Here’s a Homemade Chicken Alfredo recipe that’s guaranteed to be creamy, rich, and delicious every time! This dish is perfect for family dinners, date nights, or when you’re craving comfort food. The combination of juicy chicken breasts, a creamy Parmesan sauce, and perfectly cooked fettuccine is a classic meal that never disappoints.
Homemade Chicken Alfredo
Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
For the Alfredo Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
For the Pasta:
- 8 ounces fettuccine pasta
- Salt, for the pasta water
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts: Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. These seasonings will add flavor to the chicken and give it a nice golden color.
- Cook the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C). Once cooked, remove from the skillet and set aside to rest for a few minutes before slicing into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.
2. Cook the Pasta:
- Boil the fettuccine: While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine pasta and cook according to the package instructions (about 8-10 minutes) until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving a small cup of pasta water for later (just in case you need to adjust the sauce consistency).
3. Make the Alfredo Sauce:
- Melt the butter: In the same skillet you used for the chicken, melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the heavy cream: Pour in the 1 cup of heavy cream, stirring well to combine with the butter and garlic. Allow the mixture to simmer for 3-5 minutes, letting it thicken slightly.
- Add the cheese and seasoning: Stir in the 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Continue to stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth. Taste the sauce and adjust with additional salt and pepper if needed.
4. Combine the Pasta and Chicken:
- Add the pasta: Toss the cooked fettuccine into the Alfredo sauce, stirring until the pasta is fully coated. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a splash of the reserved pasta water to thin it out slightly.
- Add the chicken: Add the sliced or chopped chicken breasts to the pasta and sauce, stirring gently to combine everything. Make sure the chicken is evenly distributed throughout the pasta.
5. Serve:
- Garnish and Serve: Serve the chicken Alfredo hot, topped with fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor. For extra indulgence, sprinkle some more grated Parmesan cheese on top!
Q & A:
Q: Can I use a different pasta?
A: Yes! While fettuccine is traditional, you can use any pasta you prefer—penne, rigatoni, or even spaghetti will work great. Just be sure to cook it al dente!
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Chicken Alfredo is best served fresh, as the sauce can thicken when reheated. However, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time, then reheat them when you’re ready to serve. If the sauce thickens too much, just add a little more cream or pasta water to loosen it up.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes! To make it dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative. Use a plant-based butter and a dairy-free Parmesan cheese to replace the cheese in the sauce.
Benefits:
- Comforting & Satisfying: Chicken Alfredo is the ultimate comfort food! It’s creamy, cheesy, and rich, making it the perfect meal for cozy nights.
- Customizable: You can tweak the ingredients based on your preferences—add veggies like spinach or broccoli, or swap chicken for shrimp or turkey if you prefer!
- Quick & Easy: This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight meal. The creamy Alfredo sauce is quick to whip up, and the chicken cooks in just a few minutes.
- Hearty & Filling: The combination of protein from the chicken and carbohydrates from the pasta will keep you full and satisfied.
- Impressive Meal: Despite being easy to make, Chicken Alfredo feels like a luxurious dish. It’s perfect for date night, family dinner, or serving guests!
This Homemade Chicken Alfredo recipe is creamy, dreamy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight meal or a special occasion, it’s sure to be a hit every time! Enjoy! 🍝