If you’ve been hunting for the ultimate indulgence, let me introduce you to this fan-freaking-tastic Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. I absolutely love how this dish brings together tender chicken, silky noodles, and a luscious homemade Alfredo sauce that’s rich but never overwhelming. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll quickly become your go-to comfort food that you can whip up anytime.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Silky Sauce: The homemade Alfredo balances cream, butter, and Parmesan for unbeatable flavor.
- Perfectly Cooked Chicken: Pan-seared to golden perfection, then sliced just right to soak in the sauce.
- Simple Ingredients: You probably already have these pantry staples – no fancy trips to specialty stores.
- Family Favorite: I discovered that picky eaters and foodies alike enjoy this creamy dish every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients in this Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe blend classic Italian flavors with a smooth, creamy texture that’s so satisfying. I find that buying fresh Parmesan and real butter makes all the difference, and using good-quality cream gives it that restaurant-level richness.

- Fettuccine pasta: It’s perfect because its broad ribbons cling nicely to the sauce.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Easy to cook evenly and slice for serving.
- Italian seasoning: Adds that herby warmth without overpowering the sauce.
- Kosher salt and pepper: Basic seasoning that enhances every other ingredient.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: For searing the chicken and giving it a nice golden crust.
- Butter: Key for richness in the sauce and cooking the chicken beautifully.
- Heavy whipping cream: Provides the luscious base for the Alfredo sauce.
- Garlic (minced) and garlic powder: For that signature savory depth.
- Parmesan cheese (freshly grated): Fresh is so much better than pre-grated for meltability and flavor.
Variations
One of the things I really enjoy about this Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe is how adaptable it is. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving a veggie boost, you can tweak it to fit your mood or occasion effortlessly.
- Veggie Boost: I often toss in steamed broccoli or sautéed mushrooms—adds great texture and fresh flavor.
- Spicy Kick: When I want a little heat, I sprinkle in crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce and it wakes things up beautifully.
- Lightened-Up Version: Swapping half-and-half for heavy cream works in a pinch if you want a less rich dish without sacrificing creaminess.
- Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free fettuccine; just adjust cooking times as needed.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta to Perfection
Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil and add your fettuccine. Follow the package instructions to cook it al dente—usually about 10 minutes. Here’s the trick: save half a cup of that starchy pasta water before draining. This magical liquid can fix your sauce if it gets too thick later. Drain the noodles well and set them aside while you handle the chicken and sauce.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Season the chicken breasts generously with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat extra-virgin olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place the chicken in the pan and don’t touch it for 5 to 7 minutes—this helps develop that gorgeous golden crust. Flip the chicken, add a tablespoon of butter, and swirl it around to melt and coat the meat while it finishes cooking another 5 to 7 minutes. Using a meat thermometer to check for 165°F ensures it’s juicy and safe to eat. Let the chicken rest a few minutes, then slice into half-inch pieces and keep warm.
Step 3: Whisk Up the Creamy Alfredo Sauce
Using the same skillet (saving those brown bits!), turn the heat down to medium-low and add the butter and heavy cream. Whisk gently until the butter melts completely. Add minced garlic, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Keep whisking as the sauce heats through, but don’t let it boil. After 3-4 minutes, when the sauce thickens slightly, stir in freshly grated Parmesan until melted and silky smooth. If it feels too thick, incorporate a few spoonfuls of that reserved pasta water until it reaches a perfect creamy consistency.
Step 4: Toss, Serve, and Enjoy
Remove the sauce from heat and immediately toss it with your cooked fettuccine. Portion out the pasta onto plates or bowls and arrange slices of the tender chicken on top. If you like, sprinkle extra Parmesan, fresh chopped parsley, and a crack of black pepper for a bright finish.
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe
- Don’t Skip the Butter: Butter adds depth and richness—using it in the sauce and for cooking chicken keeps everything silky and flavorful.
- Reserve Pasta Water: This little trick allows you to loosen the sauce without watering it down.
- Rest the Chicken: Letting the chicken sit before slicing keeps it juicy and tender—a simple step that really pays off.
- Low and Slow with Sauce: Avoid boiling the cream mixture—just a gentle simmer thickens the sauce perfectly without breaking it.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe

Garnishes
I like to finish this dish with freshly chopped parsley and a bit of extra Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top—it adds a pop of color and a fresh, nutty flavor that brightens the creamy richness. If you want a peppery edge, a quick grind of fresh black pepper makes all the difference.
Side Dishes
My go-to sides for this recipe are simple garlic bread to soak up every last bit of sauce and a crisp green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette for contrast. Roasted or steamed broccoli works beautifully too, especially if you want to sneak in some greens.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to plate the pasta in neat nests with the chicken slices fanned out around them, then drizzle extra sauce artistically over the top. A sprinkle of toasted pine nuts adds a delicate crunch and a touch of elegance that always impresses guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover Alfredo pasta in an airtight container in the fridge, and it usually stays delicious for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken as it chills, but a quick stir or gentle reheat will bring back the creaminess.
Freezing
While I don’t usually freeze this recipe because Alfredo sauce can sometimes separate, it’s definitely doable if you freeze the chicken and pasta separately from the sauce. Thaw slowly in the fridge and reheat gently to maintain the velvety texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers over low heat on the stove, adding a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce as needed. Microwaving works in a pinch but stirring halfway through helps keep the sauce smooth and creamy.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While fettuccine is traditional and ideal for holding the sauce, you can substitute with linguine, penne, or even rigatoni. Just adjust the cooking time so your pasta is perfectly al dente and not mushy.
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Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?
You can lighten it by using half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reducing the butter slightly. Just keep in mind this will change the texture and richness but still yields a tasty, creamy sauce.
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How do I prevent the Alfredo sauce from separating?
Maintaining low heat and avoiding boiling the cream mixture is key. Stir often and add cheese slowly to ensure a smooth sauce. Also, use fresh Parmesan rather than pre-grated to avoid clumping.
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Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
You can prepare the chicken and pasta ahead of time separately, then reheat and make the sauce fresh before tossing everything together. This helps keep the sauce fresh and creamy on serving.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe a try—it’s the kind of dish that makes you feel cozy and cared for with every bite. I’ve loved serving this to friends and family, watching their faces light up with that first delicious forkful. And just between us, it’s way easier to make than it looks or tastes. Once you master this recipe, you’ll have a reliable crowd-pleaser for any day of the week!
Print
Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Classic Chicken Alfredo is a creamy, comforting Italian-American pasta dish featuring tender pan-seared chicken breasts atop fettuccine noodles smothered in a rich homemade Alfredo sauce made from butter, heavy cream, garlic, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Perfect for an indulgent weeknight dinner or special occasion, this recipe balances simple ingredients with luscious flavors and smooth textures.
Ingredients
For the Noodles
- 16 ounces dry fettuccine pasta
For the Chicken
- 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
For the Sauce
- 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
Instructions
- Make the noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook until al dente according to package directions, usually about 10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of the cooking water, then drain the pasta well and set aside.
- Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and pepper. Warm the olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then evenly distribute it by swirling the pan.
- Cook the chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the hot pan and leave them undisturbed for 5-7 minutes, allowing a golden-brown crust to form on the bottom. Flip the chicken and add 1 tablespoon of butter between the breasts; gently swirl the pan to melt and distribute the butter. Continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and slice chicken: Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 3 minutes to retain juices. Slice into 1/2-inch thick pieces. Tent loosely with foil to keep warm while preparing the sauce.
- Make the Alfredo sauce: Using the same skillet, reduce heat to medium-low and add the butter and heavy cream. Whisk continuously until the butter melts.
- Add seasonings: Stir in minced garlic, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, whisking until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined.
- Simmer the sauce: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer without boiling, whisking constantly, and cook for 3-4 minutes until it begins to thicken.
- Add cheese: Gradually stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth. If the sauce thickens too much, incorporate some reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time to reach desired consistency.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Remove the skillet from heat and immediately toss the cooked fettuccine noodles in the Alfredo sauce until well coated.
- Serve: Divide the sauced pasta among serving bowls, top with sliced chicken breasts, and optionally garnish with chopped parsley, extra Parmesan cheese, and freshly cracked black pepper for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Be careful not to boil the Alfredo sauce after adding cream to avoid curdling.
- Resting the chicken allows juices to redistribute, keeping it moist and flavorful.
- Reserve some pasta cooking water to adjust sauce consistency perfectly.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-grated for best melting and flavor.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/6 of recipe)
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 45 g
- Saturated Fat: 27 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg


