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–+ servings

Chicken Alfredo

A comforting and creamy Chicken Alfredo dish that's quick to prepare, delicious, and perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Serving Size 4 servings

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 3 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds) Thinly pounded if uneven
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (or a neutral oil)
  • 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder in a pinch)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 cup heavy cream Use half-and-half for a lighter version, but sauce will be thinner
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese Avoid pre-grated for best melt/texture
  • 8 ounces fettuccine or your favorite pasta e.g., spaghetti, linguine, or penne
  • 1 cup Extra Parmesan for serving
  • 1 tablespoon Chopped fresh parsley Optional, for color and brightness

Instructions

Preparation

  • Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
  • Add the breasts and cook 5–7 minutes per side, until golden and an instant-read thermometer reads 165°F (74°C). Remove to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes.
  • In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the butter. When melted, add minced garlic and sauté about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  • Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally and let it reduce slightly for 2–3 minutes.
  • Whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan until the sauce is smooth and thickened. Taste and season with a pinch more salt and pepper if needed.
  • Meanwhile, cook the fettuccine according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
  • Slice the rested chicken into strips. Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time if the sauce is too thick.
  • Serve immediately with extra Parmesan and chopped parsley.

Notes

For best results, grate your own Parmesan. The dish offers flexibility with pasta shapes and additional vegetables. Store leftovers properly, and consider creative variations like adding veggies or making it one-pot.