Classic Homemade Chicken Alfredo Pasta

Ingredients

2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
1 teaspoon of salt
1/2 teaspoon of pepper
2 tablespoons of olive oil
4 cloves of garlic, minced
1 cup of heavy cream
2 cups of Parmesan cheese, grated
3/4 cup of chicken broth
8 ounces of fettuccine pasta
2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley

Steps and instructions

Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until it's browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes on each side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the skillet. Stir the garlic until it's fragrant, about 1 minute.
Add the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
While the sauce is cooking, cook the fettuccine pasta according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet with the sauce.
Stir the pasta until it's fully coated in the sauce. Slice the cooked chicken and add it to the skillet. Stir until the chicken is warmed through.
Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top of the pasta. Serve the chicken Alfredo pasta hot.

Tools for making

Skillet - A large skillet for cooking the chicken and sauce.
Knife - A sharp knife for slicing the chicken and chopping garlic.
Cutting board - A cutting board for safely preparing the ingredients.
Large pot - A large pot for boiling the fettuccine pasta.
Strainer - A strainer for draining the cooked pasta.
Spatula - A spatula for stirring the sauce and pasta.
Measuring spoons - Measuring spoons for accurately measuring the salt, pepper, and other ingredients.
Grater - A grater for grating the Parmesan cheese.
Garlic press - A garlic press for mincing the garlic cloves.
Chopping board - A chopping board for chopping fresh parsley.
Tongs - Tongs for flipping and removing the chicken from the skillet.

Recipe variations

Use different types of pasta such as penne, linguine, or spaghetti.
Add vegetables like broccoli, peas, or mushrooms to the dish.
Replace chicken with cooked shrimp or grilled salmon for a seafood Alfredo pasta.
Add cooked bacon or pancetta for a smoky flavor.
Experiment with different herbs and spices such as basil, oregano, or red pepper flakes for added flavor.
Try using different types of cheese such as Gruyere or Fontina instead of Parmesan.
Make it vegetarian by omitting the chicken and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
For a healthier version, use whole wheat pasta and substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or low-fat milk.
Add a touch of lemon juice or zest for a refreshing twist.
Make it spicy by adding diced jalapenos or crushed red pepper flakes.

Recipe overview

Enjoy the classic Italian-American favorite at home with our easy-to-follow Chicken Alfredo Pasta recipe. This dish combines perfectly cooked pasta with a creamy, rich Alfredo sauce, tender slices of chicken, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a touch of brightness. With only a handful of simple ingredients, you'll be able to recreate this restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your own kitchen. Expect to be indulging in a meal that is both comforting and decadent in under an hour. This recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion. Just pair it with some garlic bread and a side salad, and you have a complete meal that is sure to impress. Enjoy the process and the delicious end result!

Common questions

Can I use bone-in chicken breasts instead? Yes, you can use bone-in chicken breasts for this recipe. However, cooking time may vary, so make sure the chicken is cooked through before adding it to the sauce.
Can I use other types of pasta? Yes, you can use other types of pasta if you prefer. However, fettuccine is traditionally used for chicken Alfredo and pairs well with the creamy sauce.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream? While heavy cream provides a creamy and rich texture to the sauce, you can substitute it with half-and-half or whole milk. However, the sauce may be less thick and rich.
Can I add vegetables to the recipe? Absolutely! You can add vegetables such as broccoli, peas, or mushrooms to the recipe. Simply sauté them in the skillet before adding the garlic, or steam them separately and mix them into the pasta and sauce.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? While it's best to enjoy chicken Alfredo pasta immediately after cooking, you can make the sauce and cook the pasta ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and reheat the sauce on the stovetop before combining it with the pasta.
Can I freeze leftovers? It's not recommended to freeze leftovers of chicken Alfredo pasta. The sauce may separate and become watery upon thawing and reheating.

Serving dishes and utensils

Skillet - A large skillet is needed to cook the chicken and prepare the sauce.
Tongs - Tongs are useful for flipping and handling the chicken breasts while cooking.
Garlic press - A garlic press can be used to easily mince the garlic cloves.
Whisk - A whisk is helpful for stirring and combining the sauce ingredients.
Large pot - A large pot is required to cook the fettuccine pasta.
Colander - A colander is needed to drain the cooked pasta.
Serving plate or bowl - A serving plate or bowl is necessary to serve the chicken Alfredo pasta.
Garnish utensil - A utensil, such as tongs or a spoon, can be used to sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the pasta as a garnish.

Origin stories

Chicken Alfredo Pasta might seem typically American, but its roots reach back to Rome, Italy. The dish is named after Alfredo di Lelio, a restaurant owner in Rome, who in the early 20th century created the dish to help his pregnant wife regain her appetite. The dish, originally made with just butter and Parmesan cheese, was a hit and eventually made its way onto his restaurant's menu. As its popularity grew, tourists visiting from the United States took note and brought the recipe back home. Over time, variations were made, including the addition of chicken and cream, resulting in the rich and comforting dish we know today as Chicken Alfredo Pasta. As you enjoy this delicious meal, take a moment to appreciate its humble beginnings and incredible journey from a small Roman trattoria to tables around the world.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.