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

There’s something truly comforting about the silky, rich sauce clinging to tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta—that’s exactly what makes this Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe stand out. It strikes the perfect balance between indulgent and approachable, making it a go-to when you want a satisfying meal without fuss.

A close-up view of a white plate filled with creamy pasta and sliced cooked chicken pieces arranged on top and mixed in. The pasta is coated in a smooth, light beige sauce with a rich texture, and the chicken slices show a golden brown seared edge with a tender white inside. Chopped green parsley is sprinkled over the dish, along with small flakes of grated cheese and a light dusting of black pepper, adding color contrast and texture. The dish is set on a white marbled surface. 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 creamy chicken alfredo pasta recipe has saved my weeknight dinners. It’s rich enough to feel like a treat, but simple enough to pull together quickly. Plus, the homemade sauce makes all the difference—you’ll never go back to jarred Alfredo after this.

Scratch-made Alfredo sauce: It’s surprisingly easy and tastes way fresher than store-bought options.
Tender chicken cooked just right: The chicken stays juicy, not dry, thanks to resting before slicing.
One-pan pasta magic: The pasta cooks right in the sauce, soaking up every bit of flavor.
Customizable and comforting: You can easily tweak it with your favorite add-ins—trust me, it’s versatile.

Ingredients & Why They Work

These ingredients come together to create a harmony of creamy, savory, and fresh flavors. Each one plays a key role—from the mild richness of whole milk and heavy cream to the bold nuttiness of Parmesan. Here are my thoughts on what makes each ingredient shine in this dish.

Flat lay of two raw boneless skinless chicken breasts, two whole brown garlic cloves, a small white ceramic bowl of extra-virgin olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl of low-sodium chicken broth, a small white ceramic bowl of whole milk, a small white ceramic bowl of heavy cream, a nest of uncooked fettuccine pasta, a small white ceramic bowl of finely grated Parmesan cheese, a few sprigs of finely chopped fresh parsley, all arranged with kosher salt and whole black peppercorns sprinkled artistically, 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: Provides a flavorful base to sear the chicken with a lovely golden crust.
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Lean and tender, they absorb the sauce beautifully when sliced.
Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning throughout, enhancing every bite.
Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a hint of warmth and spice without overpowering.
Garlic cloves: Finely chopped garlic infuses the sauce with that irresistible, aromatic punch.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the sauce flavorful while controlling saltiness.
Whole milk: Balances creaminess without making the sauce too heavy.
Fettuccine: Classic pasta choice for Alfredo—its wide strands hold the sauce perfectly.
Parmesan cheese: The heart of Alfredo sauce, it melts smoothly for that signature cheesy richness.
Heavy cream: Adds luxurious texture and helps thicken the sauce just right.
Fresh parsley: A sprinkle at the end brightens up the dish and adds freshness.

📝

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 things I love about this Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe is how easy it is to tweak based on your mood or what’s in your fridge. Whether you’re feeling like adding a veggie punch or need to lighten it up a bit, it’s super flexible.

Vegetable boost: I often toss in some sautéed mushrooms or spinach just before stirring in the cheese—it adds color and a little earthiness.
Spicy kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes in the sauce wakes it up without taking over.
Make it lighter: Swap out heavy cream for half-and-half or use just milk to keep it creamy but less rich.
Protein swap: Grilled shrimp works beautifully if you want to switch up the star.

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

This image shows a white bowl filled with creamy fettuccine pasta layered at the bottom, thick and smooth with a pale cream color. On top of the pasta, there are several slices of grilled chicken with a light brown, slightly charred outside and tender white inside. The dish is sprinkled with small green parsley bits and black pepper, adding color contrast. A silver fork is inside the bowl, partly lifting some of the pasta on the left side. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Perfectly Seared Chicken

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper—don’t be shy, this is key for flavor. Sear them in the hot oil, turning occasionally, until they have a beautiful golden-brown crust and the internal temperature hits 165°F. This usually takes about 8 minutes per side. Once done, transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing—this keeps it juicy and prevents dryness.

Step 2: Simmering the Sauce and Cooking Pasta

Using the same skillet, add the finely chopped garlic and cook for about a minute until fragrant—don’t let it burn! Pour in the chicken broth and whole milk, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper. Bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat.

Next, add the fettuccine right into the simmering liquid. Stir often to keep the noodles from sticking and to help the pasta soak up that flavorful sauce. Let the sauce reduce slightly for about 3 minutes, then continue cooking and tossing until the pasta is just al dente—usually another 8 to 10 minutes. This one-pot technique means fewer dishes and more flavor.

Step 3: Finish with Cheese, Cream & Chicken

Once the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened a bit, stir in the grated Parmesan and heavy cream until everything melds into a smooth, luscious sauce. Let it cook for another 3 minutes on low, stirring occasionally, so it thickens perfectly without separating.

Finally, mix in those rested chicken slices. Give everything a gentle toss so every strand of pasta is coated and the chicken gets warmed through without drying out.

Top Tip

After making this dish countless times, I’ve learned a few tricks that make the whole process smoother and the flavors really pop. These are my go-to tips that’ll help you nail this recipe every single time.

Rest your chicken: Letting the cooked chicken rest before slicing locks in moisture—cutting too soon results in dry meat.
Use freshly grated Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that affect melting; fresh always tastes better.
Don’t rush the sauce reduction: Letting the sauce simmer gently thickens it naturally and intensifies flavor without creaminess breaking.
Toss pasta frequently: Stirring often when cooking pasta in the sauce prevents sticking and ensures creamy coating.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe

Creamy Chicken Alfredo - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always finish this pasta with a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh parsley. It adds a fresh, green pop of color and cuts through the richness just enough. For a little extra zing, sometimes a tiny grating of nutmeg or a dusting of extra Parmesan on top works wonders too.

Side Dishes

I love pairing this with a crisp Caesar salad or simple garlic-roasted broccoli. The freshness and crunch balance the creamy pasta beautifully. Warm, crusty bread is a must as well—perfect for mopping up every last bit of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve served this creamy chicken alfredo pasta plated in shallow bowls with a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts on top and a drizzle of truffle oil—it makes for an elegant twist that guests always notice. You can also layer it in a casserole dish with mozzarella before baking for a bubbly, browned finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and they keep well for up to 3 days. The sauce might thicken in the fridge, so just stir in a splash of milk or broth when reheating to loosen it back up.

Freezing

Freezing Alfredo pasta can be tricky because the cream sauce might separate after thawing. I recommend freezing only the cooked chicken separately and making the sauce fresh when you’re ready, or freezing the entire dish with the understanding the texture may change a bit. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat creamy chicken alfredo pasta is on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of milk or broth and stir often to avoid clumping or burning. Avoid the microwave if you want to preserve the sauce’s silky texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of pasta in this Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe?

Absolutely! While fettuccine is traditional because of its wide surface that holds sauce well, you can swap in linguine, penne, or even a sturdy spaghetti. Just watch cooking times and adjust as needed.

How do I prevent the Alfredo sauce from breaking or separating?

The key is to avoid boiling after adding the cream and cheese. Simmer gently on low heat and stir often. Also, make sure to use fresh Parmesan and add the cream slowly while stirring to keep the sauce smooth.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?

Making a dairy-free or vegan version requires swapping ingredients. Use plant-based milks like oat or cashew milk, vegan cream alternatives, and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. You may also want to use tofu or plant-based chicken substitutes. The texture and flavor will differ but can still be delicious.

What’s the best way to reheat leftover Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta?

To keep the sauce creamy, reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk or broth, stirring often. This helps loosen the sauce and prevents it from drying out or clumping, unlike reheating in the microwave.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe holds a special place in my dinner rotation because it’s so reliably delicious and comforting. It’s perfect for treating your family or impressing guests without spending hours in the kitchen. I hope you enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite as much as I do—don’t forget to savor the little moments while making and eating it!