Homemade Chicken Alfredo

A rich creamy parmesan sauce is tossed with fettuccine and lightly seasoned chicken. Fresh and easy, this will become a go-to!

A Creamy Pasta Dish

This chicken alfredo recipe combines tender chicken and pasta in an easy homemade alfredo sauce.

Homemade alfredo is a 30-minute meal and tastes better than take-away.
This homemade meal uses chicken breasts but shrimp or rotisserie chicken work too.
The recipe is simple with just a handful of fresh ingredients in the sauce.

Ingredients

Chicken Alfredo is famous for its cheesy, cream-based sauce and hearty pasta.

CHICKEN: We love cooking chicken breasts in a bit of cajun seasoning but you can use your fave seasonings.

If you don’t have chicken breasts on hand, rotisserie chicken or leftovers work too. Swap out the chicken for shrimp or even sliced Italian sausage.

PASTA: Fettucine noodles are sturdy enough to hold up to the thick, creamy sauce. For alternative pasta, choose heavier types like penne, pappardelle, or large shells.

SAUCE: This creamy homemade sauce is the star! Alfredo is one a favorite at Olive Garden and even better made at home.

For best results, use fresh, heavy cream and grate your own cheese. If using unsalted butter and add your own salt.

A very small ‘pinch’ of nutmeg gives cream-based sauces a depth of flavor, so it’s worth adding!

How Much is a Pinch?

It’s about 1/16th of a teaspoon, just a tiny little bit. If you use your index finger and thumb to squeeze a little bit out of the spice jar, this should be the right amount.

How to Make Chicken Alfredo

Cook pasta: Prepare pasta al dente. Drain & reserve a half cup of pasta water.
Cook chicken: Slice the chicken & toss with seasonings. Cook in a large skillet until no pink remains and set aside.
Prep sauce: Sauté garlic in butter in the same pan over medium low heat. Slowly add cream & simmer until slightly thickened. Stir in Parmesan cheese & season with salt & pepper.
Combine: Add chicken & cooked fettuccine to the sauce. Add pasta water to reach desired consistency.

Optional Variations and Additions

Fried Mushrooms
Green peas
Asparagus or Steamed Broccoli
Sundried tomatoes
Shrimp

What Goes with Chicken Alfredo?

A rich dish needs simple fresh sides!

Sauteed Brussels sprouts
Easy Oven Roasted Asparagus
Crispy Garlic Air Fryer Broccoli

A tangy salad like a tossed salad or orange & fennel salad would pair perfectly with chicken alfredo, and don’t forget the homemade garlic bread or some pull-apart cheesy breadsticks!

Tips for Alfredo

It’s easy to make the perfect Chicken Alfredo with just a few tips!

Use full fat cream, lighter versions don’t thicken well in this recipe. (If you’re looking for a lower-cal alfredo, try our skinny version).
Shred your own parmesan, pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as well.
Ensure butter and garlic don’t brown, just cook it enough to become fragrant.
Remove the sauce from the heat before you stir in the cheese. If cheese is overheated/boiled it can separate.
Cook the pasta al dente (firm) and reserve pasta water to change the consistency of the sauce if needed.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat add a splash of milk, cream or chicken broth and microwave or heat over medium-low heat on the stove.

More Creamy Pasta

Chicken Lasagna
Easy Shrimp Alfredo
Creamy Mushroom Tagliatelle
Cacio e Pepe
Farfalle with Creamy Bacon Sauce
Chicken Alfredo Bake

Did you make this homemade Chicken Alfredo? Be sure to leave a rating and a comment below!