Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with these 10 mouthwatering chicken alfredo recipes that will transform your dinner routine.
From classic creamy preparations to unique twists featuring different herbs and seasonings, you’ll discover new ways to perfect this beloved Italian-American dish.
Whether you’re cooking for a quick weeknight meal or planning a special dinner, these recipes cater to various skill levels and preferences.
You’ll learn essential techniques for creating silky smooth sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and juicy chicken, along with creative variations that incorporate vegetables and alternative ingredients for a healthier spin on this restaurant favorite.
Classic Creamy Chicken Alfredo with Fresh Herbs
Indulge in this luxuriously creamy and comforting Italian-American favorite that combines tender chicken breast with silky homemade Alfredo sauce.
This dish transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal that’s perfect for both family dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients:
• 1 pound fettuccine pasta
• 2 large chicken breasts
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ cup pasta water (reserved)
Step 1: Season your chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet and cook chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until golden. Remove and slice.
Step 2: Cook fettuccine according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
Step 3: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant (30 seconds).
Step 4: Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce thickens.
Step 5: Add sliced chicken and cooked pasta to the sauce. Toss well, adding pasta water if needed to achieve desired consistency.
Step 6: Finish with fresh herbs, extra Parmesan, and black pepper.
Pro Tip: Never let your Alfredo sauce boil, as this can cause it to separate. Keep the heat medium-low when making the sauce, and stir constantly for the creamiest results.
Garlic Parmesan-Crusted Chicken Alfredo
Garlic Parmesan-Crusted Chicken Alfredo combines crispy, flavorful chicken with creamy pasta for the ultimate comfort food experience.
This restaurant-quality dish brings together golden-brown chicken coated in a garlic-parmesan crust, served over perfectly cooked fettuccine and smothered in rich, homemade Alfredo sauce.
Ingredients:
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 4 cloves minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 pound fettuccine pasta
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 cup butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish
Step 1: Mix breadcrumbs, half cup Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning in a shallow dish.
Step 2: Dip chicken breasts in beaten eggs, then coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture.
Step 3: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 4: Meanwhile, cook fettuccine according to package instructions.
Step 5: For the Alfredo sauce, melt butter in a separate pan over medium heat. Add heavy cream and remaining Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until smooth and thickened.
Step 6: Drain pasta and toss with Alfredo sauce.
Step 7: Slice chicken and serve over pasta. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Pro Tip: For the crispiest chicken crust, don’t overcrowd your pan when frying – work in batches if necessary. Also, let your sauce simmer for at least 5 minutes to achieve the perfect creamy consistency.
Butternut Squash Chicken Alfredo
Butternut Squash Chicken Alfredo brings a creative twist to traditional pasta dishes by incorporating sweet, creamy butternut squash into a classic Alfredo sauce.
This comforting meal combines tender chicken breast, wholesome vegetables, and rich flavors that will warm your soul on any weeknight.
Ingredients:
• 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 2 chicken breasts, diced
• 1 pound fettuccine pasta
• 3 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish
Step 1: Boil cubed butternut squash until tender (about 15 minutes). Drain and blend until smooth.
Step 2: Cook fettuccine according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup pasta water.
Step 3: Season diced chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet and cook chicken until golden brown.
Step 4: In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add heavy cream and butternut squash puree.
Step 5: Stir in Parmesan cheese and dried sage. Simmer until sauce thickens.
Step 6: Add cooked pasta to the sauce, stirring well. Add pasta water if needed to reach desired consistency.
Step 7: Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
Pro Tip: For the creamiest sauce, let your heavy cream and Parmesan reach room temperature before cooking. Also, don’t skip pureeing the butternut squash until completely smooth – this ensures a silky texture throughout your dish.
Sun-Dried Tomato and Spinach Chicken Alfredo
Sun-Dried Tomato and Spinach Chicken Alfredo is a luxurious pasta dish that combines creamy sauce, tender chicken, and vibrant vegetables.
This restaurant-quality meal brings together the rich flavors of Parmesan cheese, the sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach for a perfectly balanced dinner option you can prepare in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients:
• 1 pound fettuccine pasta
• 2 chicken breasts, sliced
• 3 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 3 cups fresh spinach
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water.
Step 2: Season chicken strips with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Step 3: Heat olive oil in a large skillet and cook chicken until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
Step 4: In the same pan, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
Step 5: Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese until sauce thickens.
Step 6: Add sun-dried tomatoes and spinach, stirring until spinach wilts.
Step 7: Return chicken to the pan and add cooked pasta, tossing everything together.
Step 8: Adjust sauce consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
Pro Tip: For the creamiest sauce, always use freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-grated varieties. Also, don’t overcook your pasta – keeping it al dente will help it better absorb the delicious Alfredo sauce.
Roasted Red Pepper Chicken Alfredo
Transform your regular pasta night into a restaurant-worthy experience with this creamy, flavorful Roasted Red Pepper Chicken Alfredo.
This dish combines the richness of traditional Alfredo sauce with the sweet, smoky notes of roasted red peppers, creating a perfect balance that will delight your taste buds.
Ingredients:
• 1 lb fettuccine pasta
• 2 chicken breasts, sliced
• 2 roasted red peppers (jarred or fresh)
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook fettuccine according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water.
Step 2: Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook in a large skillet until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
Step 4: Blend roasted red peppers until smooth. Add to the skillet with heavy cream.
Step 5: Simmer the sauce for 5 minutes, then stir in Parmesan cheese until melted.
Step 6: Return chicken to the skillet, add cooked pasta, and toss until well coated.
Step 7: Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan.
Pro Tip: For the perfect sauce consistency, gradually add reserved pasta water while tossing the pasta. You can also roast your own red peppers for a deeper, more intense flavor profile.
Broccoli and Three-Cheese Chicken Alfredo
Elevate your pasta night with this creamy, indulgent Broccoli and Three-Cheese Chicken Alfredo.
This restaurant-quality dish combines tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a luxurious homemade cheese sauce that will make your taste buds dance.
Perfect for family dinners or when you want to impress your guests.
Ingredients:
• 1 pound fettuccine pasta
• 2 large chicken breasts, sliced
• 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 3 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup Romano cheese, grated
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste
Step 1: Cook fettuccine according to package instructions. During the last 3 minutes, add broccoli florets.
Step 2: Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet and cook chicken until golden brown.
Step 3: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
Step 4: Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
Step 5: Gradually stir in all three cheeses until melted and sauce thickens.
Step 6: Add cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken to the sauce. Toss until well combined.
Step 7: Adjust seasoning and serve hot with extra Parmesan if desired.
Pro Tip: For the smoothest sauce, bring your heavy cream to room temperature before cooking. Also, grate your cheese fresh rather than using pre-shredded varieties – it melts better and creates a silkier texture.
Mushroom and Caramelized Onion Chicken Alfredo
Indulge in this creamy and savory Mushroom and Caramelized Onion Chicken Alfredo that combines tender chicken breast, earthy mushrooms, and sweet caramelized onions in a rich, homemade Alfredo sauce.
This restaurant-quality pasta dish will impress your dinner guests while being surprisingly simple to prepare.
Ingredients:
• 1 lb fettuccine pasta
• 2 large chicken breasts, sliced
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 2 medium onions, thinly sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish
Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally until golden brown and caramelized.
Step 2: In a separate pan, cook sliced chicken until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: In the same pan, sauté mushrooms until they release their moisture and become golden brown.
Step 4: Cook fettuccine according to package instructions.
Step 5: In a large saucepan, melt butter and add minced garlic. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
Step 6: Add Parmesan cheese and stir until sauce thickens.
Step 7: Combine pasta, chicken, mushrooms, and caramelized onions with the Alfredo sauce. Toss well and garnish with parsley.
Pro Tip: For the creamiest sauce, bring your heavy cream to room temperature before cooking. Also, reserve some pasta water – you can use it to thin out the sauce if it becomes too thick while combining ingredients.
Cajun-Spiced Chicken Alfredo
Cajun-Spiced Chicken Alfredo combines the creamy comfort of classic Italian Alfredo with the bold, spicy kick of Cajun seasoning.
This fusion dish brings the best of both worlds to your dinner table in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for both weeknight meals and special occasions.
Ingredients:
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 1 lb fettuccine pasta
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
Step 1: Cut chicken into 1-inch strips and coat thoroughly with Cajun seasoning.
Step 2: Cook fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water.
Step 3: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook seasoned chicken for 6-7 minutes until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
Step 4: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute).
Step 5: Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese until sauce thickens.
Step 6: Return chicken to the pan, add cooked pasta, and toss everything together. Add pasta water if needed for desired consistency.
Step 7: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Pro Tip: For the perfect sauce consistency, remove your cream from heat before adding the Parmesan cheese to prevent it from becoming grainy. Also, don’t rinse your pasta after cooking – the starch helps the sauce stick better to the noodles.
Pesto Chicken Alfredo with Pine Nuts
Indulge in this creamy and aromatic Pesto Chicken Alfredo with Pine Nuts, a perfect fusion of Italian flavors that combines the richness of Alfredo sauce with the fresh, herbaceous notes of homemade pesto.
This restaurant-quality dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients:
• 1 pound fettuccine pasta
• 2 chicken breasts, sliced
• 3 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup homemade or store-bought pesto
• ⅓ cup toasted pine nuts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Step 1: Cook fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
Step 2: Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet and cook chicken until golden brown, about 6-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: In the same pan, sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
Step 4: Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce thickens. Add pesto and mix well.
Step 5: Return chicken to the pan, add cooked pasta, and toss everything together. Add pasta water if needed to reach desired consistency.
Step 6: Serve hot, topped with toasted pine nuts and fresh basil leaves.
Pro Tip: Toast your pine nuts in advance in a dry pan over medium heat, watching carefully as they can burn quickly. For the creamiest sauce, always grate your Parmesan cheese fresh rather than using pre-grated varieties.
Instant Pot Quick-and-Easy Chicken Alfredo
Craving a creamy, restaurant-style Chicken Alfredo but short on time?
Your Instant Pot can help you create this classic Italian-American comfort food in just 30 minutes.
This quick and easy recipe delivers tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta swimming in a rich, velvety Alfredo sauce that will make you forget about takeout.
Ingredients:
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 pound fettuccine pasta, broken in half
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Salt to taste
Step 1: Set your Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode. Melt butter and cook garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Step 2: Add chicken pieces and cook until lightly browned, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 3: Add chicken broth, heavy cream, and seasonings. Layer broken pasta on top, pressing down slightly.
Step 4: Close lid and set to “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” for 6 minutes at high pressure.
Step 5: Quick-release pressure when done. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce thickens.
Pro Tip: Don’t skip breaking the pasta in half – this ensures even cooking in the Instant Pot. Also, make sure to quick-release the pressure immediately when done to prevent overcooking the pasta.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the perfect chicken alfredo sauce creamy without using heavy cream?
Create a rich sauce by combining cream cheese, butter, and Parmesan with pasta water. This method delivers the signature creamy texture while keeping the sauce lighter than traditional versions.
How do you prevent chicken alfredo pasta from becoming dry and clumpy?
Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining and add it gradually to your sauce. This starchy water helps maintain the smooth consistency and allows the sauce to coat every pasta strand perfectly.
What’s the best way to cook chicken for alfredo to ensure it stays juicy?
Season chicken breasts with Italian herbs and pan-sear until golden brown on medium-high heat. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing to retain its natural juices.
Which pasta shape works best for authentic chicken alfredo?
Choose fettuccine or linguine for traditional alfredo dishes. These flat, long noodles provide maximum surface area for the sauce to cling to and deliver the classic Italian-American experience.
How can you make chicken alfredo healthier without sacrificing flavor?
Substitute whole wheat pasta and use low-fat cream cheese in your sauce. Add sautéed vegetables like broccoli or spinach to boost nutrition while maintaining the creamy satisfaction.
Final Thoughts
Now you’re equipped with 10 delicious chicken alfredo variations to satisfy your pasta cravings.
Remember that the key to perfect alfredo lies in using high-quality ingredients, especially fresh parmesan cheese and heavy cream.
Don’t rush the sauce-making process, and always cook your pasta al dente.
Feel free to adjust seasonings to your taste and experiment with different herbs.
Whether you choose a classic recipe or try a unique twist, these dishes will surely impress your family and guests.
Keep practicing, and you’ll master the art of creamy, restaurant-worthy chicken alfredo.
