Creamy Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe

Zesty Homemade Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe for Pasta Lovers

Creamy, indulgent chicken fettuccine alfredo whispers comfort on every forkful.

Pasta lovers seek solace in this classic Italian-American dish that blends tender chicken with luxurious sauce.

Rich parmesan and heavy cream dance together, creating a velvety embrace around perfectly cooked noodles.

Garlic adds a subtle punch of flavor that makes this recipe irresistible.

Each bite promises a satisfying blend of protein and carbohydrates that feels like a warm culinary hug.

Restaurants charge premium prices for this delectable meal, but you can craft this restaurant-quality dish right in your own kitchen.

Dive into this simple yet elegant recipe that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 750 kcal

Servings: 3

What Goes Into Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo

For Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: Tender cuts perfect for absorbing savory seasonings and adding lean protein to the dish.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Rich, nutty cheese that creates creamy texture and delivers deep umami flavor.
For Pasta and Sauce Base:
  • Fettuccine: Thick, ribbon-like pasta that beautifully captures and holds the creamy Alfredo sauce.
  • Butter: Provides rich, velvety foundation for the sauce and enhances overall flavor complexity.
  • Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious, silky smooth sauce with incredible depth and indulgent mouthfeel.
For Seasonings and Aromatics:
  • Italian Seasoning: Herbaceous blend that infuses chicken with traditional Mediterranean flavors.
  • Garlic Powder: Delivers concentrated, mellow garlic essence throughout the dish.
  • Minced Garlic: Fresh, pungent aromatic that intensifies sauce's flavor profile.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers that balance and elevate all ingredients.
  • Nutmeg: Optional warm, subtle spice that adds sophisticated undertone to the sauce.
  • Olive Oil: High-quality cooking fat for searing chicken with beautiful golden crust.
  • Parsley: Fresh herb garnish that adds bright color and subtle herbal freshness.

Gear To Get Creamy Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo Just Right

  • Large skillet: Essential for cooking chicken and making Alfredo sauce.
  • Large pot: Needed to boil pasta perfectly.
  • Cutting board: Used for slicing chicken and chopping parsley.
  • Sharp knife: Perfect for slicing chicken into thin strips.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Helps stir and toss ingredients smoothly.
  • Measuring cups: Ensures accurate ingredient amounts.
  • Whisk: Crucial for creating smooth, creamy Alfredo sauce.
  • Colander: Drains pasta after cooking.
  • Tongs: Helpful for handling and serving pasta.

How To Make Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo The Simple Way

  • Chicken Prep

Grab fresh chicken breasts and give them a flavor boost with aromatic seasonings. Warm up a skillet and create a beautiful golden sear on each side until the chicken is perfectly cooked. Let the chicken rest and then slice into delicate strips.

  • Pasta Magic

Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Drop in the fettuccine and cook until it reaches that perfect tender texture. Save a splash of pasta water for later magic.

  • Creamy Sauce Creation

In the same skillet, melt butter and let fragrant garlic dance around. Pour in luxurious cream and let it simmer gently. Sprinkle in Parmesan cheese and watch it transform into a silky smooth sauce. Adjust the consistency with a touch of reserved pasta water if needed.

  • Delicious Assembly

Toss the cooked pasta into the dreamy sauce, making sure every strand gets a loving coating. Arrange the sliced chicken on top of the creamy pasta.

  • Final Touches

Finish the dish with a shower of extra Parmesan, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, and a twist of black pepper. Serve alongside a crisp salad or warm garlic bread for a complete meal that’ll make taste buds sing.

Tips To Make Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo Rich And Flavorful

  • Creamy Chicken Comfort Tricks
  • Pasta Perfect Technique: Always reserve pasta water before draining, as the starchy liquid helps create a silky, smooth Alfredo sauce that clings beautifully to noodles without becoming dry or clumpy.
  • Cheese Melting Magic: Grate Parmesan cheese fresh from a block for maximum flavor and smoother melting, avoiding pre-shredded cheese which often contains anti-caking agents that prevent ideal sauce consistency.
  • Low-Carb Transformation: Replace fettuccine with spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly version that keeps the rich, creamy sauce while reducing carbohydrate content.
  • Protein Power Boost: Experiment with different proteins like grilled shrimp, seared salmon, or roasted turkey breast as delicious alternatives to chicken while maintaining the classic Alfredo experience.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast or dairy-free Parmesan alternatives to create a lactose-free version that still delivers incredible creamy texture and depth of flavor.

Serving Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo With Style

  • Comfort Food Companion: Pair this creamy chicken fettuccine Alfredo with a crisp Caesar salad for a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta.
  • Herb Garden Delight: Sprinkle fresh basil or chives on top to add a bright, aromatic touch that elevates the dish's flavor profile.
  • Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the creamy sauce with a chilled glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio, which will balance the richness of the Alfredo.
  • Family-Style Feast: Serve family-style in a large serving dish, allowing everyone to help themselves and enjoy the warm, inviting meal together.

Storing Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo Without Drying It Out

  • Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover chicken fettuccine alfredo in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, maintaining best quality and taste.
  • Reheating Technique: Warm gently in microwave or stovetop, adding splash of milk or cream to restore sauce's creamy consistency. Stir frequently to prevent sauce separation and ensure even heating.
  • Freezing Option: Can freeze in sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating. Note that cream-based sauces might slightly separate after freezing, so whisk thoroughly when reheating.
  • Meal Prep Hack: Prepare chicken and sauce separately, storing components individually. This allows flexibility in assembling fresh portions and prevents pasta from becoming soggy during storage. Keep pasta, sliced chicken, and sauce in separate containers for maximum freshness and easy mixing later.
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Creamy Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe

Creamy Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe


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4.7 from 32 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 3 1x

Description

Creamy chicken fettuccine alfredo delivers a luxurious pasta experience straight from Italian kitchens. Rich parmesan sauce and tender chicken create a comforting meal you’ll savor with each delightful bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 lb / 450 g)
  • 2 tbsps olive oil
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste
  • 12 oz (340 g) fettuccine
  • 1 tbsp salt (for pasta water)
  • ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter
  • 2 cups (480 ml) heavy cream
  • ¾ cup (75 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste
  • Chopped parsley (optional)
  • Cracked black pepper (optional)
  • Additional grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Chicken Preparation: Season chicken breasts with Italian herbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Sear in olive oil over medium heat until golden and cooked through, approximately 4-5 minutes per side, ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F. Rest briefly, then slice into elegant strips.
  2. Pasta Cooking: Bring salted water to a vigorous boil in a large pot. Cook fettuccine until perfectly al dente, following package instructions. Drain pasta, reserving a half cup of starchy cooking liquid for potential sauce refinement.
  3. Alfredo Sauce Creation: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Introduce heavy cream, allowing it to simmer gently. Gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese, creating a velvety smooth sauce. Enhance with a subtle hint of nutmeg, then season with salt and pepper. Adjust consistency using reserved pasta water if needed.
  4. Pasta and Sauce Combination: Fold cooked fettuccine into the creamy Alfredo sauce, ensuring each pasta strand is luxuriously enrobed with the rich mixture.
  5. Plating and Garnishing: Plate the sauced pasta, strategically positioning sliced chicken on top. Elevate the presentation by sprinkling additional Parmesan, scattering fresh parsley, and finishing with a generous crack of black pepper.
  6. Serving Suggestion: Serve immediately while piping hot. Pair with crisp garlic bread or a vibrant, fresh salad for a complete and satisfying dining experience.

Notes

  • Select Fresh Ingredients: Choose high-quality, fresh Parmesan cheese and heavy cream for a richer, more authentic Alfredo sauce that elevates the entire dish’s flavor profile.
  • Manage Pasta Cooking Time: Watch fettuccine carefully to achieve perfect al dente texture – overcooking leads to mushy pasta that won’t hold the creamy sauce effectively.
  • Control Sauce Consistency: Keep reserved pasta water as a secret weapon to adjust sauce thickness, preventing it from becoming too dense or separating during final mixing.
  • Prevent Chicken Dryness: Allow chicken to rest after cooking and slice against the grain to maintain moisture and tenderness, ensuring each bite remains juicy and flavorful.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 3
  • Calories: 750
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 45 g
  • Saturated Fat: 25 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 60 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 150 mg
Liam O’Sullivan

Liam O’Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Isabella brings a global spark to the Craft Meats table. Born in Florence and trained at the Apicius International School of Hospitality, she blends classic Italian flavor with modern writing that’s easy to follow and hard to forget. 

Her additional training at the Italian Chef Academy fueled her love for well-crafted dishes, especially ones that spotlight beautiful cuts of meat.

She’s a food writer with heart, and a deep love for storytelling through single recipes. Her goal? To help you cook with more confidence and a little more joy, no matter where you start.

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