Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe (40 Min Silky Italian Classic)
🕒 Prep: 15 min | 🍳 Cook: 25 min | ⏱️ Total: 40 min
👥 Serves: 4 | 🔥 Calories: 820 kcal/serving
Why You'll LOVE This Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe ✨
- Restaurant Quality: Silky Alfredo sauce + juicy chicken in just 40 min!
- Fast Weeknight: 30% quicker than traditional Alfredo recipes
- Diet-Friendly: Gluten-Free Option, Dairy-Free Option, High-Protein
Ingredients 📋
🍗 Chicken & Pasta
- 1 lb fettuccine pasta (sub: penne)
- 2 boneless chicken breasts (~1 lb)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt & pepper to taste
🥛 Alfredo Sauce
- 2 cups heavy cream (sub: half-and-half)
- 1½ cups Parmesan cheese, grated
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (garnish)
💡 Pro Tip: Grate Parmesan fresh = smoother, creamier sauce!
Instructions (5 Easy Steps) 📝
- 1. Cook Chicken: Season breasts with salt + pepper. Heat 2 tbsp butter in skillet, cook 5-7 min/side (165°F). Slice after resting → Juicy strips!
- 2. Boil Pasta: Cook fettuccine in salted water until al dente (8-10 min). Reserve 1 cup water, drain → Perfect texture!
- 3. Start Sauce: In skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter + garlic, sauté 30 sec. Add cream, scrape pan, simmer 3-4 min → Silky base!
- 4. Thicken Sauce: Whisk in Parmesan gradually + salt + pepper + nutmeg until smooth → Velvety Alfredo!
- 5. Combine & Serve: Toss pasta in sauce, add chicken, adjust with pasta water if thick. Garnish with parsley → Italian classic!
⏰ Timing Hack: Boil pasta while chicken cooks – saves 10 minutes!
Pro Tips for PERFECT Results 🎓
- Fresh Cheese: Avoid pre-grated Parmesan = no clumping
- Pasta Water: Add 1 tbsp at a time for perfect sauce consistency
- Storage: Fridge 3 days | Reheat with splash of cream
- Don’t Boil Cream: Gentle simmer = no curdling
Variations 🌱
- Gluten-Free: Use GF pasta + check Parmesan
- Dairy-Free: Cashew cream + vegan Parmesan
- Veggie Boost: Add sautéed spinach or broccoli
- Protein Swap: Shrimp or mushrooms for variety
FAQ ❓
Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes! Add 2 min cook time, juicier result
Make ahead?
Yes! Cook chicken + pasta, store separately, combine when reheating
Can I freeze?
Yes! Freeze without sauce, 2 months. Add fresh Alfredo when reheating
Nutrition (Per Serving) 🥗
Calories: 820 | Protein: 41g | Carbs: 62g | Fat: 47g
High-Protein ✓ Family-Friendly ✓ Italian Classic ✓
Serve With 🍽️
- Garlic Bread – Sauce-dipping perfection
- Arugula Salad – Lemon vinaigrette balance
- Pinot Grigio – Crisp pairing
Reader Reviews ⭐
"SILKY & DELICIOUS! Better than takeout!" – Elena, FL
"Weeknight savior! Kids loved it!" – Raj, CA
