Welcome back to Chef Walter’s kitchen! Today, we’re diving into a classic that brings everyone around the table: Chicken Alfredo. This dish is pure comfort food, with a creamy, savory sauce and tender slices of chicken nestled over pasta. Perfect for family dinners or impressing your guests, this easy Chicken Alfredo recipe is so simple you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it before. And remember, here, we’re all about cooking that’s as fun as it is delicious. Let’s dig in!
For other pasta inspirations, check out our crowd-pleasers like Velveeta Broccoli Cheese Soup for an equally creamy delight or our Simply Sandwich Bread to pair up with this dish.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Alfredo Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup pasta cooking water (reserve from boiled pasta)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Pasta:
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, and cook chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Slice and set aside.
- Boil the Pasta: Cook fettuccine according to package instructions, saving 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining. This is essential for the Easy Chicken Alfredo Recipe.
- Make the Alfredo Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about a minute.
- Add Cream and Parmesan: Pour in heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer for 2-3 minutes. Slowly mix in Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add drained fettuccine to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. Gradually add reserved pasta water as needed for desired sauce consistency in this Chicken Alfredo recipe.
- Serve: Arrange sliced chicken over the pasta, sprinkle with parsley, and enjoy your cozy Chicken Alfredo meal!
Tips for Perfecting Your Alfredo
Make It Extra Creamy
For a richer Alfredo, substitute half-and-half with the heavy cream, or add a small splash of milk to soften the sauce’s thickness. The starchy pasta water also helps thicken the sauce without making it too dense in this easy Alfredo version.
Add Some Greens
Broccoli or spinach add color, nutrition, and balance to this creamy dish. Simply steam the broccoli or wilt the spinach and toss it in with the pasta for a complete meal, alongside your Easy Chicken Alfredo Recipe.
Spice It Up
Add red pepper flakes if you like a little heat or some fresh basil for a boost of flavor. A dash of lemon zest can also brighten up the flavors and bring a fresh note to the dish.
For more weeknight dinner ideas, take a look at our Best Nachos Breakfast for a twist on morning meals, or our savory Sun-Dried Tomato and Feta Stuffed French Toast for a unique brunch option!
Recipe Variations
- Shrimp Alfredo: Swap the chicken for shrimp to add a seafood twist. Sauté the shrimp until pink and tender, set aside, and add them back in after the sauce is ready.
- Spicy Alfredo: For a kick of heat, sprinkle in some chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce. Perfect for spice lovers!
- Lighter Alfredo: For a lighter option, replace the heavy cream with whole milk, and reduce the butter. The sauce will be a bit thinner, but still deliciously creamy.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this Chicken Alfredo with a slice of homemade Simply Sandwich Bread for mopping up every last bit of sauce. A crisp side salad with a tangy vinaigrette will balance the creaminess of the Alfredo. Or, serve with our Garlic Butter Crescent Rolls (link coming soon!) for a buttery, homemade addition. Complement your meal with these sides to complete your Easy Chicken Alfredo Recipe.
Chef Walter’s Final Tip
Remember, good food isn’t just about taste; it’s about creating moments around the table. This Chicken Alfredo is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion. And if you get a little sauce on your shirt, don’t worry—that just means you’re doing it right!
For more creamy comfort recipes, don’t miss our Salmon Caesar Salad for a fresh take on classic Caesar or the satisfying Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls as an appetizer to impress guests.
