If you’re craving a rich, creamy, comforting pasta dinner, this chicken fettuccine alfredo is exactly what you need. Made with tender chicken, perfectly cooked fettuccine, and a homemade parmesan garlic cream sauce, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor using simple ingredients you already know.
Unlike many overly heavy or bland versions, this homemade chicken fettuccine alfredo recipe strikes the perfect balance: creamy without being greasy, flavorful without being complicated, and ready in about 30 minutes. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent, yet realistic for a weeknight dinner.
Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just want leftovers that actually reheat well, this is a comfort food classic you’ll come back to again and again.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo
- Creamy, smooth, and full of flavor
- Tastes better than restaurant chicken alfredo
- Made with simple, budget-friendly ingredients
- No jarred sauce — 100% homemade alfredo sauce
- Family-friendly and perfect for leftovers
This recipe is ideal if you’ve ever searched for an easy chicken fettuccine alfredo that actually tastes amazing.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Olive oil
- Salt and black pepper
For the Pasta & Sauce
- Fettuccine pasta
- Butter
- Fresh garlic
- Heavy cream
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese
- Reserved pasta water
- Optional parsley for garnish
Simple ingredients, big payoff.
How to Make Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo (Step-by-Step)
1. Cook the Chicken
Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Sear in olive oil over medium heat until golden and fully cooked. Rest, then slice.
2. Boil the Fettuccine
Cook pasta in well-salted water until al dente. Reserve pasta water before draining.
3. Make the Homemade Alfredo Sauce
Melt butter, sauté garlic briefly, then add heavy cream. Simmer gently and whisk in parmesan until smooth.
4. Combine Everything
Add fettuccine and sliced chicken to the sauce. Toss gently, loosening with pasta water as needed.
5. Serve
Finish with extra parmesan and black pepper. Serve immediately.
Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo (Better Than a Restaurant)
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- salt and black pepper to taste
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup parmesan cheese freshly grated
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water as needed
- fresh parsley optional, for garnish
Method
- Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken until golden and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes per side. Rest, then slice.
- Boil fettuccine in well-salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain the rest.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in heavy cream and simmer for 2–3 minutes. Reduce heat to low and whisk in parmesan until smooth.
- Add cooked fettuccine and sliced chicken to the sauce. Toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water to loosen if needed.
- Top with extra parmesan, black pepper, and optional parsley. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
Notes
Private Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Don’t stop here — if you loved this creamy Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo, you’re going to fall in love with our homemade meat lasagna recipe.
Pro Tips for the Best Alfredo Sauce
- Always grate your own parmesan (pre-shredded won’t melt well)
- Keep heat low to medium to prevent sauce separation
- Use pasta water to adjust thickness instead of more cream
- Serve immediately for best texture
Variations & Add-Ins
- Add broccoli, mushrooms, or spinach
- Swap chicken for shrimp
- Use half-and-half for a lighter sauce
- Add a pinch of nutmeg for depth
Is Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo Healthy?
Calories and Nutrition Facts
Chicken fettuccine alfredo is a calorie-dense comfort food, but it can still fit into a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation.
Protein Content
Thanks to the chicken and parmesan, this dish is a high-protein meal that helps keep you full longer.
Is It Weight Loss Friendly?
While not typically considered a weight-loss food, smaller portions paired with vegetables can make this a more balanced dinner option.
Recipes Using Pasta
If you love pasta dinners, chicken fettuccine alfredo is one of the most satisfying recipes using pasta. It’s creamy, filling, and endlessly customizable.
Other popular pasta ideas often start with the same pantry staples: pasta, cream, garlic, and cheese — which makes this recipe incredibly versatile.
Chicken Alfredo Fettuccine Recipe (Why This One Works)
This chicken alfredo fettuccine recipe stands out because:
- The sauce is emulsified properly
- The chicken stays juicy
- The pasta absorbs flavor instead of drowning in sauce
It’s designed to be repeatable and foolproof, even for beginners.
Alfredo Sauce Recipe Homemade
Making an alfredo sauce recipe homemade is easier than most people think. You don’t need cream cheese, flour, or complicated steps — just:
- Butter
- Cream
- Garlic
- Parmesan
That’s it.
Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo FAQs
Can I make chicken fettuccine alfredo ahead of time?
Yes, but it’s best fresh. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Milk works, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich.
Why did my alfredo sauce break?
High heat or pre-shredded cheese are the most common causes.
What chicken works best?
Boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs both work well.
Can I freeze chicken fettuccine alfredo?
Not recommended — cream sauces don’t freeze well.
Conclusion
This chicken fettuccine alfredo is creamy, comforting, and genuinely better than most restaurant versions. It’s easy enough for a weeknight, impressive enough for guests, and made with ingredients you trust.
If you’re looking for a reliable, homemade chicken fettuccine alfredo recipe, this one deserves a permanent spot in your rotation.
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