Creamy Chicken Alfredo

Golden-brown creamy chicken Alfredo pasta on a white plate, ready to be enjoyed. Save
Golden-brown creamy chicken Alfredo pasta on a white plate, ready to be enjoyed. | recipesbyleanne.com

This comforting dish features tender chicken breast cooked to golden perfection, combined with fettuccine pasta and enveloped in a smooth, velvety Parmesan cream sauce. Garlic and butter enhance the sauce's rich flavor, while a pinch of nutmeg adds subtle warmth. Fresh parsley and extra Parmesan provide a fresh, savory finish. Ideal for an easy yet elegant Italian-American meal.

The pasta is boiled until al dente, and the chicken is seasoned and seared to lock in juiciness. The sauce is gently simmered, with cheese whisked in for creaminess. Carefully tossing the ingredients ensures every bite is coated with luscious sauce, delivering a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.

I still remember the first time I made Creamy Chicken Alfredo; the warmth that filled my kitchen as the Parmesan cream sauce thickened was pure magic. It instantly became a go-to comfort meal whenever I craved something rich and satisfying.

One evening, unexpected guests showed up and with just this recipe in mind, I whipped up the Alfredo quickly and felt like a kitchen superhero when everyone asked for seconds.

Ingredients

  • Chicken: I always choose boneless, skinless breasts for tenderness and slice them thinly to cook evenly and quickly
  • Pasta: Fettuccine is my go-to because it holds sauce beautifully and has the perfect bite
  • Alfredo Sauce: Unsalted butter and freshly grated Parmesan ensure the sauce is creamy and balanced without overpowering saltiness
  • Garnish: Fresh parsley adds a bright pop of color and freshness at the end

Instructions

Get Everything Ready:
Cooking the fettuccine al dente creates the perfect bite, while reserving some pasta water helps adjust the sauce texture later on
Cook the Chicken:
Seasoned simply with salt and pepper, the chicken sizzles in olive oil until golden on both sides filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma
Create the Sauce:
Melting butter and sautéing garlic releases such mouthwatering scents before the heavy cream simmers gently, thickening with the Parmesan cheese whisked in to achieve that signature creamy texture
Bring It All Together:
Adding back the chicken and tossing in the pasta means every strand is luxuriously coated and ready to impress at your dinner table
Save
| recipesbyleanne.com

This dish transformed from a quick dinner into a nostalgic favorite that we now associate with family gatherings and cozy celebrations, reminding me why some recipes are truly timeless.

Serving Ideas That Clicked

I love pairing this Alfredo with a crisp green salad dressed lightly in lemon vinaigrette; it cuts through the richness and balances the meal perfectly.

Adapting Through the Seasons

In warmer months, swapping chicken for grilled shrimp adds a light, fresh twist that makes this dish feel just as special but less heavy on the palate.

A Time This Recipe Saved the Day

When unexpected guests arrived one chilly evening, this recipe was a lifesaver—quick to make and irresistibly comforting.

  • Remember to always have your key ingredients stocked if you want a quick dinner fix
  • If you want to impress, try finishing with a sprinkle of cracked pepper right before serving
  • Don’t forget that extra Parmesan for those who want a cheesier touch

Delicious creamy chicken Alfredo with fresh parsley garnish, perfect for a comforting Italian dinner. Save
Delicious creamy chicken Alfredo with fresh parsley garnish, perfect for a comforting Italian dinner. | recipesbyleanne.com

Thanks for hanging out and cooking along—it’s always a joy to share these kitchen moments that turn simple ingredients into something special.

Recipe FAQ

Cook the chicken over medium-high heat until golden but still juicy. Avoid overcooking by flipping only once and checking for doneness.

Yes, half-and-half can be used for a lighter sauce, though it may be less rich and creamy than heavy cream.

Whisk Parmesan gradually into the simmering cream off heat to avoid clumping and maintain a velvety texture.

Add reserved pasta water a little at a time to thin the sauce if it becomes too thick while tossing.

Sliced mushrooms or shrimp work well as alternatives, offering a different but complementary flavor profile.

Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan for a fresh, appealing look and enhanced flavors.

Creamy Chicken Alfredo

Tender chicken and fettuccine coated in a smooth Parmesan cream for a cozy meal.

Prep 15m
Cook 25m
Total 40m
Servings 4
Difficulty Easy

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 1.1 pounds), thinly sliced
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Pasta

  • 12 ounces fettuccine

Alfredo Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (about 3 ounces)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg (optional)

Garnish

  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • Extra grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

1
Cook Pasta: Boil fettuccine in a large pot of salted water according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain and set aside.
2
Season Chicken: Sprinkle chicken slices evenly with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
3
Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken slices and cook 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.
4
Prepare Sauce Base: Reduce skillet heat to medium, add unsalted butter and melt. Stir in minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
5
Simmer Cream: Pour heavy cream into the skillet and bring to a gentle simmer while stirring frequently. Reduce heat to low.
6
Incorporate Cheese and Seasoning: Whisk in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if desired. Thin sauce with reserved pasta water as needed.
7
Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, add drained fettuccine, and toss gently to coat pasta and chicken evenly with sauce.
8
Serve: Plate immediately and garnish with chopped parsley and additional grated Parmesan if preferred.
Additional Information

Equipment Needed

  • Large pot
  • Skillet
  • Tongs
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Grater

Nutrition (Per Serving)

Calories 650
Protein 41g
Carbs 53g
Fat 32g

Allergy Information

  • Contains dairy (butter, cream, Parmesan) and wheat (pasta). May contain eggs if fresh pasta is used.
Leanne Porter

Home cook sharing easy, wholesome recipes and real kitchen wisdom for fellow food lovers.