There’s nothing quite like creamy, rich chicken alfredo. This classic dish combines tender chunks of chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a luxurious alfredo sauce to deliver a meal that feels both comforting and indulgent. Whether you’re whipping this up for a family dinner or impressing guests, you’re guaranteed a crowd-pleaser.
Best of all, this recipe simplifies the process, using store-bought alfredo sauce and some pantry staples to make a restaurant-quality dish in under an hour! You can also enjoy similar chicken-based meals, like this Panera chicken salad recipe, which is equally satisfying for weekday lunches.
Credit: fitaliancook
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this creamy chicken alfredo:
- 2 lbs skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into chunks
- Salt and black pepper (a pinch for seasoning the chicken)
- 2 (16-ounce) packages of spaghetti (or your favorite pasta)
- 4 (15-ounce) jars of alfredo sauce
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp chopped onion
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, finely chopped
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)
- 1 ½ cups shredded Parmesan cheese (optional, but highly recommended)
- 2 cups chopped broccoli (optional for added veggies)
Optional Flavor Addition
- You can mix and match alfredo sauces. For example, try one jar of traditional flavor and one sun-dried tomato flavor to add depth.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 12 generous portions
Equipment
Before you get started, make sure you have the following tools handy:
- Large skillet for cooking the chicken
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring the sauce
- Steamer for the broccoli (if using)
- Cutting board and knife for preparing ingredients
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Colander for draining the pasta
With your tools and ingredients assembled, you’re ready to cook!
How to Make Chicken Alfredo?
This creamy chicken alfredo is simple, but the step-by-step process ensures you reach that restaurant-quality perfection. Get ready to dazzle your taste buds!
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Season the chicken generously with salt and black pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Add the chicken chunks and sauté them until they’re golden brown and cooked through. This usually takes about 7–10 minutes. When done, set the chicken aside.
Why is this step important? Searing the chicken locks in juices, ensuring tender pieces throughout your dish.
Step 2: Boil the Pasta
While the chicken is cooking, fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil. Add your spaghetti or chosen pasta, cooking it until al dente (firm to the bite). Typically, this takes 8–10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 3: Add Alfredo Sauce to Chicken
Return your skillet with the cooked chicken to the stove over medium heat. Pour in the jars of alfredo sauce and stir to coat the chicken thoroughly. Add the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, chopped onion, cayenne pepper, and fresh basil to the sauce. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a simmer.
Step 4: Add Parmesan Cheese
Once the sauce is simmering, add the shredded Parmesan cheese if you’re using it. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce turns even creamier. A quick tip? Test the sauce by lifting a spoon; if it coats the spoon without dripping too much, your sauce is perfectly thickened.
Step 5: Steam the Broccoli (Optional)
If you’re adding the broccoli, set up your steamer. Add enough water to a saucepan to sit just below the steamer basket. Bring the water to a boil, then add the broccoli. Cover and steam for 2–6 minutes until tender. Add the broccoli directly into the skillet with the sauce and chicken.
Step 6: Combine and Serve
Pour the cooked pasta into the skillet or mix in a large serving dish. Toss the pasta thoroughly to coat every inch with the alfredo sauce. Serve immediately, garnishing with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or fresh basil for an added touch. For another creamy dish with a twist, this Sassy Scotty chicken salad recipe is worth a try if you love bold flavors.
Credit: daenskitchen
Why I Love Making This Recipe?
Chicken alfredo holds a special place in my kitchen and heart. It’s one of those dishes I can make without overthinking, yet it always leaves my family and friends raving. The creamy sauce combined with hearty chunks of chicken feels like pure comfort food. Plus, with a busy schedule, I love how versatile it is—I can swap ingredients or add veggies like spinach or mushrooms to switch things up. It’s the type of meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day.
Tips and Variations
- Mix Sauce Flavors: Combining regular alfredo with sun-dried tomato or roasted garlic flavors creates a unique depth of taste.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch more cayenne or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Additional Veggies: Include mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
- Pasta Swap: Don’t have spaghetti? Use fettuccine, penne, or even zoodles (zucchini noodles) for a low-carb version.
- Homemade Sauce Option: Feeling ambitious? Whisk heavy cream, butter, and freshly grated Parmesan together for a truly homemade alfredo sauce.
Using salted water enhances the flavor of the pastameans you can focus on creamy recipes like this or try out other delicious chicken recipes that elevate simple ingredients into something special.
Perfect Pairings for This Dish
Pair your chicken alfredo with these complementary side dishes:
- Fresh Salad: A crisp Caesar salad or simple green salad with a vinaigrette adds freshness.
- Garlic Bread: Serve up warm garlic bread for soaking up every last drop of sauce.
- Wine: Pair this dish with a buttery Chardonnay or a medium-bodied Pinot Grigio.
- Dessert: End the meal with a light dessert like panna cotta or a berry parfait.
Storage and Leftovers
If you have leftovers (rare, but it happens!), store them properly to enjoy again:
- Refrigeration: Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate. The dish stays fresh for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Avoid freezing as the cream-based sauce may separate upon thawing.
- Reheating: Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to bring the sauce back to life. Avoid microwaving as it can dry out the chicken.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Here’s an estimated breakdown for one serving of chicken alfredo:
- Calories: 915
- Fat: 67g
- Carbs: 34g
- Protein: 45g
- Sodium: 1751mg
Note: These values can vary based on ingredients and portion size.
Common Mistakes to Avoid for Better Results
- Overcooking Chicken: Overcooked chicken becomes dry and chewy. Watch your timing!
- Undercooked Pasta: Al dente pasta is key; mushy noodles make the dish less appetizing.
- Skipping the Cheese: Parmesan cheese not only thickens the sauce but enhances its flavor.
- Ignoring Seasoning: Taste as you go to adjust spices like cayenne, salt, or black pepper to your liking.
- Rushing the Sauce: Allow the sauce to simmer to achieve a luxurious, thick consistency.
With just a bit of attention to detail, this chicken alfredo recipe can be the highlight of any dinner table. Gather your ingredients and give it a go! One bite and you’ll understand why it’s a beloved classic.
Chicken Alfredo Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Season the chicken generously with salt and black pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Add the chicken chunks and sauté them until they’re golden brown and cooked through. This usually takes about 7–10 minutes. When done, set the chicken aside.
- While the chicken is cooking, fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil. Add your spaghetti or chosen pasta, cooking it until al dente (firm to the bite). Typically, this takes 8–10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Return your skillet with the cooked chicken to the stove over medium heat. Pour in the jars of alfredo sauce and stir to coat the chicken thoroughly. Add the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, chopped onion, cayenne pepper, and fresh basil to the sauce. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Once the sauce is simmering, add the shredded Parmesan cheese if you’re using it. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce turns even creamier. A quick tip? Test the sauce by lifting a spoon; if it coats the spoon without dripping too much, your sauce is perfectly thickened.
- If you’re adding the broccoli, set up your steamer. Add enough water to a saucepan to sit just below the steamer basket. Bring the water to a boil, then add the broccoli. Cover and steam for 2–6 minutes until tender. Add the broccoli directly into the skillet with the sauce and chicken.
- Pour the cooked pasta into the skillet or mix in a large serving dish. Toss the pasta thoroughly to coat every inch with the alfredo sauce. Serve immediately, garnishing with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or fresh basil for an added touch. For another creamy dish with a twist, this Sassy Scotty chicken salad recipe is worth a try if you love bold flavors.
Notes
- Overcooking Chicken: Overcooked chicken becomes dry and chewy. Watch your timing!
- Undercooked Pasta: Al dente pasta is key; mushy noodles make the dish less appetizing.
- Skipping the Cheese: Parmesan cheese not only thickens the sauce but enhances its flavor.
- Ignoring Seasoning: Taste as you go to adjust spices like cayenne, salt, or black pepper to your liking.
- Rushing the Sauce: Allow the sauce to simmer to achieve a luxurious, thick consistency.
