Name: Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts; ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning; ¼ teaspoon paprika; Kosher salt, to taste; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1-2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 pound fettuccine; 1 tablespoon salt, for the water; ½ cup salted butter; 3 ounces cream cheese; ½ teaspoon minced garlic; 2 cups heavy whipping cream (or half-and-half); ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional); ¾ teaspoon Kosher salt, plus more to taste; ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; ¼ – ¾ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, plus more if desired; Chopped fresh parsley

This Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo is a classic Italian-American dish that’s rich, creamy, and utterly delicious. Tender chicken, perfectly cooked fettuccine noodles, and a luscious homemade Alfredo sauce come together for a truly satisfying meal that’s perfect for a special occasion or a comforting weeknight dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy and Indulgent: This dish is pure comfort food with its rich and creamy Alfredo sauce.
Homemade Goodness: Making the Alfredo sauce from scratch is easier than you might think, and the result is far tastier than any store-bought version.
Versatile: You can easily customize this recipe by adding different vegetables or swapping the protein.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo:

For the Chicken:

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The protein base of the dish.
Italian seasoning: Adds a blend of herbs for a classic Italian flavor.
Paprika: Adds a touch of color and smoky flavor.
Kosher salt: Enhances the flavor of the chicken.
Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a hint of spice.
Olive oil: Used for cooking the chicken.

For the Pasta:

Fettuccine: The classic pasta shape for Alfredo sauce.
Salt: For the pasta water.

For the Alfredo Sauce:

Salted butter: Adds richness and flavor to the sauce.
Cream cheese: Creates a creamy base for the sauce.
Garlic: Minced, adds a fragrant aroma and flavor.
Heavy whipping cream (or half-and-half): The key to a creamy sauce.
Garlic powder: Adds a hint of garlic flavor.
Italian seasoning: Optional, adds extra Italian flavor.
Kosher salt: Enhances the flavors of the sauce.
Freshly ground pepper: Adds a touch of spice.
Freshly grated parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, cheesy flavor and helps thicken the sauce.

For Serving:

Chopped fresh parsley

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness. In a small bowl, combine the Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture all over the chicken breasts.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 5 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate, cover, and let rest. Slice the chicken into thin strips when ready to serve.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.

Step 4: Make the Alfredo Sauce

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter and cream cheese over low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Whisk in the heavy cream, garlic powder, Italian seasoning (if using), salt, and pepper. Increase the heat to medium-low and bring the sauce to a simmer. Simmer for 5 minutes, whisking occasionally. Stir in the parmesan cheese and simmer until melted and smooth.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Add the sliced chicken to the Alfredo sauce and toss to coat. Add the cooked fettuccine to the sauce and toss until well coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water to thin it out. Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for garnish.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Use high-quality parmesan cheese: Freshly grated parmesan cheese will melt better and taste much better than pre-grated cheese.
Don’t overcook the chicken: Overcooked chicken will be dry. Cook just until it reaches 165°F.
Adjust the sauce consistency: Add more pasta water if needed to thin the sauce, or simmer it longer to thicken it.

How to Serve

Main Course: This Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo is a delicious and satisfying main course on its own.
Side Dish: Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Special Occasion: This dish is perfect for a special occasion dinner.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Reheat the dish gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. You may need to add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use other pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or spaghetti. However, fettuccine is the classic choice for Alfredo sauce.

Can I use a different protein?

Absolutely! Shrimp, scallops, or even tofu would be delicious in this dish.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes, you can add steamed broccoli, peas, or spinach to the sauce.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Omit the chicken and add more vegetables or tofu for a vegetarian version.

Evelyn

Hey, I'm Evelyn! I'm a home cook with a passion for fun, real recipes that make my kitchen my happy place. Dive in and share the flavor of my everyday foodie adventures!

Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe