Chicken Alfredo Recipe

Ready in under 40 minutes and so velvety, my Chicken Alfredo recipe includes a secret ingredient to change how you make alfredo for good!

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Keyword chicken alfredo, chicken alfredo chicken seasoning, chicken alfredo recipe, chicken alfredo seasoning

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 30

Total Time 35

Servings servings

Calories 960kcal

4 chicken breasts thinly sliced
3 Tablespoons olive oil divided
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon paprika
¾ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
6 Tablespoons butter divided; 2 Tablespoons for chicken + 4 Tablespoons for alfredo
16 oz fettuccine noodles
1 Tablespoon minced garlic 1-2 garlic bulbs
2 cups heavy cream
½ cup parmesan cheese shredded
2 slices white American cheese
1 pinch freshly cracked pepper

In a bowl, mix together garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper. Sprinkle seasoning over chicken, coating all sides.
½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon paprika, ¾ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon pepper, 4 chicken breasts
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add in half your oil. Gently add no more than 2 chicken breasts at a time, making sure not to overcrowd the skillet. Cook the chicken for approximately 5 minutes or until golden brown and a little caramelized.
3 Tablespoons olive oil
Using tongs, flip your chicken over and repeat. Cook time may vary depending on the thickness of your chicken. Use a meat thermometer and Chicken Temperature Chart for best results.
Add 2 Tablespoons butter to the skillet and cook for an additional minute. Remove chicken from the skillet, and allow it to rest 5-10 minutes before slicing.
6 Tablespoons butter

While the chicken is resting, heat a skillet over medium heat and melt 4 Tablespoons butter. While the butter melts, cook fettuccine pasta in a separate pot according to the package instructions until al dente (slightly underdone).
6 Tablespoons butter, 16 oz fettuccine noodles
Once the butter fully melts, add in minced garlic and cook 2-3 minutes, occasionally stirring.
1 Tablespoon minced garlic
Gradually and slowly add in heavy cream, stirring as you add it. This is super important: add it slowly while stirring so the cream doesn't curdle!
2 cups heavy cream
After adding all the cream, slowly sprinkle in parmesan cheese. Keep stirring while you are adding it.
½ cup parmesan cheese
Add in 2-3 slices of white American cheese and make sure to stir well.
2 slices white American cheese
Sprinkle alfredo with freshly cracked black pepper and stir to combine. Taste and adjust to your liking.
1 pinch freshly cracked pepper
Finally, add in your cooked pasta and mix everything fully together.
Top with additional parmesan cheese, pan-fried chicken slices and parsley to taste. Enjoy!

For more info on what makes this sauce so special, see my Alfredo Sauce.
Swap out the protein: Instead of chicken breast, use chicken thighs or chicken leg quarters!

Use a different pasta: Fettuccine is the classic for alfredo, but it's not your only option. Try another favorite pasta, like penne or even angel hair!

Add in veggies: Toss in some spinach or broccoli to add some greens in your dinner. Chicken broccoli alfredo is delicious and a great way to get kids to eat some veggies!

Use high heat for pan-frying: This will achieve that golden, caramelized look on the outside of your chicken breasts. Make sure to heat your pan to medium-high heat.

Cook the pasta al dente: It's important to not overcook your pasta, it should still have a slight bite to it. This will prevent mushy noodles once you combine the noodles and sauce.

Serve immediately: Enjoy chicken alfredo right away when the flavors and texture are at their peak!