Hey y’all! If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food that’s creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying, this Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta is going to be your new favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy weeknight dinner, a family gathering, or just want to treat yourself to something delicious, this recipe checks all the boxes. The tender chicken, velvety Alfredo sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta come together for a crowd-pleasing meal that’s simple to make. Let’s get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta
- Rich and creamy Alfredo sauce clings to every bite for unbeatable flavor.
- Ready in under 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Kid-friendly and loved by adults alike—great for family meals.
- Easily customizable with your favorite veggies or seasonings.
- Uses pantry staples and simple ingredients you probably already have.
Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta
- 12 oz (340g) fettuccine or penne pasta
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb/450g)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt, divided
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups (475ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (100g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ cup (10g) chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
How to Make Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta
Step 1: Prep and Cook the Chicken
- Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp: 165°F/74°C).
- Remove chicken from skillet, rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
- Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually 9-11 minutes).
- Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain the pasta.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Alfredo Sauce
- In the same skillet used for chicken, lower heat to medium.
- Add butter and let it melt, then stir in minced garlic; sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and allow to simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Stir until the cheese melts and sauce thickens (about 3-4 minutes).
- Season with remaining salt and pepper. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water, 1 tablespoon at a time.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
- Add cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the sauce. Toss until everything is well coated.
- Heat for 2 minutes, until warmed through.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes for the Best Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta
- For the creamiest sauce, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese—pre-grated cheese may not melt as smoothly (Serious Eats: How to Make Alfredo Sauce).
- Don’t overcook your pasta; al dente texture holds up better when tossed with sauce.
- If you want a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich.

Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Variations
- Shrimp Alfredo: Swap chicken for 1 lb peeled, deveined shrimp and cook until pink.
- Veggie Alfredo: Add sautéed broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms with the pasta for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Spicy Alfredo: Sprinkle in ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes for a gentle kick.
Required Equipment for Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Large pot for pasta
- Sharp chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Pasta strainer
Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Storage & Shelf Life
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess.
- Not recommended for freezing, as the sauce may separate.
Serving Recommendations & Pairings for Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta
- Serve with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette.
- Pair with garlic bread or warm, crusty baguette to soak up the extra sauce.
- A glass of chilled Chardonnay or sparkling water with lemon complements the richness.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta
- Allow the chicken to rest before slicing to keep it juicy and tender (Bon Appétit: How to Cook Chicken Breasts).
- Gradually add cheese to the sauce and stir constantly for a silky, lump-free texture.
- Taste the sauce before tossing with pasta and adjust seasoning as needed for perfect balance.
Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta FAQ
- Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
- Yes, just slice or shred the chicken and toss it with the pasta and sauce to warm through.
- What pasta shapes work best with Alfredo sauce?
- Fettuccine, penne, or linguine are all great choices as they hold the creamy sauce well.
- Can I make this Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta gluten-free?
- Absolutely! Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
For more nutritional information about cream and cheese, check out Healthline’s guide to Parmesan cheese.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
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1Cook the fettuccine pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
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2Season chicken breasts with salt and black pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Cook chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and slice into strips.
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3In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
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4Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese and cook until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
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5Add cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the skillet. Toss to coat evenly with the Alfredo sauce. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve immediately.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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