Ah, Creamy Chicken Alfredo—who doesn’t love a big plate of pasta coated in rich, velvety sauce? 🍝🍗 This recipe is a family favorite in my house, and it’s the kind of comfort food that feels like a big hug from the inside. The chicken is juicy, the sauce is so creamy and smooth, and the pasta? It just soaks up all that goodness. My kids ask for it all the time, and I’m happy to make it because it’s simple, quick, and always a hit!
I love this dish because it’s indulgent yet surprisingly easy to make. The creamy Alfredo sauce comes together in just a few minutes, and you don’t even need fancy ingredients to make it. Perfect for a cozy night in or for when you need a satisfying meal after a busy day!
Why You’ll Fall in Love with Creamy Chicken Alfredo
This dish is a perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors. The chicken is tender and seasoned to perfection, while the Alfredo sauce is rich and comforting, with just the right amount of garlic and Parmesan. It’s an indulgent treat that never disappoints, and every bite is a little slice of heaven. Plus, you can make it in under 30 minutes—dinner’s ready before you know it!
What You’ll Need to Make Creamy Chicken Alfredo
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
How to Make Creamy Chicken Alfredo
- Cook the chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside to rest.
- Boil the pasta: While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine according to the package instructions (usually 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- Make the Alfredo sauce: In the same skillet you used for the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Add the cheese: Lower the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan and mozzarella (if using). Continue to stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine the pasta and chicken: Slice the cooked chicken into strips. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. Top with sliced chicken and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy!
More Relative Recipes:
- Pineapple Lemonade
- Deliciously Cheesy Baked Pizza Spaghetti
- Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies
- Butternut Squash Sausage Tortellini Soup
- Jalapeño Popper Cheese Ball
Fun Variations
Want to switch things up? Try adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the sauce for extra flavor. You can also add cooked shrimp for a seafood twist. If you prefer a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream or swap in whole wheat pasta. Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little heat, or throw in some garlic bread on the side for the full comfort-food experience!
Perfect for Special Occasions
Creamy Chicken Alfredo is great for dinner parties, family gatherings, or a cozy night in. It’s elegant enough for a special meal but simple enough to make on a busy weeknight. Plus, it’s guaranteed to impress everyone at the table—my family loves it, and it’s always one of the first dishes to disappear when we have guests!
FAQs
- Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! While fettuccine is classic, you can use penne, rigatoni, or even spaghetti. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the pasta you choose. - Can I make this ahead of time?
While this dish is best fresh, you can cook the chicken and pasta ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Reheat the sauce and combine everything when you’re ready to serve. - Can I use a store-bought Alfredo sauce?
Of course! If you’re short on time, a jarred Alfredo sauce will work in a pinch. Just be sure to season it with a bit of extra garlic and Parmesan to boost the flavor. - Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can! Use coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative and dairy-free cheese to make the sauce. You can also swap the butter for a plant-based butter substitute. - How can I make this dish spicier?
If you like a little heat, add red pepper flakes to the sauce or sprinkle some hot sauce on top before serving. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick!
Creamy Chicken Alfredo
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese optional, for extra creaminess
- Fresh parsley optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the chicken:
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside to rest.
- Boil the pasta:
- While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine according to the package instructions (usually 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- Make the Alfredo sauce:
- In the same skillet you used for the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Add the cheese:
- Lower the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan and mozzarella (if using). Continue to stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine the pasta and chicken:
- Slice the cooked chicken into strips. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. Top with sliced chicken and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Want to add more flavor? Try a sprinkle of freshly grated nutmeg in the sauce.
- For extra creaminess, swap in more mozzarella or add a splash of cream cheese to the sauce.
