A quick and easy Chicken Alfredo Pasta recipe that brings rich flavors together in under 30 minutes for a comforting, restaurant-style dinner.
Prep Time 10 minutesminutes
Cook Time 20 minutesminutes
Total Time 30 minutesminutes
Serving Size 4servings
Ingredients
Pasta and Chicken
8ozfettuccine pastaYou can swap with linguine, tagliatelle, or penne.
2tablespoonsolive oilFor sautéing the chicken.
2piecesboneless, skinless chicken breastsSeason with salt and pepper.
Sauce
1cupheavy creamUse fresh for best quality.
1/2cupgrated Parmesan cheeseFreshly grated is recommended for best melt.
2clovesgarlic, mincedSauté until fragrant.
Seasoning and Garnish
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnishChopped.
Instructions
Cooking Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and reserve a splash of pasta water.
Cooking Chicken
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
Add the chicken to the hot skillet. Cook about 6–7 minutes per side until golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Transfer to a plate and let rest for a few minutes, then slice.
Making the Sauce
Lower the heat to medium-low. Add the minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant—don’t let it brown.
Pour in the heavy cream and bring just to a simmer. Stir gently.
Add grated Parmesan and whisk until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce becomes too thick, loosen it with 1–2 tablespoons of reserved pasta water.
Combining and Serving
Toss the drained fettuccine into the sauce until evenly coated.
Plate the pasta and top with the sliced chicken. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and freshly cracked black pepper.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. Freezing not recommended due to texture changes.