Easy Chicken Alfredo Recipe
If you’re after a recipe that will make your kitchen smell like an Italian trattoria and deliver big comfort without big effort, this Easy Chicken Alfredo is your new soulmate. It brings together juicy, well-seasoned chicken strips, the dreamiest creamy Parmesan sauce, and perfectly cooked fettuccine, all tossed up in just one skillet. Whether you’re cooking for your family or wowing your friends, this dish gives maximum flavor with minimum fuss. Plus, with a prep and cook time of just 30 minutes, Easy Chicken Alfredo might just become your go-to dinner for busy nights and special occasions alike!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Easy Chicken Alfredo is chosen for its power to add gorgeous flavor and mouthfeel, yet the lineup is blissfully simple. Here’s your stress-free shopping list, along with little tips to help you get the most delicious results every time.
- Chicken breasts: Slicing them into strips helps them cook quickly and stay juicy—boneless, skinless is key.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps brown the chicken beautifully.
- Salt and pepper: A simple sprinkle goes a long way to bringing everything to life.
- Fettuccine pasta: Its sturdy texture holds up perfectly to creamy sauces.
- Unsalted butter: Gives your sauce a silky finish and lovely flavor depth.
- Fresh garlic: Three cloves means plenty of fragrant, savory punch.
- Heavy cream: The secret behind that irresistibly rich, luscious sauce.
- Parmesan cheese: Grated fresh for melt-in-your-mouth cheesiness and that classic Alfredo flavor.
- Italian seasoning (optional): Adds a subtle herbal hint—totally up to your taste!
- Fresh parsley: Sprinkled on top, it brightens and freshens the finished plate.
How to Make Easy Chicken Alfredo
Step 1: Cook the Fettuccine
Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a lively boil. Toss in the fettuccine pasta and cook according to package instructions until it’s perfectly al dente—tender with a slight bite. Be sure to reserve about half a cup of the pasta water before draining, as this starchy liquid can help loosen your Alfredo sauce later if you need a silkier finish. Set the cooked pasta aside while you turn your attention to that glorious chicken.
Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken
Take your chicken strips and pat them dry with a paper towel, then generously season all over with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high, and wait until it’s shimmering before dropping in the chicken—this ensures the perfect sear. Cook each side for 4–5 minutes until golden and gloriously cooked through. Transfer the chicken onto a plate and set aside; don’t wipe out the skillet, because that’s flavor you’ll want in your sauce!
Step 3: Build the Creamy Alfredo Sauce
Lower the heat to medium, then melt the butter right in your skillet, letting it bubble up and soak in the leftover chicken drippings. Add the minced garlic and sauté for just about a minute until wonderfully fragrant, taking care not to let it brown. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning if you love that herbaceous twist, then cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce thickens into that classic Alfredo velvetiness.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Return the golden chicken strips to the skillet, nestling them in that creamy sauce, and then add your cooked fettuccine. Toss everything together, making sure every ribbon of pasta is luxuriously coated. If your sauce feels a little thick, drizzle in a splash or two of your reserved pasta water—this is the chef’s secret for ensuring a glossy, perfectly loose sauce. Now, you’re ready to plate up!
How to Serve Easy Chicken Alfredo
Garnishes
Sprinkle a generous handful of freshly chopped parsley all over the plate right before serving. Not only does parsley add a lovely pop of color, but it also brightens up each forkful with its subtle freshness. If you’re feeling indulgent, a little extra Parmesan on top never hurt anyone—you can even add a crack of black pepper for a restaurant-style finish.
Side Dishes
Easy Chicken Alfredo pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette or a side of simply steamed veggies like broccoli, asparagus, or peas. Love your carbs? Try serving it with warm garlic bread or a rustic baguette to help scoop up every last bit of creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style feast, serve the Alfredo in a large, shallow bowl at the center of your table, letting everyone help themselves. If you’re cooking for a dinner party, consider swirling individual nests of fettuccine and topping each with slices of chicken and a delicate parsley sprinkle—restaurant vibes achieved! You can even try serving it in parmesan “bowls” for an extra-special edible touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Easy Chicken Alfredo in an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It will keep well for up to 3 days. The pasta continues to soak up the sauce as it sits, so the dish may be thicker after a stint in the fridge, but don’t worry—there’s a fix in the next step!
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze portions of Easy Chicken Alfredo if you want to plan ahead. Spoon into freezer-safe containers and let them cool completely before covering and freezing for up to a month. Just remember, cream sauces can sometimes separate a touch after thawing, but a gentle reheat will bring it back together beautifully.
Reheating
To revive that creamy goodness, reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen up the sauce as needed. Stir regularly until everything is warmed through. The microwave works in a pinch too—just keep the heat low and stop to stir often.
FAQs
What can I substitute for heavy cream in Easy Chicken Alfredo?
If you’d like a lighter version, swap out the heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk—just know the sauce will be less rich but still creamy and satisfying. You can also try using evaporated milk in a pinch!
Can I use a different pasta besides fettuccine?
Absolutely! While fettuccine is traditional for Alfredo, feel free to experiment with linguine, spaghetti, or even penne. Just pick a sturdy pasta that will hold up to the richness of the sauce.
How do I avoid my Alfredo sauce becoming grainy?
Always use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest results—pre-shredded cheeses can have anti-caking agents that make sauces gritty. Also, add the cheese slowly to the warm (not boiling) cream so it melts gradually.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Steamed broccoli, baby spinach, or peas are wonderful additions to Easy Chicken Alfredo, adding color, texture, and a touch of freshness. Stir them in at the end so they stay bright and crisp.
Is rotisserie chicken a good shortcut for Easy Chicken Alfredo?
Yes, rotisserie chicken is a fabulous shortcut! Just shred or slice it and toss it in with the cooked pasta and sauce. It’s a lifesaver when you’re short on time but still crave that homemade comfort.
Final Thoughts
I really hope you’ll give Easy Chicken Alfredo a try the next time you’re craving creamy, cozy comfort food—without spending all night in the kitchen. It’s a recipe that brings people together, yet is simple enough for even the busiest weeknight. Pour yourself a glass of something delicious, gather your favorite people around the table, and watch this dish become a new classic in your home!
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Easy Chicken Alfredo Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Chicken Alfredo recipe is a creamy and comforting pasta dish perfect for a cozy dinner. Tender chicken strips are tossed with fettuccine in a rich Parmesan cream sauce, creating a satisfying meal that’s quick and delicious.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Fettuccine: Prepare the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
- Cook the Chicken: Season chicken strips with salt and pepper. Cook in olive oil until golden brown and cooked through. Set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter, sauté garlic, add cream, simmer, then stir in Parmesan and Italian seasoning. Cook until thickened.
- Combine: Add chicken and cooked pasta to the sauce. Toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water if needed.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Add steamed broccoli or spinach for extra veggies.
- Rotisserie chicken works well as a shortcut.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1½ cups
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
