Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta: Easy Homemade Recipe

Are you looking for a delicious and comforting meal to impress your loved ones without spending hours in the kitchen? Look no further than this mouthwatering Homemade Chicken Alfredo Dinner recipe! Creamy, luxurious Alfredo sauce coats every strand of fettuccine, while tender chicken pieces add a satisfying bite to each forkful. It’s the perfect dish to serve on busy weeknights when you want something special yet simple.

I remember the first time I made this Homemade Chicken Alfredo Dinner – it was a game-changer! The rich flavors of the Parmesan cheese, cream, and butter come together to create a dish that tastes like it came straight from a restaurant. And the best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion. Whether it’s a birthday celebration or just a cozy family dinner, this dish never fails to impress.

For an added touch of freshness and nutrition, consider incorporating steamed broccoli, spinach, or peas into the sauce. And don’t worry if you have leftovers – simply store them in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to revive that velvety texture. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to whip up a Homemade Chicken Alfredo Dinner that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds!

Quick Benefits

  • Luxurious Yet Simple: Impress your guests with a luxurious dish that’s surprisingly simple and affordable to make.
  • Family Favorite: Become a family favorite recipe that can be relied on for any occasion, loved by both kids and adults.
  • Customizable: Easily customize the dish with different pasta shapes, dairy-free options, and additional vegetables for a personalized touch.
  • Flexible Leftovers: Enjoy the velvety texture and flavors of the dish even when reheating leftovers, making it a convenient option for busy days.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta: Easy Homemade Recipe Recipe

  • Luxurious Taste: Creamy sauce silkens every bite of pasta while juicy chicken brings comforting flavors that everyone craves on busy weeknights.
  • Simple and Affordable: Impress your crew with a delicious homemade dish that is easy to make and won’t break the bank.
  • Family Favorite: Kids love this dish so much they ask for it every birthday, making it a reliable go-to for any occasion.
  • Quality Ingredients: Splurge on Parmigiano Reggiano for a salty and nutty flavor that elevates the cream sauce to restaurant quality.
  • Kid-Friendly: Get your kids involved in the kitchen by grating cheese for the sauce, creating happy family memories.
  • Versatile Options: Dairy-free alternatives like unsweetened coconut cream and rotisserie chicken provide flexibility for dietary restrictions and busy nights.
  • Leftover Friendly: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to three days and easily reheat on the stovetop to restore the velvety texture.
  • Customizable: Swap fettuccine with different pasta shapes, add veggies to the sauce, or serve with salad, garlic bread, or a glass of white wine for a complete meal.
  • Historical Background: Learn about the origins of Alfredo sauce and its evolution into a classic American comfort dish that is beloved by many.
  • Cooking Tips: Ensure chicken is cooked through, experiment with different pasta shapes, adjust sauce thickness, and add extra ingredients for color, flavor, and nutrition.

Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta: Easy Homemade Recipe

Pasta

  • 285 g fettuccine

Chicken

  • 2.5 mL black pepper
  • 5 mL Italian seasoning
  • 2.5 mL salt
  • 450 g boneless, skinless chicken breast
  • 5 mL garlic powder

Sauce

  • 300 mL heavy cream
  • 28 g unsalted butter
  • 2.5 mL black pepper
  • 113 g unsalted butter
  • 125 g shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 5 mL Italian seasoning
  • 2 tbsp minced garlic
  • 2.5 mL salt

Garnish

  • Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
  • Dried parsley for garnish

Pro Tips for Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta: Easy Homemade Recipe

For the best flavor, use high-quality Parmigiano Reggiano cheese to elevate the Alfredo sauce. The salty and nutty flavors of this cheese will truly enhance the dish and make it taste like a gourmet meal.

To ensure juicy and flavorful chicken, make sure to cook it until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is no longer pink in the center. This will guarantee that the chicken is cooked through and safe to eat while remaining tender and delicious in every bite.

For a versatile twist, feel free to swap out fettuccine with penne or linguine for a different texture and experience. Different pasta shapes can bring a new dimension to the dish and make it more exciting for your family and guests to enjoy.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta: Easy Homemade Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

Prepare fettuccine in a large pot of salted boiling water as per package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Season and Prepare Chicken

Cut chicken breasts in half lengthwise to make thin cutlets. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.

Step 3: Cook Chicken

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 28 g butter. Sear chicken cutlets until golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 74°C. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.

Step 4: Begin Alfredo Sauce

In the skillet, melt 113 g butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 5: Create Cream Sauce

Whisk in heavy cream, then add salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened.

Step 6: Finish the Alfredo Sauce

Add shredded Parmesan cheese gradually and stir until melted and sauce reaches desired consistency.

Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Toss the cooked fettuccine in the Alfredo sauce until well coated.

Step 8: Serve

Slice the cooked chicken and place on top of the pasta. Sprinkle with more Parmesan and dried parsley as garnish before serving.

Storage Tips

Once you have enjoyed your Homemade Chicken Alfredo dinner, any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, it is best to do so gently on the stovetop with a splash of extra cream or milk to help restore the velvety texture of the sauce. To prevent the sauce from separating, avoid microwaving it in bursts longer than thirty seconds.

For those looking for dairy-free options, unsweetened coconut cream can be used as a substitute for heavy cream, though the flavor may differ slightly. Additionally, for busy nights, rotisserie chicken can be a convenient shortcut. You can also swap out the fettuccine for linguine, penne, or gluten-free pasta, choosing shapes that hold the sauce well and suit your preferences. To elevate the dish further, consider adding steamed broccoli, spinach, or peas to the sauce for extra color, flavor, and nutrition.

When serving your Chicken Alfredo dish, consider pairing it with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette and a side of roasted broccoli or garlic bread. For a cozy Italian-themed dinner, complement the meal with a glass of white wine like Pinot Grigio and fresh strawberries for dessert. This classic dish, inspired by a Roman chef’s creation for his pregnant wife, has evolved into a beloved American comfort food that is sure to please your family and guests.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you are looking to make a dairy-free version of this Homemade Chicken Alfredo, you can substitute unsweetened coconut cream for the heavy cream. While the flavor may be slightly different, it still creates a creamy and delicious sauce that complements the dish well.

If you prefer a different pasta shape or are looking to make a gluten-free version, you can easily swap the fettuccine with penne, linguine, or gluten-free pasta. Just make sure to choose a pasta shape that can hold the creamy sauce well.

To add more color, flavor, and nutrition to your Chicken Alfredo, consider mixing in steamed broccoli, spinach, or peas into the sauce. These additions not only enhance the dish but also provide a boost of nutrients and freshness to the meal.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try serving your Homemade Chicken Alfredo in individual baked pasta shells or in hollowed-out bread bowls for a fun twist on presentation. The creamy sauce and tender chicken nestled in a crispy edible vessel will delight both kids and adults alike.

To elevate your Chicken Alfredo dinner, consider adding a sprinkle of crispy pancetta or bacon on top for a salty crunch that contrasts with the velvety sauce. The addition of these savory bits brings a burst of flavor and texture to each bite, taking this comforting dish to a whole new level of indulgence.

FAQs for Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta: Easy Homemade Recipe

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of fettuccine?

Yes, while fettuccine is traditional, penne or linguine can be used for a different texture and bite.

What should I do if my Alfredo sauce is too thin?

If your sauce is too thin, continue simmering while stirring to reduce it, or add a bit more Parmesan to help it set.

How can I add more nutrition to the Chicken Alfredo?

Add steamed broccoli, spinach, or peas to the sauce for extra color, flavor, and nutrition.

How should I reheat the leftovers?

Reheat gently with a splash of cream or milk in a pan, stirring constantly to restore creaminess.

Conclusion

I hope this Homemade Chicken Alfredo Dinner recipe becomes a staple in your home just like it has in mine! The creamy sauce paired with tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta is a combination that never fails to impress. Whether it’s a special occasion or a busy weeknight, this dish is sure to bring smiles to your loved ones’ faces.

Remember, feel free to customize this recipe to suit your preferences and dietary needs. Whether you opt for a dairy-free version with coconut cream or switch up the pasta shape, the essence of comfort and indulgence remains intact. Don’t forget to garnish with some freshly grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of dried parsley for that final touch of flavor and elegance.

So gather your ingredients, get cooking, and savor the delightful flavors of this Homemade Chicken Alfredo Dinner. I’m confident it will soon become a favorite in your household, just as it has in mine. Enjoy every creamy, comforting bite!

Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta: Easy Homemade Recipe

Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta: Easy Homemade Recipe

Indulge in luxurious Homemade Chicken Alfredo for a comforting dinner that’s both simple to make and impressively delicious every time.
Prep Time5 Minutes
Cook Time20 Minutes
Total Time25 Minutes
CuisineAmerican
Skill LevelEasy
Servings4 Servings (Serves four portions)

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 285 g fettuccine

Chicken

  • 2.5 mL black pepper
  • 5 mL Italian seasoning
  • 2.5 mL salt
  • 450 g boneless, skinless chicken breast
  • 5 mL garlic powder

Sauce

  • 300 mL heavy cream
  • 28 g unsalted butter
  • 2.5 mL black pepper
  • 113 g unsalted butter
  • 125 g shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 5 mL Italian seasoning
  • 2 tbsp minced garlic
  • 2.5 mL salt

Garnish

  • Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
  • Dried parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pasta: Prepare fettuccine in a large pot of salted boiling water as per package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. Season and Prepare Chicken: Cut chicken breasts in half lengthwise to make thin cutlets. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
  3. Cook Chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 28 g butter. Sear chicken cutlets until golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 74°C. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
  4. Begin Alfredo Sauce: In the skillet, melt 113 g butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  5. Create Cream Sauce: Whisk in heavy cream, then add salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
  6. Finish the Alfredo Sauce: Add shredded Parmesan cheese gradually and stir until melted and sauce reaches desired consistency.
  7. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the cooked fettuccine in the Alfredo sauce until well coated.
  8. Serve: Slice the cooked chicken and place on top of the pasta. Sprinkle with more Parmesan and dried parsley as garnish before serving.