creamy chicken alfredo recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
creamy chicken alfredo recipe
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The Best creamy chicken alfredo recipe

I’m so excited to share this creamy chicken alfredo recipe with you all. As a busy mom of three, I’m always on the lookout for delicious and easy-to-make meals that my family will love.

This recipe has been a staple in our household for years, and it’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a special treat for the holidays, this creamy chicken alfredo is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.

I’ve served it at countless family gatherings, and it’s always been a hit. My kids can’t get enough of it, and I love how easy it is to make in large quantities.

The best part? It’s surprisingly healthy, considering how rich and indulgent it tastes!

The chicken breast provides lean protein, while the vegetables add fiber and nutrients. Plus, using low-fat cream and reduced-sodium broth helps keep the calorie count in check.

This dish is truly a game-changer for any home cook looking to impress their loved ones without breaking the bank or sacrificing flavor.

Creamy Chicken Alfredo

Creamy Chicken Alfredo

4.6 from 1555 votes

This creamy chicken alfredo recipe features tender chicken breast in a rich, homemade alfredo sauce. It is served over fettuccine pasta for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Alfredo Sauce

1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

For the Chicken

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tsp paprika

For the Pasta

12 oz fettuccine pasta
Water for boiling

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2Add fettuccine pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
3Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
Set aside.
4While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and paprika.
5Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
6Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
7Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
8In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic.
9Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
10Add the butter and melt it, stirring occasionally.
11Add the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
12Stir in the Parmesan cheese until it is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
13Add the ground nutmeg and season with salt and pepper to taste.
14If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
15Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and stir to combine.
16Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce and chicken.
17Toss gently to combine, ensuring the pasta is well coated.
18If needed, add more pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency.

🔧Equipment

Large skillet
Saucepan
Pasta pot
Tongs

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 20g💛Saturated Fat: 12g❤️Cholesterol: 95mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 25g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 3g🥩Protein: 25g

📝Notes

Serve immediately with a side of garlic bread and a fresh salad. For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.

Watch Video Of How Creamy Chicken Alfredo Works

Creamy chicken alfredo is a dish that I always recommend for any occasion or family gathering. It is a crowd-pleaser and can be served for a casual weeknight dinner or dressed up for a special occasion.

It’s also a great dish to make ahead of time, as the flavors only get better with time. Just store the pasta and sauce separately in the refrigerator and reheat gently when ready to serve.

Serve it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. The leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop.

I love that this dish is so versatile and can be customized to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a impressive dish to serve to company, creamy chicken alfredo is always a good idea.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Chicken Alfredo

1. What type of pasta is best for chicken alfredo?

Fettuccine is the traditional choice for chicken alfredo, as its flat noodles are perfect for catching the creamy sauce. However, you can use any long pasta you prefer, such as linguine or pappardelle. The key is to choose a pasta shape that can hold the sauce well.

2. Can I use milk instead of heavy cream for the alfredo sauce?

While heavy cream provides the richest and creamiest texture for the sauce, you can use milk as a lighter alternative. Keep in mind that the sauce may not be as thick or velvety, and you may need to adjust the amount of cheese to achieve the desired consistency.

3. How can I make chicken alfredo healthier?

To make chicken alfredo healthier, you can use whole-wheat pasta instead of regular pasta. You can also add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to increase the nutritional value. Additionally, using lean chicken breast and reducing the amount of cheese can help lower the calorie and fat content.

4. Can I make chicken alfredo ahead of time?

Yes, you can make chicken alfredo ahead of time. However, it’s best to cook the pasta and sauce separately and store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve. When you’re ready to eat, reheat the sauce gently over low heat, add the cooked pasta, and toss to combine. This will help prevent the pasta from becoming mushy. Additionally, you can store the cooked chicken separately and add it when reheating.

5. Can I freeze chicken alfredo?

While you can freeze chicken alfredo, the texture of the pasta may change upon thawing, becoming mushy or watery. To freeze, let the dish cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw the dish in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently over low heat, adding a little milk or cream to help restore the sauce’s creaminess.

6. Can I use a different type of cheese in the alfredo sauce?

Yes, you can experiment with different types of cheese in the alfredo sauce. While Parmesan is the traditional choice, you can use other hard cheeses like Romano or Pecorino. You can also add a little cream cheese or mascarpone to make the sauce even creamier. However, keep in mind that different cheeses may alter the flavor and texture of the sauce.

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