Name: Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 (6- to 8-oz.) boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil; 2 c. whole milk; 2 c. low-sodium chicken broth; 3/4 c. heavy cream; 8 oz. fettuccine; 2 oz. Parmesan, finely grated (about 1 cup); Kosher salt; Freshly ground black pepper; 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped; Finely chopped fresh parsley, for serving

If you’re craving a rich, comforting meal that tastes like restaurant-quality but comes together quickly at home, I’ve got the perfect recipe for you. This Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe is one of my all-time favorites because it strikes that perfect balance between indulgent and doable. From tender, juicy chicken breasts to a luscious, garlicky Alfredo sauce that clings to every strand of fettuccine, you’ll find that this pasta dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser every time.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Ingredients: You don’t need anything fancy—just good-quality basics that work beautifully together.
From-Scratch Sauce: No jarred Alfredo needed; this sauce is creamy, fresh, and far more flavorful than store-bought.
Hands-Off Pasta Cooking: The pasta cooks right in the sauce, so flavors meld perfectly and cleanup is easier.
Family Favorite: My family literally goes crazy for this dish, especially on nights when we want comfort food fast.

A close-up of a pan filled with creamy white sauce coated fettuccine noodles mixed with sliced white chicken pieces throughout. The thick sauce has a smooth texture with small black pepper flakes. On top, there are scattered bright green parsley leaves adding a pop of color. The pan is round and silver, resting on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta, easy homemade Alfredo sauce, chicken pasta recipes, quick weeknight dinner ideas, restaurant-style chicken Alfredo

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe plays an important role—from the olive oil that sears the chicken to the combination of chicken broth and milk that makes the sauce light yet creamy. Here’s the scoop on what you’ll want to grab at the store.

Flat lay of two plump boneless, skinless chicken breasts seasoned with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, two whole uncracked brown eggs, two peeled garlic cloves, a small white ceramic bowl of extra-virgin olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl of whole milk, a small white ceramic bowl of low-sodium chicken broth, a neat bundle of uncooked fettuccine pasta, a small white ceramic bowl filled with finely grated Parmesan cheese, a small white ceramic bowl of heavy cream, and a small pile of finely chopped fresh parsley leaves, all arranged in perfect symmetry 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, easy homemade Alfredo sauce, chicken pasta recipes, quick weeknight dinner ideas, restaurant-style chicken Alfredo

Extra-virgin olive oil: Adds rich flavor and helps sear the chicken beautifully without sticking.
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Lean and tender, they cook quickly and soak up all that garlicky goodness.
Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors at every step.
Garlic cloves: Fresh is best here—it gives the sauce that classic Alfredo aroma.
Whole milk: Combined with broth, it creates a creamy base without being too heavy.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Adds savory depth to the sauce and helps cook the pasta right in the pan.
Fettuccine: The perfect pasta shape to soak up the creamy Alfredo sauce.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is key for a smooth sauce that melts evenly.
Heavy cream: Gives the sauce that ultra-luxe, creamy texture.
Fresh parsley: A sprinkle on top adds a pop of color and mild freshness to balance the richness.

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 love that this Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe is so versatile—you can easily make it your own with just a few tweaks. Don’t be afraid to experiment based on what you love or have on hand!

Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms or roasted veggies—my go-to is a mix of spinach and sun-dried tomatoes.
Healthier Swap: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and whole milk for a lighter sauce without sacrificing creaminess.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic—my family loves the extra warmth it adds.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free fettuccine, and this dish still turns out luscious and satisfying.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Perfectly Sear Your Chicken

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season your chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper, then place them in the hot skillet. Cook the chicken about 8 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through—using an instant-read thermometer to hit 165°F is the best way to be sure. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This rest time keeps the meat juicy and tender.

Step 2: Build Your Creamy Alfredo Sauce

In the same skillet, add your finely chopped garlic, then pour in the chicken broth and whole milk. Season lightly with salt and pepper and bring everything to a gentle simmer over medium heat. This step wakes up the garlic flavor and forms the base of your sauce.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta Right in the Sauce

Now, toss in the fettuccine. It’ll cook directly in the simmering sauce, which is a game-changer because the pasta absorbs all those yummy flavors while the sauce gently thickens. Stir frequently and be patient—it usually takes 8 to 10 minutes for the pasta to get perfectly al dente.

Step 4: Finish the Sauce with Cheese and Cream

Lower the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan and heavy cream. Keep stirring until the sauce turns silky smooth and thickens further—about 3 more minutes. This step adds that rich, velvety finish everyone loves about Alfredo sauce.

Step 5: Add the Chicken and Serve Warm

Finally, stir the sliced chicken back into the pasta, just until warmed through. Top everything off with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for color and a hint of freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy the creamy comfort!

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe

Use a Large Skillet: I like using a wide pan because it gives the pasta plenty of space to cook evenly in the sauce without crowding.
Don’t Skip Resting the Chicken: It’s tempting to slice right away, but resting helps the juices redistribute, keeping your chicken tender.
Grate Parmesan Fresh: Pre-grated cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly, so I always grate mine at home for the creamiest sauce.
Keep Stirring the Pasta: Tossing regularly prevents sticking and ensures that each strand soaks up just enough sauce without getting mushy.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe

The dish shows a white plate filled with thick, creamy white fettuccine pasta covered in a smooth white sauce. On top of the pasta, there are five slices of grilled chicken with a light brown sear, arranged in a line slightly slanting from the bottom right to the center. The sauce swirls around the pasta and chicken, with some black pepper sprinkled evenly over the whole dish. Small green parsley leaves are scattered on top, adding color contrast. A metal fork is resting on the left side, slightly lifting some pasta strands. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta, easy homemade Alfredo sauce, chicken pasta recipes, quick weeknight dinner ideas, restaurant-style chicken Alfredo

Garnishes

I love topping this dish with fresh parsley—not just for color but also because it brightens up each bite and cuts through the richness beautifully. Sometimes, I throw on a little extra grated Parmesan or even a sprinkle of cracked black pepper if we want a bit more punch.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides for this pasta are always simple and fresh—think a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or some steamed broccoli. Garlic bread is also a classic pairing; it’s fantastic for soaking up any leftover sauce on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like plating the pasta in shallow bowls rather than piled high on a plate. Adding a lemon wedge on the side gives a fresh zing if folks want to brighten their bites. You can also garnish with some toasted pine nuts or a drizzle of truffle oil for an upscale spin.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta in an airtight container in the fridge, and it keeps well for up to 3 days. Be sure to cool it before refrigerating to avoid a watery sauce. When I reheat, I prefer to do it gently to maintain creaminess.

Freezing

Freezing Alfredo pasta isn’t ideal because cream sauces can sometimes split, but if you need to, freeze without the cream and add it fresh when reheating. Or freeze the chicken and pasta separately and assemble when ready. I’ve learned this trick keeps the dish tasting fresh.

Reheating

When reheating, I gently warm the pasta in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce as needed. Microwaving works, but stirring every 30 seconds helps prevent overheating and sauce separation.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs have more fat and tend to stay juicier, so they’ll work great in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to make sure they’re fully cooked through.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?

If you want a lighter sauce, you can use half-and-half or even a mix of milk and cream cheese. Just keep in mind the sauce might be a bit less rich and creamy but still delicious.
Is it okay to use pre-grated Parmesan cheese?

Freshly grated Parmesan melts much better and creates a smoother sauce. Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy or less creamy.
How long does this Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta last in the fridge?

Stored properly in an airtight container, it will last about 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe turns out every single time—rich, comforting, and totally satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. When I first tried making Alfredo from scratch, I was nervous, but this method simplified everything and delivered incredible results. I hope you enjoy making it as much as my family and I do. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become your go-to weeknight favorite, too. So grab your skillet, and let’s get cooking!