Chicken Alfredo Recipe {Easy and Amazing!} - Belly Full (2024)

This easy Chicken Alfredo recipe includes golden pan-fried seasoned chicken breasts and tender noodles, coated in the most dreamy cream sauce ever. A showstopper meal and it’s all done in just over 30 minutes!

Looking for other easy creamy pasta dishes? You will love our Shrimp Alfredo, Spaghetti Carbonara, and Chicken Tetrazzini.

Chicken Alfredo Recipe {Easy and Amazing!} - Belly Full (1)

Talk about comfort food! Mama Mia, you guys. We put our amazing Homemade Alfredo Sauce to perfect use in this Chicken Alfredo recipe. Wonderfully seasoned chicken with a crispy golden exterior, on top of tender pasta that’s coated with a velvety garlic and Parmesan cream sauce. What’s more, it looks and tastes like a gourmet meal, but it’s incredibly easy to make. Trust me, your entire family will love it!

Chicken Alfredo Recipe

For Chicken Alfredo Pasta, you have 3 main components, all of which are delicious on their own and even more amazing once combined:

  • Chicken: Chicken breasts are seasoned and pan seared in olive oil and butter until moist on the inside, with a golden crust on the outside. We keep the seasonings simple with just salt, pepper, and our homemade Italian seasoning blend, since so much additional flavor comes from the cream sauce.
  • Pasta: Pasta is cooked in salted water until al dente, which is the bed of this dish. A long, flat noodle like Fettuccine is perfect here, providing more surface area for the sauce to cling to. Linguini is another great choice, or penne which is able to catch the sauce in its ridges. Honestly though, any pasta works.
  • Alfredo Sauce: We used our favorite Alfredo Sauce recipe for this dish. Butter, heavy whipping cream, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, garlic, and seasonings come together in a matter of minutes for the most incredible white sauce that coats the cooked pasta. Heaven!
Chicken Alfredo Recipe {Easy and Amazing!} - Belly Full (2)
Chicken Alfredo Recipe {Easy and Amazing!} - Belly Full (3)

How to Make Chicken Alfredo

This dish comes together fast, so have everything ready to go. Here’s a summary:
*Don’t miss the complete printable recipe and video tutorial below.

  1. Boil the noodles: Cook the Fettuccine al dente, according to package instructions.
  2. Cook the chicken: Season the chicken, then pan-fry in oil and butter, for 6 minutes a side, or until an internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest for a few minutes, then cut into 1/2-inch thick slices. Tent with foil, while you prepare the sauce.
  3. Make the Alfredo sauce: Using the same pan you used to cook the chicken, the cream, butter, and seasonings are incorporated and simmered on medium-low heat until thickened, then the Parmesan is added in until melted and smooth.
  4. Assemble: Drain the pasta, reserving some of the liquid to loosen the sauce (only if necessary.) Toss immediately with the Alfredo sauce. Divide the pasta among serving bowls and top with a few slices of cooked chicken. Garnish with parsley, more Parmesan, and black pepper if desired.

Important Recipe Notes

  • Avoid pre-shredded cheese. For best results, use real Parmigiano-Reggiano right off the block. Pre-grated cheeses don’t melt properly, making your sauce grainy. And they simply don’t taste nearly as good.
  • Don’t over-cook the chicken. Take the guesswork out of knowing when the chicken is done cooking by using an instant-read thermometer. Chicken is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temp of 165 degrees F (and keep in mind it will continue to cook a bit more as it rests.)
  • Have everything ready before you start: The list of ingredients is somewhat long, but it comes together fast – similar to a stir fry. So have everything prepped and ready to go before you start cooking.
  • Sauce too thin? We think the consistency of the sauce is on point, but if you find it too thin, no worries. You can either simmer for a few extra minutes or take it off the heat and let it sit for a minute or two before tossing with the pasta. It will thicken up. Alternatively, if you find it too thick, you can stir in a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
  • Want to lighten it up? Let’s not kid ourselves – this is a rich, creamy, high calorie meal. But you can cut back a little by using half-n-half or whole milk instead of the heavy whipping cream. Just keep in mind that the lower the fat content, the thinner the sauce.
Chicken Alfredo Recipe {Easy and Amazing!} - Belly Full (4)

Proper Storage

Make Ahead: Chicken Alfredo is ideally made and served right away, however the chicken can be cooked up to 1 day in advance. I don’t recommend making the sauce ahead of time.
Leftovers: Any leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep up to 3 days.
How to reheat Chicken Alfredo: Reheat on the stovetop, gently over low heat until it’s incorporated again, keeping in mind the sauce will probably separate.

Watch Chicken Alfredo Video

What Goes with Chicken Alfredo?

With chicken, pasta, and a cream sauce, this is high calorie, indulgent, and filling! But the following are great Alfredo side dishes:

  • Homemade garlic bread (carbs on carbs on carbs, oh my!)
  • Simple side salad
  • Cucumber Tomato Salad
  • Roasted Asparagus

I hope you love this delicious and simple recipe – be sure to give it a review below! Also don’t forget to follow Belly Full onFacebook,Instagram,Pinterest, andYouTube!

Chicken Alfredo Recipe {Easy and Amazing!} - Belly Full (5)

Chicken Alfredo

This easy Chicken Alfredo recipe includes golden pan-fried chicken breasts and tender noodles, coated in the most dreamy cream sauce ever!

Print Recipe Rate Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 18 minutes minutes

Total Time 33 minutes minutes

Servings: 6

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 10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of the cooking water, then drain well. Set aside.

  • Make the chicken: Season chicken breasts with the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

  • Warm the olive oil over medium-high heat in a large nonstick skillet. Once it’s shimmering, swirl the pan to evenly distribute. Add the chicken and leave it undisturbed for 5-7 minutes, until the bottom is golden-brown. Flip over and add in 1 tablespoon of butter between them, picking up the pan to give it a gentle swirl to distribute. Continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes (or an internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.)

  • Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let rest for 3 minutes. Cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices. Tent with foil while you prepare the sauce.

  • Make the Alfredo sauce: In the same pan, over medium-low heat, add the butter and cream; whisk until butter has melted.

  • Add in the minced garlic, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper; whisk until combined and smooth.

  • Bring to a gentle simmer (do not boil) and cook for 3-4 minutes, whisking constantly, until it starts to thicken.

  • Stir in the parmesan cheese just until melted and the sauce is smooth. (If the sauce ends up too thick, add some of the reserved pasta cooking water, a few tablespoons at a time, to thin it out.)

  • Assemble: Take sauce off the heat and immediately toss with the cooked fettuccine noodles.

  • Divide the pasta among serving bowls and top with a few slices of chicken. Garnish with parsley, more Parmesan, and black pepper if desired.

Video

Notes

Don’t miss the full article, which includes helpful tips, storage, and a video.

Nutrition

Calories: 919kcal | Carbohydrates: 45g | Protein: 39g | Fat: 65g | Saturated Fat: 37g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 280mg | Sodium: 1179mg | Potassium: 540mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 2054IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 462mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional information given is an automatic calculation and can vary based on the exact products you use and any changes you make to the recipe. If these numbers are very important to you, I would recommend calculating them yourself.

Other Notes

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: Chicken Alfredo, Chicken Alfredo recipe

Did you make this recipe?Snap a picture and mention @bellyfullblog!

Chicken Alfredo Recipe {Easy and Amazing!} - Belly Full (6)
Chicken Alfredo Recipe {Easy and Amazing!} - Belly Full (2024)

FAQs

How to make my chicken Alfredo better? ›

Try a simple mix of chopped chicken, carrots, and sliced Cayenne pepper, or add ground beef browned with onions. Some people also add fresh broccoli, but that's not among my personal favorites. Seasonings, spices, and fresh herbs: this is definitely a great way to give your Alfredo sauce a more personal flavor.

What is the secret to smooth Alfredo sauce? ›

Cream Cheese – again, use a good quality brand. This will ensure a smooth sauce. Heavy Cream – you'll want to use at least a 33% fat content for a silky texture. Parmesan Cheese – you'll get the BEST results by using freshly shredded parmesan rather than store bought shredded.

What makes jar Alfredo sauce better? ›

15 Ways To Upgrade Store-Bought Alfredo Sauce
  1. Add extra cheese for creaminess and flavor. ...
  2. Stir in a touch of marinara to mimic a vodka sauce. ...
  3. Mix in a bit of pesto for an instant transformation. ...
  4. Add roasted or sauteed garlic for a serious boost in flavor. ...
  5. Simmer with extra herbs and spices for added depth.
Feb 29, 2024

Is chicken Alfredo hard on your stomach? ›

The heavy cream used in the sauce is high in fat, which can slow down digestion. Cheese, particularly Parmesan, is high in lactose, which can cause digestive discomfort for people who are lactose intolerant.

What can I add to Alfredo sauce to make it taste better? ›

Heartier herbs like thyme or oregano can be added in to simmer with the sauce. Add delicate herbs like parsley, basil, or chervil at the end to maintain their delicate, aromatic flavor. Quick tip: Swirl in a bit of leftover pesto to add another herbaceous twist to your Alfredo sauce.

What thickens chicken Alfredo? ›

These are a great way to thicken your sauce by making them creamier and more satiating.
  • Egg Yolks. Egg yolks are a terrific thickener for many things and pasta sauce is one of them. ...
  • Cream Cheese. ...
  • Heavy Cream. ...
  • Parmesan. ...
  • Shredded Cheese. ...
  • Butter. ...
  • Plain Greek Yogurt.

Should you put pasta water in Alfredo sauce? ›

After 12 ounces of fettuccine pasta noodles are finished cooking, reserve 2 cups of the pasta water to include in your sauce. The starchy water is essential to creating a thick, creamy sauce consistency.

How do you thicken homemade Alfredo sauce? ›

Add Cheese

This first method is not only the easiest, but also arguably the most delicious. The key ingredient in Alfredo sauce is cheese—generally Parmigiano Reggiano—and lots of it. To thicken Alfredo sauce, simply add more cheese than the amount called for in a recipe until you achieve the consistency you want.

How do you make Alfredo creamy again? ›

While controlling the heat is what helps the fat (oil) not separate from the sauce in the first place, adding cream to your leftovers is what helps to revive the dish. This leaves the pasta nice and creamy again and makes sure that it's not dried out.

How to jazz up Alfredo sauce? ›

How To Make Jarred Alfredo Sauce Better
  1. Garlic. Adding fresh garlic cloves is such an easy, quick and affordable way to add a huge burst of flavor to jarred sauce. ...
  2. Butter. Melted butter adds a creamy texture and a deliciously bold flavor to alfredo sauce. ...
  3. Cheese. ...
  4. Vegetables. ...
  5. Seasonings/Spices. ...
  6. Go Spicy. ...
  7. White Wine. ...
  8. Meat.
Dec 31, 2021

What can I add to jar sauce to make it better? ›

A generous sprig or two of fresh herbs like basil, parsley, rosemary, or sage can all amp up the flavor of a jarred pasta sauce. Alternatively, some of those herbs, like parsley, sage, and rosemary, can be great minced up and gently fried into fresh olive oil before adding the sauce to the pot.

What noodle is best for Alfredo? ›

Fettuccine. This flat, ribbon noodle is most known for pairing with Alfredo sauce. The thick, creamy mixture perfectly clings to the fettuccine, making it a great partner for any smooth and/or creamy sauces.

Why do I feel sick after creamy pasta? ›

🧀 Lactose Lurking: Creamy Culprit: Cream-based pasta sauces often contain higher levels of lactose than pure dairy items, potentially causing stomach discomfort.

Can people with IBS eat chicken alfredo? ›

This Low FODMAP Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo recipe is reduced fat and gluten-free. An excellent dinner for those with IBS!

Is chicken alfredo bad for heartburn? ›

Avoid: Cheesy dishes like lasagna, ravioli, and tortellini and anything with an Alfredo sauce. Tomato-based dishes like red pizza, pasta with red sauce, bruschetta, and tomato soup.

How to upgrade your chicken Alfredo? ›

10 Unexpected Ways To Upgrade Your Next Alfredo Sauce
  1. Roast some black garlic. Joe_mcubed/Getty Images. ...
  2. Add a dash of pesto. Nitrub/Getty Images. ...
  3. Stir in caramelized onions. ...
  4. Place some prosciutto on top. ...
  5. Sprinkle in fresh herbs and greens. ...
  6. Include chopped pancetta. ...
  7. Splurge on adding truffles. ...
  8. Mix in tricolor cherry tomatoes.
Feb 1, 2023

How do you revive chicken Alfredo? ›

The way you'll do it is by putting all your leftovers in a small saucepan, then heat it on medium-low heat. Then, add in a splash of milk or cream when it starts to heat up. Give it a good stir with a wooden spoon and increase to medium heat. It will start to simmer, but don't let it bubble any more than that.

How to make store-bought Alfredo sauce thicker? ›

How to Thicken Alfredo Sauce
  1. Cream Cheese. Cube softened cream cheese and whisk into the Alfredo Sauce into a pot over heat until the cheese is smooth. ...
  2. Parmesan Cheese. Add some freshly grated good quality Parmesan cheese into the sauce. ...
  3. Shredded Cheese. ...
  4. Heavy Cream. ...
  5. Cornstarch (or Arrowroot) ...
  6. Flour. ...
  7. Egg Yolks. ...
  8. Vegetables.
Oct 3, 2019

How do you fix watery chicken Alfredo? ›

Add Cheese

The key ingredient in Alfredo sauce is cheese—generally Parmigiano Reggiano—and lots of it. To thicken Alfredo sauce, simply add more cheese than the amount called for in a recipe until you achieve the consistency you want.

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