Go Back
To make Chicken Alfredo Pasta, you'll need: - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 8 oz fettuccine pasta - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste These ingredients come together to create a rich and tasty dish. The chicken gives protein, while the fettuccine adds a nice chewy texture. Garlic and cheese will add deep flavors. For added taste and look, consider these garnishes: - Fresh parsley, chopped - Freshly cracked black pepper Garnishes bring color and brightness. Fresh parsley adds a pop of green, while black pepper gives a bit of spice. You can switch things up with these ideas: - Add cooked broccoli or spinach for extra veggies. - Swap chicken for shrimp or tofu to fit your diet. - Use penne or rigatoni pasta instead of fettuccine. These options let you personalize your meal. They keep the dish exciting and can cater to different tastes and diets. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add 8 ounces of fettuccine pasta to the pot. Cook it according to the package instructions until it's al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside. Be sure to save 1 cup of the pasta water for later. This water will help thicken the sauce. While the pasta is cooking, take 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Season them with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook each side for about 6-7 minutes. The chicken should turn golden brown and be cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips. In the same skillet, add 4 minced garlic cloves. Sauté them for about 30 seconds. You want the garlic to become fragrant, but not burnt. Now, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir well to combine the cream with the garlic. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes. This will help thicken the sauce slightly. Gradually whisk in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and becomes smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach the right consistency. Now, add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet. Toss it well to coat the noodles in the creamy sauce. Finally, mix in the sliced chicken on top. If needed, adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper. Enjoy your creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta! To get the creamiest sauce, start with heavy cream. Heavy cream gives a rich taste. When you heat the cream, let it simmer gently. This helps to thicken it without burning. Add the grated Parmesan cheese slowly. Whisk it in until it melts fully. If the sauce is thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water. This keeps it smooth and creamy. For juicy chicken, choose boneless, skinless breasts. Season them well with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in your skillet over medium heat. Cook each side for about 6-7 minutes. You want a golden brown color. Let the chicken rest before slicing. This keeps the juices inside, making it tender. Serve Chicken Alfredo Pasta hot, right from the skillet. Garnish with fresh parsley and cracked black pepper for color. Pair this dish with a simple green salad. A crisp Caesar salad works well too. You can also serve garlic bread on the side. It’s perfect for soaking up that creamy sauce! Pro Tips Perfectly Cooked Pasta: Always cook your pasta until al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the sauce. This ensures your pasta maintains a good texture. Rest the Chicken: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking before slicing. This helps retain its juices, making the chicken more tender and flavorful. Quality Cheese Matters: Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-grated for a smoother and richer sauce. The flavor difference is significant! Adjusting Consistency: If your Alfredo sauce becomes too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water until you achieve your desired creaminess without compromising flavor. {{image_2}} You can boost your Chicken Alfredo by adding vegetables. Try adding broccoli, spinach, or peas. These veggies add color and nutrients. They pair well with the creamy sauce. Simply steam or sauté them before mixing them in. This adds a fresh taste to your meal. If you want to swap chicken, consider shrimp or tofu. Shrimp cooks fast and adds a nice flavor. Tofu is a great choice for a plant-based meal. Both options fit well in the creamy sauce. Adjust the cooking time based on what protein you use. While fettuccine is classic, you can use other pasta. Penne, linguine, or even gluten-free pasta work nicely. Each type gives a unique texture to the dish. Just make sure to cook it al dente for the best bite. This way, your Chicken Alfredo will still be creamy and delicious. To keep your Chicken Alfredo Pasta fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps prevent it from drying out. Let the pasta cool before sealing it. It can last in the fridge for up to three days. When you're ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat them gently. Use a skillet on low heat. Add a splash of water or cream to keep it moist. Stir often until heated through. You can also use the microwave, but cover the dish to trap steam. If you want to freeze your Chicken Alfredo Pasta, it’s best to do it before adding any garnishes. Store it in freezer-safe bags or containers. It can be frozen for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat as mentioned above for best results. Yes, you can use whole wheat pasta. It adds a nutty taste and extra fiber. Whole wheat pasta also cooks well in creamy sauces. Just follow the cooking time on the package. The sauce pairs nicely with the pasta’s texture. To make a lighter version, swap heavy cream for half-and-half or milk. You can also use Greek yogurt instead of cream. This change keeps the dish creamy but cuts calories. You can add more garlic and herbs for flavor. You can use coconut milk or cashew cream instead of heavy cream. Both options give a creamy texture. They also add a unique flavor to the dish. For a dairy-free option, these are great choices. Adjust the seasoning to balance the flavors. You learned how to make tasty Chicken Alfredo Pasta with easy steps. We covered main ingredients, cooking tips, and fun variations. Remember, the key to creamy sauce is patience. Also, try adding veggies to boost flavor or use different pasta types for a twist. Store leftovers properly to keep them fresh for later. With these tips, you'll impress everyone with your dish. Cooking is fun, and now you have the skills to make it great! Enjoy your delicious meal!

Creamy Garlic Chicken Alfredo Pasta

A rich and creamy pasta dish featuring tender chicken and a flavorful garlic Alfredo sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 8 oz fettuccine pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped
  • for garnish freshly cracked black pepper

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the fettuccine pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
  • While the pasta cooks, season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and let it rest before slicing into strips.
  • In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until it slightly thickens.
  • Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.
  • Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce, tossing to coat the noodles evenly. Add the sliced chicken on top and mix gently. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
  • Plate the creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta and sprinkle with chopped parsley and freshly cracked black pepper for added flavor.

Notes

For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Keyword alfredo, chicken, creamy, garlic, pasta