Name: Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 33 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 16 ounces dry fettuccine pasta; 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; 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

If you’ve ever craved a restaurant-style pasta that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then this Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe is going to be your new go-to. Trust me, it’s rich, silky, and utterly satisfying without being complicated. I absolutely love how this turns out every time, and I know you’ll find it equally irresistible once you try it.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Creamy and Flavorful: The sauce is velvety rich thanks to real butter, heavy cream, and freshly grated Parmesan.
Easy to Make at Home: You don’t need fancy skills or ingredients—just simple pantry staples and a little care.
Perfectly Cooked Chicken: Seasoned well and seared until golden, the chicken stays juicy and tender.
Comfort Food That Impresses: Whether weeknight dinner or casual guests, it always hits the spot.

A close-up view of creamy fettuccine pasta in a thick white sauce filling the whole frame, with the pasta strands twisted and intertwined. The sauce is smooth and glossy with a light beige color and flecks of black pepper and small green parsley pieces sprinkled on top. Silver tongs are grabbing a bunch of pasta near the center, showing the rich texture of the sauce coating the noodles. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta, Chicken Alfredo Recipe, Easy Alfredo Pasta, Homemade Chicken Alfredo, Restaurant-Style Alfredo

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe plays a starring role in the final dish. From the pasta to the spices, each adds flavor and texture that work beautifully together. When grocery shopping, look for fresh Parmesan and quality chicken for the best results.

Flat lay of dry fettuccine pasta nests, two boneless skinless chicken breasts seasoned with herbs and pepper, a small pat of golden butter slices, a few sprigs of fresh parsley, a whole uncracked brown egg, a small white ceramic bowl of extra-virgin olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl of heavy whipping cream, a small white ceramic bowl filled with finely grated Parmesan cheese, a small white ceramic bowl containing minced garlic cloves, sprinkled kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper scattered sparsely around, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta, Chicken Alfredo Recipe, Easy Alfredo Pasta, Homemade Chicken Alfredo, Restaurant-Style Alfredo

Fettuccine pasta: Classic for Alfredo—holds the creamy sauce perfectly.
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Easy to cook and pairs well with the silky sauce.
Italian seasoning: Adds a subtle herb flavor that brightens the dish.
Kosher salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning inside and out.
Extra-virgin olive oil: For a nice sear and depth in cooking the chicken.
Butter: Both for cooking the chicken and making the sauce irresistibly rich.
Heavy whipping cream: The heart of that creamy, dreamy Alfredo sauce.
Garlic (minced and powder): For layering garlic flavor without overpowering.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Always use freshly grated if possible—pre-grated can’t match the melt and flavor.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I like to mix things up depending on my mood or what’s in the fridge. This Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe is wonderfully versatile, so feel free to get creative and personalize it your way.

Veggie Boost: Adding sautéed mushrooms or steamed broccoli gives a nice texture contrast and fresh flavor. My family goes crazy for this when I sneak in extra greens.
Spicy Kick: Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes while cooking the sauce for a subtle heat. I discovered this trick when I wanted a little zing without overwhelming the creamy sauce.
Gluten-Free Pasta: Use your favorite gluten-free fettuccine to keep it friendly for sensitive stomachs without losing pasta’s satisfying bite.
Chicken Alternatives: Try shrimp or even sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian twist—both soak up the sauce beautifully.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Perfectly

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water—you want it well-seasoned like the sea to enhance the pasta’s flavor. Add the fettuccine and cook just until al dente, usually about 10 minutes, according to the package. I always save half a cup of that starchy pasta water before draining. That little trick often comes in handy later to loosen up the sauce if it gets too thick.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, season your chicken breasts with Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and pepper evenly. Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken without crowding the pan—don’t move it around! Let it develop a gorgeous golden crust on the bottom, about 5 to 7 minutes. Flip it over, add a tablespoon of butter, and gently swirl to coat. Cook another 5 to 7 minutes until the internal temperature hits 165°F. Rest the chicken for a few minutes before slicing—it keeps all those juices locked in.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Alfredo Sauce

In the same skillet (don’t clean it! Those browned bits add amazing flavor), melt the butter over medium-low heat. Pour in the heavy cream and whisk gently until the butter is melted and the mixture is smooth. Stir in minced garlic, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper—whisk until everything is combined and lovely. Bring it to a gentle simmer without boiling, and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. The sauce will thicken beautifully. Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese last until melted and silky. If it feels a bit too thick, just add a couple tablespoons of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up until you get your perfect consistency.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

Remove the sauce from heat and immediately toss it with your drained fettuccine so every strand is coated. Divide the saucy pasta into bowls and top with sliced chicken breast. At this point, feel free to add extra Parmesan, sprinkle some fresh parsley, or grind a little black pepper on top—it’s these final touches that elevate the dish to restaurant level.

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe

Don’t Overboil the Pasta: Cooking to perfect al dente ensures the noodles hold the sauce well and don’t get mushy after mixing.
Rest Your Chicken: Letting the chicken rest before slicing keeps it juicy and tender, which really makes a difference in texture.
Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: I learned this the hard way—fresh cheese melts smoother and has a richer flavor than pre-grated powders.
Adjust Sauce Consistency: Don’t hesitate to tweak the sauce thickness with reserved pasta water for that perfect creamy coating.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe

Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I love topping mine with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and brightness. A little extra grated Parmesan never hurts either—go ahead and add more! Sometimes I finish with a crack of fresh black pepper for a subtle kick that cuts through the richness.

Side Dishes

To balance this indulgent pasta, I usually serve it alongside a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or some garlicky roasted broccoli. For a simple dinner party, garlic bread or a crusty baguette are always welcome to mop up that luscious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

If I’m celebrating something special, I plate the pasta in mini nests on elegant plates and top each with a fan of chicken slices, sprinkled with microgreens or edible flowers. It instantly makes the dish feel fancy without extra fuss—a trick I learned hosting memorable family dinners.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover pasta and chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keeping the sauce separate from the pasta helps retain the best texture, but if that’s not possible, just know your pasta might soak up some sauce and thickens—easy to fix with a splash of milk or cream when reheating.

Freezing

Freezing this Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe isn’t my first choice since cream sauces can separate after freezing, but if you want to, freeze the cooked chicken separately and the sauce in an airtight container. Thaw overnight in the fridge and gently reheat on low heat while stirring to bring back creaminess.

Reheating

For reheating leftovers, I warm the pasta gently on the stove with a splash of heavy cream or milk to restore the sauce’s lovely texture. Using low heat and stirring frequently prevents the cheese from clumping. Microwaving works too, but I prefer stovetop to keep it smooth and creamy.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe?

Absolutely! While fettuccine is classic because it holds the sauce beautifully, you can swap in penne, linguine, or even pappardelle depending on your preference. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
How can I make this recipe healthier?

You can lighten up the sauce by substituting half-and-half or a milk and cream blend instead of heavy cream, and trimming the butter slightly. Adding plenty of steamed veggies and using whole wheat pasta also boosts nutrition without sacrificing much flavor.
Is it okay to use pre-grated Parmesan cheese?

While pre-grated Parmesan is convenient, freshly grated cheese melts better and has a richer, more nuanced flavor, which really makes a difference in Alfredo sauce smoothness and taste.
Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?

Definitely! You can cook and slice the chicken up to a day in advance, store it in the fridge, and then warm it gently before assembling the dish. This saves time on busy nights.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s the dinner that gets requested again and again by family and friends. It’s comfort food done right: indulgent but approachable, impressive without being intimidating. Once you make it, you’ll realize it’s easier than it looks, and that perfect plate of silky pasta with tender chicken is always worth the effort. I can’t wait for you to try it and see for yourself how fast it becomes a favorite in your kitchen.