This Creamy Chicken Alfredo recipe is the perfect comfort food, packed with creamy, cheesy goodness. Made with tender chicken breasts, rich Alfredo sauce, and fettuccine noodles, this easy chicken Alfredo dish brings restaurant-quality flavors to your kitchen in just 30 minutes. It’s a simple yet indulgent meal that’s perfect for family dinners, date nights, or any occasion when you want something comforting and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 ½ cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 12 ounces fettuccine noodles
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Prepare the fettuccine noodles according to the package instructions in a large stock pot, cooking them to al dente.
- Cook the chicken: In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then sauté them in the butter for 7-10 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
- Make the Alfredo sauce: Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, melt the remaining 5 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat. Once the butter has melted, slowly whisk in the heavy whipping cream. Simmer for about 3 minutes, whisking constantly, but be careful not to bring the mixture to a boil.
- Add the cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, one handful at a time. Stir well to ensure the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth.
- Combine and serve: Toss the cooked fettuccine noodles and chicken slices into the creamy Alfredo sauce. Stir until the pasta and chicken are evenly coated with the sauce. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Creamy Chicken Alfredo is the perfect comfort food that’s easy to prepare and packed with rich, savory flavors. The creamy Alfredo sauce combined with tender chicken and fettuccine noodles creates a satisfying dish that will please the whole family. It’s a simple yet indulgent recipe that brings a restaurant-quality meal right to your kitchen. Perfect for a cozy dinner or special occasion, this dish is sure to become a favorite!
Tips
- Don’t overcook the chicken: To keep your chicken tender and juicy, avoid overcooking it. Once the chicken is golden and cooked through, remove it from the skillet.
- Whisk the cream sauce: Be sure to whisk the cream sauce continuously while it simmers to avoid any lumps.
- Pasta water: If the sauce becomes too thick, add a bit of the pasta water to thin it out to your desired consistency.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan: For the best flavor and smooth texture, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-shredded cheese.
Variations and Substitutions
- Swap the chicken: You can substitute chicken with shrimp, grilled salmon, or even tofu for a different protein option.
- Low-fat option: For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and choose low-fat cheese.
- Add vegetables: Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli for added flavor and nutrition.
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
While the sauce is best fresh, you can prepare the chicken and pasta ahead of time. Reheat the sauce and combine everything just before serving.
Can I freeze this dish?
Creamy Alfredo sauce doesn’t freeze well, as it can separate. However, you can freeze the cooked chicken and pasta separately, then reheat and make fresh sauce when ready to serve.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover Chicken Alfredo in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk if the sauce thickens too much.
Serving
Serve this Creamy Chicken Alfredo with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. A glass of white wine, like a crisp Chardonnay, pairs beautifully with this rich and creamy pasta dish.
Suggestions
- Add herbs: Sprinkle some chopped parsley or basil over the top for a burst of freshness and color.
- Extra cheese: If you love cheese, feel free to top with more freshly grated Parmesan or even a bit of mozzarella for extra gooeyness.
- Try a different pasta: While fettuccine is traditional, this sauce works wonderfully with other pasta types like penne, linguine, or rigatoni.
This Creamy Chicken Alfredo is a rich and satisfying meal that will quickly become a family favorite, with its creamy, cheesy sauce and tender chicken.
Creamy Chicken Alfredo Recipe
6
servings10
minutes25
minutesIngredients
3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
6 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon minced garlic
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 cups heavy whipping cream
1 ½ cups grated Parmesan cheese
12 ounces fettuccine noodles
Directions
- Cook the pasta: Prepare the fettuccine noodles according to the package instructions in a large stock pot, cooking them to al dente.
- Cook the chicken: In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then sauté them in the butter for 7-10 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
- Make the Alfredo sauce: Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, melt the remaining 5 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat. Once the butter has melted, slowly whisk in the heavy whipping cream. Simmer for about 3 minutes, whisking constantly, but be careful not to bring the mixture to a boil.
- Add the cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, one handful at a time. Stir well to ensure the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth.
- Combine and serve: Toss the cooked fettuccine noodles and chicken slices into the creamy Alfredo sauce. Stir until the pasta and chicken are evenly coated with the sauce. Serve immediately and enjoy!
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