If you’re a student looking for a delicious, creamy meal that feels fancy but takes almost no effort, this chicken alfredo recipe with jar sauce is your new go-to. Forget expensive takeout or complicated dishes this version is affordable, quick, and made with simple ingredients you’ll actually have on hand. Whether you’re cooking in a dorm kitchen or a small apartment, this recipe proves you don’t need to be a chef to eat well on a budget.
Table of Contents
Easy Chicken Alfredo Recipe with Jar Sauce
Quick and creamy chicken Alfredo made with jar sauce, ready in 25 minutes. Budget-friendly and perfect for busy college students.
- Total Time: 25 min
- Yield: 2–3 servings 1x
Ingredients
1 jar (15 oz) Alfredo sauce
2 chicken breasts (or 1 can cooked chicken)
8 oz pasta (fettuccine or any type)
1 tbsp olive oil or butter
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: garlic powder, frozen spinach, parmesan
Instructions
Cook pasta in salted boiling water. Drain and set aside.
In a pan, cook chicken with oil and seasonings until golden.
Add jar of Alfredo sauce to chicken and stir to heat through.
Mix in pasta until fully coated. Serve hot with optional toppings.
Notes
Use canned chicken for speed. Add veggies or spices to customize. Store leftovers up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 20 min
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2–3 servings
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super affordable: Uses budget-friendly ingredients like pasta, jarred sauce, and chicken.
- Minimal prep: Ready in under 25 minutes with almost zero chopping.
- Dorm-friendly: No oven or fancy tools needed just a pan and a stove.
- Filling and satisfying: Creamy, protein-packed, and way more rewarding than instant noodles.
- Versatile: Easy to customize with veggies or spices you already have.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this student-friendly chicken alfredo:
- 1 jar (15 oz) Alfredo sauce (store-brand works great!)
- 2 chicken breasts (or 1 can of cooked chicken)
- 8 oz (about 2 cups) of pasta (fettuccine, penne, or whatever you have)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: garlic powder, frozen spinach, grated parmesan
Equipment:
- 1 pot for pasta
- 1 frying pan for chicken
- Fork, spatula, knife (basic stuff!)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions (usually 8–10 minutes).
- Drain and set aside.
Pro Tip: If you’re super short on time, use microwaveable pasta pouches.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- While the pasta cooks, heat oil or butter in a pan over medium heat.
- Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Cook for 6–8 minutes until golden and fully cooked. If using canned chicken, skip this step and just warm it up in the pan.
Step 3: Heat the Alfredo Sauce
- Reduce the pan to low heat.
- Add the jar of Alfredo sauce to the cooked chicken.
- Stir until heated through (about 3–4 minutes).
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Toss the drained pasta into the sauce-chicken mixture.
- Mix well until everything is evenly coated.
- Optional: Top with parmesan or toss in some frozen spinach for extra flavor.
Cheap & Tasty Variations
- Veggie boost: Add steamed broccoli or peas.
- Spicy kick: Sprinkle in red pepper flakes.
- Extra creamy: Stir in a spoonful of cream cheese.
- Protein swap: Use leftover rotisserie chicken or tofu.
- One-pot trick: Cook pasta first, then use the same pot for sauce and chicken to save on dishes.
Storage & Reheat Tips
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Microwave: Add a splash of milk before reheating to keep the sauce creamy.
- Freezer: Not ideal, but possible if sealed well. Reheat slowly with extra sauce.
Budget Breakdown (Approx.)
| Ingredient | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Pasta (8 oz) | $0.80 |
| Jar Alfredo sauce | $2.00 |
| Chicken (2 breasts or canned) | $3.00 |
| Olive oil/spices | $0.30 |
| Total | $6.10 |
Serves 2–3: Just about $2 per serving!
Internal Tips for Student Cooks
- Buy in bulk: Pasta and jar sauce are cheaper when bought in multipacks.
- Use leftovers: This dish is perfect for using up last night’s grilled chicken.
- Add greens: Frozen spinach or kale mixes in easily and adds nutrients.
What meat goes best with Alfredo sauce?
Chicken is the most popular, but shrimp, sausage, or even crispy bacon also pair wonderfully with Alfredo sauce.
Can you freeze Alfredo pasta?
Yes, but the texture might change slightly. Store in a freezer-safe container and reheat gently with a splash of milk to revive the creaminess.
Is Alfredo sauce gluten-free?
Many jarred Alfredo sauces are gluten-free, but always check the label. Pair with gluten-free pasta for a fully gluten-free meal.
Questions fréquentes
What can you add to Alfredo sauce with jar sauce?
You can enhance jarred Alfredo sauce with garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, spinach, mushrooms, or parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
How to make good Alfredo with store-bought sauce?
Heat the sauce with sautéed garlic, a splash of milk or cream, and a handful of grated cheese to make it taste more homemade and rich.
What to add to chicken Alfredo to make it taste better?
Season the chicken well, add herbs like basil or parsley, and stir in vegetables like broccoli or peas for more depth.
Do you use the whole jar of Alfredo sauce?
Yes, one full jar (about 15 oz) is perfect for 8 oz of pasta and 2 chicken breasts. Adjust based on how saucy you like it.
Conclusion
There you have it: a super simple, affordable, and student-approved chicken alfredo recipe with jar sauce. It’s everything you want after a long day of classes: fast, creamy, and comforting without breaking your budget.
Try it tonight and save it to your weekly rotation! This chicken alfredo recipe with jar sauce is exactly what every student needs in their meal arsenal.
Love easy student meals? Before diving into this creamy Chicken Alfredo recipe with jar sauce, check out some other student favorites:
Want more slow cooker wins? Try this Honey Mustard Chicken for an affordable dorm-friendly dinner.
Our classic Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Recipe adds a veggie twist to the Alfredo you love.
Trying to eat healthy in college? The 30-30-30 Method for Weight Loss is going viral for a reason.