Chicken Alfredo Recipe {Easy and Amazing!} - Belly Full (2024)

This easy Chicken Alfredo recipe includes golden pan-fried seasoned chicken breasts and tender noodles, coated in the most dreamy cream sauce ever. A showstopper meal and it’s all done in just over 30 minutes!

Looking for other easy creamy pasta dishes? You will love our Shrimp Alfredo, Spaghetti Carbonara, and Chicken Tetrazzini.

Chicken Alfredo Recipe {Easy and Amazing!} - Belly Full (1)

Talk about comfort food! Mama Mia, you guys. We put our amazing Homemade Alfredo Sauce to perfect use in this Chicken Alfredo recipe. Wonderfully seasoned chicken with a crispy golden exterior, on top of tender pasta that’s coated with a velvety garlic and Parmesan cream sauce. What’s more, it looks and tastes like a gourmet meal, but it’s incredibly easy to make. Trust me, your entire family will love it!

Chicken Alfredo Recipe

For Chicken Alfredo Pasta, you have 3 main components, all of which are delicious on their own and even more amazing once combined:

  • Chicken: Chicken breasts are seasoned and pan seared in olive oil and butter until moist on the inside, with a golden crust on the outside. We keep the seasonings simple with just salt, pepper, and our homemade Italian seasoning blend, since so much additional flavor comes from the cream sauce.
  • Pasta: Pasta is cooked in salted water until al dente, which is the bed of this dish. A long, flat noodle like Fettuccine is perfect here, providing more surface area for the sauce to cling to. Linguini is another great choice, or penne which is able to catch the sauce in its ridges. Honestly though, any pasta works.
  • Alfredo Sauce: We used our favorite Alfredo Sauce recipe for this dish. Butter, heavy whipping cream, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, garlic, and seasonings come together in a matter of minutes for the most incredible white sauce that coats the cooked pasta. Heaven!
Chicken Alfredo Recipe {Easy and Amazing!} - Belly Full (2)
Chicken Alfredo Recipe {Easy and Amazing!} - Belly Full (3)

How to Make Chicken Alfredo

This dish comes together fast, so have everything ready to go. Here’s a summary:
*Don’t miss the complete printable recipe and video tutorial below.

  1. Boil the noodles: Cook the Fettuccine al dente, according to package instructions.
  2. Cook the chicken: Season the chicken, then pan-fry in oil and butter, for 6 minutes a side, or until an internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest for a few minutes, then cut into 1/2-inch thick slices. Tent with foil, while you prepare the sauce.
  3. Make the Alfredo sauce: Using the same pan you used to cook the chicken, the cream, butter, and seasonings are incorporated and simmered on medium-low heat until thickened, then the Parmesan is added in until melted and smooth.
  4. Assemble: Drain the pasta, reserving some of the liquid to loosen the sauce (only if necessary.) Toss immediately with the Alfredo sauce. Divide the pasta among serving bowls and top with a few slices of cooked chicken. Garnish with parsley, more Parmesan, and black pepper if desired.

Important Recipe Notes

  • Avoid pre-shredded cheese. For best results, use real Parmigiano-Reggiano right off the block. Pre-grated cheeses don’t melt properly, making your sauce grainy. And they simply don’t taste nearly as good.
  • Don’t over-cook the chicken. Take the guesswork out of knowing when the chicken is done cooking by using an instant-read thermometer. Chicken is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temp of 165 degrees F (and keep in mind it will continue to cook a bit more as it rests.)
  • Have everything ready before you start: The list of ingredients is somewhat long, but it comes together fast – similar to a stir fry. So have everything prepped and ready to go before you start cooking.
  • Sauce too thin? We think the consistency of the sauce is on point, but if you find it too thin, no worries. You can either simmer for a few extra minutes or take it off the heat and let it sit for a minute or two before tossing with the pasta. It will thicken up. Alternatively, if you find it too thick, you can stir in a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
  • Want to lighten it up? Let’s not kid ourselves – this is a rich, creamy, high calorie meal. But you can cut back a little by using half-n-half or whole milk instead of the heavy whipping cream. Just keep in mind that the lower the fat content, the thinner the sauce.
Chicken Alfredo Recipe {Easy and Amazing!} - Belly Full (4)

Proper Storage

Make Ahead: Chicken Alfredo is ideally made and served right away, however the chicken can be cooked up to 1 day in advance. I don’t recommend making the sauce ahead of time.
Leftovers: Any leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep up to 3 days.
How to reheat Chicken Alfredo: Reheat on the stovetop, gently over low heat until it’s incorporated again, keeping in mind the sauce will probably separate.

Watch Chicken Alfredo Video

What Goes with Chicken Alfredo?

With chicken, pasta, and a cream sauce, this is high calorie, indulgent, and filling! But the following are great Alfredo side dishes:

  • Homemade garlic bread (carbs on carbs on carbs, oh my!)
  • Simple side salad
  • Cucumber Tomato Salad
  • Roasted Asparagus

I hope you love this delicious and simple recipe – be sure to give it a review below! Also don’t forget to follow Belly Full onFacebook,Instagram,Pinterest, andYouTube!

Chicken Alfredo Recipe {Easy and Amazing!} - Belly Full (5)

Chicken Alfredo

This easy Chicken Alfredo recipe includes golden pan-fried chicken breasts and tender noodles, coated in the most dreamy cream sauce ever!

Print Recipe Rate Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 18 minutes minutes

Total Time 33 minutes minutes

Servings: 6

Ingredients

For the Noodles

  • 16 ounces dry fettuccine pasta

For the Chicken

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter

For the Sauce

  • 1/2 cup butter , cut into large cubes or slices
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 1 clove garlic , minced
  • 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  • Make the noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook until al dente according to package directions, usually 10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of the cooking water, then drain well. Set aside.

  • Make the chicken: Season chicken breasts with the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

  • Warm the olive oil over medium-high heat in a large nonstick skillet. Once it’s shimmering, swirl the pan to evenly distribute. Add the chicken and leave it undisturbed for 5-7 minutes, until the bottom is golden-brown. Flip over and add in 1 tablespoon of butter between them, picking up the pan to give it a gentle swirl to distribute. Continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes (or an internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.)

  • Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let rest for 3 minutes. Cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices. Tent with foil while you prepare the sauce.

  • Make the Alfredo sauce: In the same pan, over medium-low heat, add the butter and cream; whisk until butter has melted.

  • Add in the minced garlic, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper; whisk until combined and smooth.

  • Bring to a gentle simmer (do not boil) and cook for 3-4 minutes, whisking constantly, until it starts to thicken.

  • Stir in the parmesan cheese just until melted and the sauce is smooth. (If the sauce ends up too thick, add some of the reserved pasta cooking water, a few tablespoons at a time, to thin it out.)

  • Assemble: Take sauce off the heat and immediately toss with the cooked fettuccine noodles.

  • Divide the pasta among serving bowls and top with a few slices of chicken. Garnish with parsley, more Parmesan, and black pepper if desired.

Video

Notes

Don’t miss the full article, which includes helpful tips, storage, and a video.

Nutrition

Calories: 919kcal | Carbohydrates: 45g | Protein: 39g | Fat: 65g | Saturated Fat: 37g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 280mg | Sodium: 1179mg | Potassium: 540mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 2054IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 462mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional information given is an automatic calculation and can vary based on the exact products you use and any changes you make to the recipe. If these numbers are very important to you, I would recommend calculating them yourself.

Other Notes

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: Chicken Alfredo, Chicken Alfredo recipe

Did you make this recipe?Snap a picture and mention @bellyfullblog!

Chicken Alfredo Recipe {Easy and Amazing!} - Belly Full (6)
Chicken Alfredo Recipe {Easy and Amazing!} - Belly Full (2024)

FAQs

How do you make Alfredo even better? ›

If you have infused oils, such as truffle oil or basil-flavored olive oil around, use them to add richer flavor to your jarred Alfredo sauce. Drizzle whichever oil you're using over the pasta at the end. These oils are potent, so start with a few drops, taste, then see if you'd like to add more.

Is chicken Alfredo easy on the stomach? ›

In conclusion, fettuccine Alfredo is not the easiest dish to digest due to its high-fat content and lactose-heavy ingredients. However, with some adjustments, such as limiting portion size and substituting ingredients, it is possible to enjoy this classic Italian dish without any digestive discomfort.

Is Alfredo sauce heavy on the stomach? ›

Alfredo sauce is the epitome of fat - butter, cheese and some places use cream. The fat does slow down the digestive tract and emptying of the stomach so that may be part of the problem.

What does adding pasta water to Alfredo do? ›

The starchy water is essential to creating a thick, creamy sauce consistency.

What helps thicken Alfredo sauce? ›

Add Cheese

The key ingredient in Alfredo sauce is cheese—generally Parmigiano Reggiano—and lots of it. To thicken Alfredo sauce, simply add more cheese than the amount called for in a recipe until you achieve the consistency you want.

How do you keep Alfredo sauce from getting too thick? ›

Add starchy pasta water to thin the sauce, if needed. The starch in the water also helps the sauce coat the pasta instead of clumping up or pooling on the plate. I use the pasta cooking water as the base of my alfredo sauce, as done in the recipe below. Pasta water, butter and Parmesan cheese form the sauce.

Why does my stomach hurt after eating Alfredo sauce? ›

Stomach pain and bloating are common with lactose intolerance. They are caused when bacteria in the colon ferment lactose that the body has left undigested, resulting in excess gas and water. Pain is most often situated around the navel and lower tummy.

Why is my chicken alfredo bland? ›

If it seems bland, chances are it just needs another hit of salt. You could also add additional punch by topping each plate with a hint of one of the ingredients in the dish—a couple of mint leaves, a sprinkling of chopped parsley, or a pinch of extra lemon zest.

What pasta is good for bad stomach? ›

There are few dishes as simple and comforting as pasta with butter and cheese. It's a great option when you're coping with digestive problems. If you're having trouble swallowing, try a small-shaped pasta, such as pastina or macaroni.

Can too much pasta upset your stomach? ›

People with IBS may experience diarrhea, constipation, bloating, and other stomach problems from wheat-based foods, even if they don't have celiac disease. This includes foods like cereal, grains, pasta, bread, baked goods, crackers, and granola.

Why does chicken Alfredo always upset my stomach? ›

Sauces that contain milk or cream can cause stomach pain because of an allergic reaction or lactose intolerance. Lactose intolerance is a digestive condition that causes stomach cramping, pain, bloating, gas and diarrhea after consuming dairy products.

Is Alfredo a junk food? ›

Worst Junk Food #2: Fettuccine Alfredo

With only three ingredients (cream, butter, and cheese), the dish can contain 50 grams of saturated fat, which raises LDL (bad) cholesterol.

Should you heat Alfredo sauce before adding to pasta? ›

Step 1: Heat Your Sauce Separately

With few exceptions (such as when you're making a pesto-style sauce), pasta should be tossed with sauce that is already hot and ready. You don't want your cooked pasta to heat up in a cold pan of sauce, slowly absorbing more water and becoming mushy.

Can you use regular water instead of pasta water? ›

How to Make an Emergency Pasta Water Replacement. Mix together ¼ teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 cup of water and microwave for 1 to 2 minutes until hot. Use this mixture as you would use pasta water to create a sauce with a silky consistency.

Can I cook pasta in Alfredo sauce instead of water? ›

As an added bonus America's Test Kitchen says that cooking your pasta in the sauce instead of just tossing it will add more flavor directly to the pasta. There are just a few precautions you'll want to take before you go throwing your pasta in a pot of Prego.

What gives Alfredo its taste? ›

Alfredo sauce is a rich, creamy sauce that is typically made with butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Some recipes also call for garlic, herbs, or other seasonings. Essentially, the sauce is a combination of butter and cream, with the Parmesan cheese adding a tangy, salty flavour.

How do you make fettuccine alfredo creamy again? ›

While controlling the heat is what helps the fat (oil) not separate from the sauce in the first place, adding cream to your leftovers is what helps to revive the dish. This leaves the pasta nice and creamy again and makes sure that it's not dried out.

Why add flour to Alfredo sauce? ›

Flours can be used to make a bit of a slurry and add to the sauce to make it thicker. 1 part flour to 2 parts liquid and then adding it to your sauce should thicken it nicely. Just make sure that when you make the slurry, there are no lumps in your mixture.

Why does my Alfredo sauce keep curdling? ›

Acidic Ingredients: When heavy cream is exposed to acidic ingredients, such as lemon juice, vinegar, or certain fruits, the acid can destabilize the proteins in the cream. This destabilization causes the proteins to clump together and form curds, resulting in curdled cream.

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