Parmesan cheese. You can also add more vegetables like spinach or broccoli to increase nutritional value without sacrificing flavor.
Yes, simply substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or chickpea flour. Ensure all other ingredients like Parmesan cheese are also certified gluten-free.
Try adding a pinch of nutmeg, some dried herbs like basil or oregano, or a splash of white wine when cooking the sauce. These small additions can significantly enhance the overall taste of the dish.
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Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Indulgent chicken alfredo pasta delivers comfort in every forkful, blending Italian-inspired flavors with rich, velvety sauce. Parmesan-kissed noodles and tender chicken create a delightful meal that will transport you straight to a charming trattoria.
Ingredients
Main Proteins:
- 2 skinless boneless chicken breasts (about 1 lb / 450g)
Pasta:
- 8 ounces (225g) fettuccine pasta
Sauce and Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Garnish:
- Optional: Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by generously seasoning with salt and pepper. In a skillet heated to medium, drizzle olive oil and sear the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until golden and thoroughly cooked. Allow the chicken to rest briefly, then slice into delicate strips.
- Create the Alfredo sauce by melting butter in a large pan over medium heat. Introduce minced garlic and sauté until aromatic, approximately 1 minute. Pour in heavy cream and gently simmer, stirring periodically for 5 minutes until the sauce develops a slightly thickened texture. Incorporate freshly grated Parmesan cheese, continuously whisking until the sauce transforms into a silky, luxurious consistency.
- Simultaneously, fill a pot with salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until achieving an al dente texture. Carefully drain the pasta, preserving a small quantity of starchy cooking liquid for potential sauce adjustment.
- Merge the pasta directly into the Alfredo sauce, thoroughly coating each strand. If the sauce appears overly dense, gradually introduce reserved pasta water to achieve a smooth, clinging consistency.
- Tenderly integrate the sliced chicken into the pasta, ensuring every morsel is enveloped in the rich, creamy Alfredo sauce. Serve immediately while piping hot.
Notes
- Enhance chicken flavor by marinating it in garlic, herbs, or lemon juice for 30 minutes before cooking to infuse more depth and tenderness.
- Create a lighter version by substituting heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt, reducing the overall calorie content while maintaining creaminess.
- Prevent pasta from becoming sticky by adding a splash of olive oil after draining and gently tossing to separate the noodles before mixing with sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 670
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 23g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Olivia Bennett
Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator
Expertise
Education
Schoolcraft College
With an Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Schoolcraft College and a natural knack for teaching, Olivia Bennett’s all about making home cooking feel possible, even on your busiest day.
Her thing? Recipes that are budget-friendly, season-forward, and full of Southern warmth. Whether it’s a roasted veggie bowl or a five-ingredient skillet bake, Olivia makes sure it’s simple, satisfying, and something you’ll want to make again tomorrow.
When she’s not shooting step-by-step videos or testing spice blends, she’s out foraging, flipping through old cookbooks, or throwing laid-back dinner parties with a BYO-mason-jar theme.