Name: Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil; 2 (6- to 8-oz.) boneless, skinless chicken breasts; Kosher salt; Freshly ground black pepper; 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped; 2 c. low-sodium chicken broth; 2 c. whole milk; 8 oz. fettuccine; 2 oz. Parmesan, finely grated (about 1 cup); 3/4 c. heavy cream; Finely chopped fresh parsley, for serving

Nothing beats the comforting hug of a rich, velvety pasta dinner, which is exactly why I adore this Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe. With its luscious sauce and tender chicken, it’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again, impressing everyone at the table.

The image shows a close-up of a dish with two main layers: creamy fettuccine pasta and sliced chicken on top. The fettuccine pasta is coated in a smooth, light cream-colored sauce, with a few green parsley leaves sprinkled throughout. The slices of chicken are browned on the edges with a light golden skin, arranged in a layer overlapping each other on top of the pasta. The dish is garnished with finely grated cheese and some black pepper specks scattered over the whole surface. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can’t tell you how many times this dish has saved dinner plans — it’s both fancy enough to serve guests and easy enough for a weeknight. The creaminess and the fresh Parmesan make all the difference, and cooking everything in one pan cuts down on the mess (yes!).

Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of what you need already, making it convenient to whip up anytime.
One-Pan Magic: Everything cooks in the same skillet, which means fewer dishes and more time to relax.
Customizable Comfort: It’s easy to add your favorite veggies or swap out the protein for a version that suits your tastes.
Restaurant-Quality Flavor: You get that rich Alfredo sauce without relying on jarred sauces or fancy equipment.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe plays a key role in delivering that silky, satisfying flavor. Here’s why I love them and some tips on what to watch for while shopping.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of extra-virgin olive oil, two raw boneless skinless chicken breasts seasoned with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, two whole uncracked garlic cloves, a small white ceramic bowl of low-sodium chicken broth, a small white ceramic bowl of whole milk, a nest of uncooked fettuccine pasta, a simple white ceramic bowl filled with finely grated Parmesan cheese, a small white ceramic bowl of heavy cream, and a small pile of finely chopped fresh parsley, all arranged symmetrically with realistic proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Extra-virgin olive oil: Helps achieve a nice golden sear on the chicken without overpowering the delicate sauce flavor.
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Lean and quick-cooking, they stay tender when sliced thinly and mixed into the sauce.
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Simple seasoning that elevates every element, allowing the natural flavors to shine.
Garlic cloves: Adds an aromatic punch that complements but doesn’t dominate the creamy sauce.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Creates a flavorful base while keeping sodium levels easier to manage.
Whole milk: Balances richness without making the sauce too heavy.
Fettuccine: Wide noodles perfectly catch the sauce — but feel free to use other types like linguine or tagliatelle.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is a must — pre-grated can sometimes taste chalky and won’t melt as smoothly.
Heavy cream: The secret to that luscious, velvety texture we all crave in Alfredo sauce.
Fresh parsley: A bright garnish that adds freshness and color at the end.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe is how easy it is to tweak to match your preferences. I love to throw in some sautéed mushrooms or spinach to brighten things up, but you can absolutely keep it classic or get creative.

Variation: Sometimes I swap chicken for shrimp when I want a lighter protein, and it works beautifully with the creamy sauce.
Dietary Modification: Use gluten-free pasta and a dairy-free cream substitute if you need an allergy-friendly version — just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Seasonal Changes: In spring, tossing in peas or asparagus adds lovely color and texture, turning this into a near one-pot spring feast.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe

A black bowl holds three layers of food with a fork on the left side. The bottom layer is creamy white sauce with a smooth texture, covering the pasta. The middle layer contains light yellow flat fettuccine noodles mixed into the sauce. The top layer is made up of several slices of grilled chicken, light brown with char marks and sprinkled with small green herb pieces and black pepper on top. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Sear the Chicken to Perfection

Start by heating the olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Season your chicken breasts with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper — don’t be shy here; seasoning is flavor! Cook the chicken until it’s golden brown on both sides and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This usually takes about 8 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Once done, let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Resting helps keep the juices locked inside, making every bite juicy.

Step 2: Build the Sauce Base and Cook Pasta Together

Into the same skillet, add your finely chopped garlic, chicken broth, and whole milk. Season with salt and pepper again—taste is everything here. Bring to a gentle simmer, then add the fettuccine right into the liquid. I love this method because the pasta absorbs all those great flavors as it cooks. Stir often to keep the pasta from sticking and cook until the sauce reduces slightly and the pasta is just tender, usually around 10-13 minutes total.

Step 3: Finish with Cheese, Cream, and Chicken

Once your pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened a bit, it’s time for the magic touch—stir in freshly grated Parmesan and heavy cream until silky and smooth. Cook for a few more minutes until the sauce thickens perfectly. Then fold in those sliced chicken pieces, letting them soak up some sauce. Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley to brighten everything up.

Top Tip

After making this Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe countless times, I've learned a few simple tips that make it a guaranteed hit every time. These little touches saved me from common pitfalls and brought restaurant-quality flavor right to my kitchen.

Don’t Skip Resting the Chicken: It keeps your chicken juicy and tender instead of dry and tough.
Add Pasta Directly to Sauce: Cooking fettuccine right in the sauce base layers flavor and saves on cleanup.
Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: It melts more smoothly and tastes way better than pre-grated.
Watch the Sauce Consistency: If it’s too thick, thin it with a bit of milk or broth; if too thin, keep cooking gently until it coats the pasta well.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe

Creamy Chicken Alfredo - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always top mine with a sprinkle of fresh parsley because it adds a pop of color and fresh flavor that balances the richness. Sometimes, I’ll grate a bit more Parmesan over the top or add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if I’m in the mood for a slight kick.

Side Dishes

To round out the meal, I pair this with a crisp Caesar salad or some roasted broccoli. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is also perfect for sopping up every last bit of that creamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special dinner party, I like to serve the Alfredo pasta in individual shallow bowls, topped with an herb sprig and a lemon twist for brightness. It feels fancy without extra fuss!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best eaten within 2-3 days to enjoy the sauce’s creaminess without it becoming too thick or clumpy.

Freezing

While I prefer fresh, you can freeze leftovers. Just be aware that the sauce texture might change slightly after thawing. Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of milk or broth to bring back the creamy texture. Avoid microwaving without stirring as it can separate the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While fettuccine is traditional because its wide ribbons hold the creamy sauce beautifully, you can swap in linguine, tagliatelle, or even penne depending on your preference or what you have on hand.

What’s the best way to avoid a grainy Alfredo sauce?

Using freshly grated Parmesan and stirring the cheese into warm sauce gradually helps keep it smooth. Avoid boiling the sauce after adding the cheese, as high heat can cause it to separate or get grainy.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the whole milk and heavy cream with plant-based alternatives like oat or cashew milk, and use a dairy-free Parmesan-style cheese. The texture won’t be quite the same, but you’ll still get a creamy, delicious result.

How can I tell when the chicken is cooked through perfectly?

The safest way is using an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast, which should read 165°F. If you don’t have one, make sure the chicken is no longer pink inside and the juices run clear when sliced.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to dishes because it’s just so comforting, flavorful, and rewarding to make. Trust me, once you try making Alfredo sauce from scratch, you’ll never want to open a jar again. It’s foolproof, feels a little luxurious, and always brings everyone to the table with smiles. I hope you enjoy it just as much as I do — happy cooking!