There is something truly irresistible about a well-made pasta dish, and this Creamy Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe is a shining example of comfort food at its finest. Imagine tender chicken cutlets coated in a silky, dreamy Alfredo sauce that clings perfectly to every strand of fettuccine. This recipe brings together rich cream cheese, sharp parmesan, and just the right amount of garlic to deliver a dish that feels indulgent yet comforting. Whether you’re craving a weekday dinner that’s easy to whip up or a special meal to impress guests, this recipe is a surefire winner to keep in your culinary repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Creamy Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe is in its simplicity—the ingredients are straightforward but each plays a vital role in creating depth of flavor and that luscious texture we all adore. From fresh garlic to creamy cheeses, these essentials combine for a rich, satisfying experience.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless for easy cooking and tender bites throughout the dish.
- Garlic powder: Adds subtle savory warmth and complements the fresh garlic beautifully.
- Salt & pepper: Essential for seasoning that balances and enhances all other flavors.
- Flour: Used lightly to dredge the chicken, giving it a nice golden crust when cooked.
- Olive oil: Provides a fragrant and healthy fat base for sautéing the chicken.
- Butter: Key to a rich, velvety sauce and adds a subtle sweetness.
- Fettuccine: A classic pasta choice with wide ribbons that hold creamy sauces beautifully.
- Cream cheese: Softened to melt smoothly into the sauce, boosting creaminess and tang.
- Heavy cream: Creates that luscious, silky sauce texture everyone craves.
- Chicken broth: Adds depth and subtle savoriness, balancing richness.
- Fresh garlic: Minced for fragrant sharpness that brightens the Alfredo sauce.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated for authentic cheesy flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Begin by taking the cream cheese out of the fridge to soften—it melts easier and blends beautifully into the sauce when it’s at room temperature. Grate the parmesan cheese while you’re at it. This multitasking sets a smooth pace for your cooking and ensures everything’s ready right when you need it.
Step 2: Cook the Fettuccine
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for your fettuccine. Cook the pasta al dente following the package directions, so it still has a little bite to hold up well against the hefty sauce. Drain and set aside but hold onto some hot pasta water just in case your sauce needs thinning later.
Step 3: Prepare the Chicken Cutlets
Cut each chicken breast in half lengthwise to create thinner strips, making them faster to cook and easier to eat. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper on both sides, then dredge each piece lightly in flour. This coating helps develop a delicious golden crust in the pan.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat in a deep skillet. Once hot, add the chicken cutlets and cook for roughly 5 minutes on each side until beautifully golden and cooked through. Remove them from the pan and keep warm while you make the sauce.
Step 5: Create the Alfredo Sauce
If the pan has excess grease, give it a quick wipe or rinse, but no need to over-clean. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, then add the cream cheese, heavy cream, chicken broth, and minced garlic. Warm over medium heat and use a spoon to help the cream cheese incorporate smoothly, turning into a luscious base for your sauce.
Step 6: Let the Sauce Reduce
Let the sauce bubble gently for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly, stirring occasionally. While it’s simmering, slice the cooked chicken into bite-sized strips, perfect for mixing back into the pasta later.
Step 7: Add Parmesan and Season
Stir the freshly grated parmesan cheese into the sauce and cook for another minute, which thickens the sauce and elevates the cheesy flavor to new heights. If it feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper to your liking.
Step 8: Combine and Serve
Drain the fettuccine and toss it right in the skillet with your creamy sauce so every noodle gets coated in cheesy goodness. Plate the pasta, topping it with those tender chicken strips. Don’t hold back on grating extra parmesan over the top if you want a finishing flourish.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkling of freshly chopped parsley or basil adds a lovely pop of color and fresh herbal notes that balance the richness. You can also add a little cracked black pepper or more parmesan for an inviting presentation.
Side Dishes
Serve this crowd-pleaser alongside a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette or some steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus. Their freshness and crunch offer a perfect contrast to the creamy, decadent pasta.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, try plating the pasta in individual shallow bowls with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a dusting of parmesan. Or serve it family-style in a large, rustic dish so everyone can dig in and enjoy the comfort together.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Creamy Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken as it chills, but a quick stir or splash of milk before reheating will bring it back to that perfect creamy texture.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers, but cream-based sauces sometimes separate upon thawing. If you choose to freeze, wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers and consume within 1-2 months for best quality. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat this pasta slowly on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk as needed to loosen the sauce. Avoid the microwave if possible to preserve the sauce’s silky texture and keep the chicken juicy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While fettuccine is classic, feel free to swap in linguine, penne, or even a thicker pasta like pappardelle for a fun twist. Just make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Definitely. Simply omit the chicken and add vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted red peppers to create a delicious vegetarian Alfredo.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
For a lighter option, try half-and-half or whole milk combined with a bit of cornstarch to thicken. However, heavy cream gives the richest and most indulgent sauce.
How can I make the chicken extra tender?
Butterflying the chicken breasts thinly helps them cook evenly and stay juicy. Be careful not to overcook, which can dry them out.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?
You can cook and slice the chicken in advance and refrigerate it. The sauce is best made fresh, but you can measure out ingredients ahead to speed up the process on cooking day.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dish that feels like a warm hug from the inside out, this Creamy Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe delivers on every level. Its combination of tender chicken, rich sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta is sure to become a fast favorite in your home. Don’t wait for a special occasion to enjoy it—grab your ingredients and start cooking this cozy comfort classic soon. Your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Creamy Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo is a rich and creamy Italian-inspired pasta dish featuring tender chicken cutlets cooked to golden perfection and tossed with fettuccine in a luscious Alfredo sauce made from cream cheese, heavy cream, garlic, and freshly grated Parmesan. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, this recipe balances creamy textures and savory flavors for an indulgent yet approachable meal.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Flour, for dredging
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided
Pasta and Sauce
- 8 ounces uncooked fettuccine
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 large cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prep Ingredients: Take the cream cheese out of the fridge at least 30 minutes prior or microwave for 20-30 seconds to soften. Grate the Parmesan cheese. Prepare other ingredients while you proceed.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Chicken: Slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise to create 4 thin cutlets. Season both sides with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Dredge each piece lightly in flour, shaking off excess.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, cook chicken cutlets for 5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from pan and set aside.
- Make Alfredo Sauce: Wipe out the skillet if necessary to remove excess grease. Add remaining 2 tablespoons butter, cream cheese, heavy cream, chicken broth, and minced garlic to the pan. Return heat to medium and gently melt the butter and cream cheese, stirring to incorporate into a smooth sauce. This takes a couple of minutes.
- Simmer Sauce: Allow the sauce to bubble gently for 5 minutes until it has reduced slightly, stirring occasionally. Meanwhile, slice the cooked chicken into bite-size strips.
- Add Parmesan and Season: Stir the grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce and let it cook for about 1 minute until thickened. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of the hot pasta water to loosen it. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine and Serve: Add the drained fettuccine to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce. Plate the pasta and top with the sliced chicken. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese if desired and serve immediately.
Notes
- Softening the cream cheese beforehand ensures it melts smoothly into the sauce without lumps.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture; pre-grated cheese can affect sauce consistency.
- Adding a splash of pasta water can help adjust sauce thickness and improve coating on noodles.
- Chicken broth in the sauce adds depth of flavor and balances the richness of cream cheese and heavy cream.
- For a lighter option, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though the sauce may be less thick.
