This Classic Chicken Alfredo is a creamy pasta dish that’s rich, flavorful, and perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Made with tender chicken, fettuccine noodles, and a smooth Alfredo sauce, this recipe is a favorite for its simplicity and indulgent taste. The sauce is made from scratch using butter, garlic, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, creating a velvety texture that coats the pasta perfectly.
Classic Chicken Alfredo
I love making this classic chicken Alfredo because it’s comforting and indulgent while still being easy to prepare. The rich, creamy sauce pairs perfectly with tender chicken and fettuccine noodles, creating a restaurant-quality dish right at home. Plus, it’s simple to customize with additional vegetables or spices. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a special date night, chicken Alfredo always hits the spot.
This dish pairs perfectly with Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes Skillet Recipe or a side of Asparagus Tomato Salad with Burrata Cheese Recipe for a complete meal.
Why You’ll Love This Classic Chicken Alfredo Recipe
- Rich and Creamy: The Alfredo sauce is made with butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan, creating a rich, velvety sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.
- Easy to Make: With just a few ingredients, you can have this delicious pasta dish ready in under 30 minutes.
- Customizable: You can add your favorite vegetables or herbs to suit your taste, or switch up the protein by using shrimp or even tofu.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or a special night, this recipe is sure to impress.
Main Ingredients for Classic Chicken Alfredo
- Chicken Breasts – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are pan-seared until golden and tender, then sliced to serve with the pasta.
- Fettuccine Noodles – The traditional pasta for Alfredo, providing a wide surface to hold the rich sauce.
- Butter and Heavy Cream – These form the base of the creamy Alfredo sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese – Adds richness and depth to the sauce.
- Garlic – Adds flavor and aroma to the Alfredo sauce.
- Fresh Parsley – Garnish for a touch of color and freshness.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Classic Chicken Alfredo Recipe
Here’s how to make this creamy and indulgent chicken Alfredo step by step:
- Cook the Fettuccine: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook 12 oz of fettuccine noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Pro Tip: Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water to thin the Alfredo sauce if needed.
- Cook the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, season 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Tip: If your chicken breasts are thick, pound them to an even thickness for faster, more even cooking.
- Make the Alfredo Sauce: In the same skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in 1 1/2 cups of heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
- Pro Tip: Use fresh garlic for the best flavor in the Alfredo sauce.
- Add the Parmesan Cheese: Gradually whisk in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Tip: For extra creaminess, you can stir in 1/4 cup of cream cheese or mascarpone.
- Combine the Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked fettuccine to the Alfredo sauce and toss to coat the pasta evenly. Stir in sliced chicken and let it warm through for 1-2 minutes.
- Serving Idea: Serve the pasta immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
- Serve: Plate the chicken Alfredo and enjoy it warm with your favorite sides, like garlic bread or a simple green salad.
- Serving Idea: A squeeze of lemon juice over the finished dish can brighten the flavors and cut through the richness.
Extra Tips and Variations
- Add Vegetables: Toss in steamed broccoli, spinach, or peas for added nutrition and color.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Alfredo sauce for a bit of heat.
- How to Store: Store leftover chicken Alfredo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.
- How to Freeze: You can freeze the Alfredo sauce separately for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before adding fresh pasta and chicken.
Health Benefits of Classic Chicken Alfredo
While this dish is indulgent, you can make it lighter by using lower-fat cream or milk and reducing the amount of butter. Chicken is a great source of lean protein, and by adding vegetables like broccoli or spinach, you can increase the fiber and vitamin content of the meal.
- High in Protein: Chicken provides a lean source of protein, essential for muscle repair and overall health.
- Rich in Calcium: Parmesan cheese and cream are excellent sources of calcium, which supports bone health.
- Customizable for Healthier Options: You can lighten the dish by using half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream, or by adding more vegetables for a nutrient boost.
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