Name: Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 33 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 16 ounces dry fettuccine pasta; 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon pepper; 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 1 tablespoon butter; 1/2 cup butter, cut into large cubes or slices; 2 cups heavy whipping cream; 1 clove garlic, minced; 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 3/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon pepper; 2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 382 reviews

If you’re craving that rich, indulgent comfort food that feels like a warm hug, then you’re going to absolutely adore this Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe. It’s got everything—tender, juicy chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and that luscious Alfredo sauce that’s so creamy and dreamy everyone around my table begs for seconds. Stick with me, because I’m going to walk you through every step and share some tips that’ll make this your go-to dish.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Ingredients: You probably already have everything you need in your pantry and fridge.
Creamy, Not Overpowering: The sauce is perfectly balanced—not too heavy but oh-so-satisfying.
Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for this dish, and it’s always a hit on busy weeknights.
Versatile & Customizable: Easily tweak it to your taste or dietary needs without losing the magic.

A close-up view of creamy fettuccine pasta in a thick white sauce filling the whole frame, with the pasta strands twisted and intertwined. The sauce is smooth and glossy with a light beige color and flecks of black pepper and small green parsley pieces sprinkled on top. Silver tongs are grabbing a bunch of pasta near the center, showing the rich texture of the sauce coating the noodles. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta, easy chicken Alfredo, homemade Alfredo sauce, creamy pasta recipes, family-friendly pasta dishes

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe is in its straightforward, quality ingredients. Each piece works together to create that silky sauce and tender chicken you’ll love. I always pick fresh garlic and freshly grated Parmesan—trust me, fresh cheese makes all the difference here!

Flat lay of dry fettuccine pasta nests, two boneless skinless chicken breasts seasoned with herbs and pepper, a small pat of golden butter slices, a few sprigs of fresh parsley, a whole uncracked brown egg, a small white ceramic bowl of extra-virgin olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl of heavy whipping cream, a small white ceramic bowl filled with finely grated Parmesan cheese, a small white ceramic bowl containing minced garlic cloves, sprinkled kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper scattered sparsely around, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta, easy chicken Alfredo, homemade Alfredo sauce, creamy pasta recipes, family-friendly pasta dishes

Fettuccine pasta: Classic choice for Alfredo; it holds the sauce beautifully.
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Easy to cook evenly and soak up flavors.
Italian seasoning: Adds herby warmth without being too strong.
Kosher salt & pepper: Basics but essential for seasoning all components.
Extra-virgin olive oil: For cooking the chicken with a nice flavor base.
Butter: Adds richness both in cooking the chicken and in the sauce.
Heavy whipping cream: The star for that dreamy, thick Alfredo sauce.
Garlic (minced) and garlic powder: Double garlic punch for depth without overpowering.
Parmesan cheese (freshly grated): Melts smoothly and gives the sauce its signature tang.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love mixing things up with this recipe, especially when I want to appeal to different tastes or add some seasonal flair. You should feel free to make this Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe your own—the base is so forgiving and versatile.

Use shrimp instead of chicken: I once swapped chicken out for sautéed shrimp, and it made for an elegant dinner that was just as delicious and quick.
Gluten-free pasta: For those who avoid gluten, a high-quality brown rice or chickpea pasta works well without losing texture.
Vegetable add-ins: Broccoli or spinach stirred in right before serving adds color and extra nutrients.
Make it lighter: Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to lighten the sauce without sacrificing too much richness.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta to Perfection

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil—salted well enough to taste like the sea. Add the fettuccine and cook until al dente, usually around 10 minutes (but check your package too). I always reserve about half a cup of that starchy cooking water before draining the pasta; it’s a little hack I discovered that helps loosen the sauce later if needed and brings everything together beautifully.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken Just Right

Season your chicken breasts evenly with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Then heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large nonstick skillet. When you see it start to shimmer, add the chicken and don’t move it for 5-7 minutes—this waiting creates that golden crust that’s pure flavor gold. Flip the chicken over, add a tablespoon of butter, and give the pan a gentle swirl to coat the chicken. Continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, about another 5-7 minutes. I like to transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 3 minutes before slicing; this keeps it juicy.

Step 3: Whip Up That Silky Alfredo Sauce

Using the same skillet (hello, flavorful browned bits!), reduce the heat to medium-low and add the butter and heavy cream. Whisk them together until the butter melts into the cream. Then toss in minced garlic, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, whisking until the sauce looks smooth and everything is combined. Let it simmer gently—no boiling!—for 3-4 minutes while whisking constantly; you’ll notice it starting to thicken. Next, stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese just until it melts and the sauce becomes velvety smooth.

If the sauce feels too thick, don’t hesitate to add a few tablespoons of that reserved pasta water slowly until you reach your desired consistency. This trick was a game changer for me and helped keep the sauce silky without watering down that cheesy goodness.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Take the pan off the heat and immediately toss the cooked fettuccine into the Alfredo sauce. This step is crucial because the residual heat helps the noodles soak up the sauce perfectly. Then, portion the pasta into serving bowls and lay a few slices of that perfectly cooked chicken on top. Feel free to sprinkle a little extra Parmesan, cracked black pepper, or fresh parsley to finish things off.

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe

Don’t Overboil the Pasta: Al dente pasta keeps the dish from feeling mushy when mixed with sauce.
Use Fresh Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese won’t melt as smoothly and can make the sauce grainy.
Rest Chicken Before Slicing: Letting the chicken rest seals in the juices, keeping it tender.
Sauce Consistency Magic: Use reserved pasta water to thin sauce instead of cream, preserving flavor and texture.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe

Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I often finish this dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley—it adds a bright pop of color and a little freshness against the rich sauce. Sometimes I add extra cracked black pepper and a dusting of Parmesan on top. These simple garnishes elevate the dish visually and flavor-wise without overcomplicating things.

Side Dishes

My favorite sides are roasted garlic broccoli or a crisp Caesar salad to cut through the richness. Warm, crusty bread is also a must in my house—it’s perfect for mopping up every last bit of that creamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I serve this pasta in shallow bowls with a drizzle of high-quality olive oil and a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for crunch. Sometimes I dress it up with a few sun-dried tomatoes or fresh basil leaves—it adds a little color and bright flavor that impresses guests every time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and I find it best eaten within 2-3 days to keep that creamy texture intact. The pasta tends to absorb the sauce over time, so a quick reheat with a splash of milk helps bring it back to life.

Freezing

I don’t usually freeze this creamy chicken Alfredo pasta because the sauce’s texture changes, but if you need to, freeze the sauce and pasta separately from the chicken. Thaw in the fridge overnight and gently reheat, adding a little cream or milk to restore silkiness.

Reheating

Reheating gently on the stovetop over low heat works best—stir often and add a splash of heavy cream or milk to loosen the sauce. Microwaving is fine, but do it in short bursts, stirring in between so the sauce warms evenly and doesn’t separate.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for the Alfredo?

Absolutely! While fettuccine is traditional, you can use linguine, penne, or even spaghetti. Just keep in mind the sauce clings best to flat or ribbed noodles.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

You can try using dairy-free butter, cream alternatives like coconut cream, and a dairy-free Parmesan substitute, but the texture and flavor won’t be exactly the same. It’s worth experimenting if you need to!
How do I make sure the chicken stays juicy?

Use medium-high heat to get a good sear, cook it undisturbed on one side to develop a crust, flip once, add butter for flavor, and rest before slicing. This locks in juices and prevents dryness.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can cook and slice the chicken in advance and keep it refrigerated. The sauce is best made fresh, but you can prepare the pasta ahead, toss with a bit of oil, and reheat with the sauce later.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe truly holds a special place in my rotation because it combines simplicity with indulgent flavor in a way that feeds both the soul and the belly. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, it’s one of those meals that feels like a celebration every time I make it. I can’t wait for you to try it and hear how much everyone loves it—just like my family does! So warm up that skillet, grab your favorite pasta, and let’s make some magic happen.