Indulge in the ultimate comfort food classic with this recipe for Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo.
Creamy, cheesy homemade Alfredo sauce coats tender cooked chicken and fettuccine noodles in this simple Family Dinner Idea.
Explore all our family favorite chicken recipes you'll want to add to your weekly meal plan.
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This satisfying chicken pasta dish is pure comfort food! The creamy sauce, tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta make it the perfect meal for a busy weeknight or to serve to company who will appreciate a cozy and delicious dinner.
With just a few sauteed vegetables like broccoli or spinach, you can transform this simple dish into a restaurant-worthy meal your family will adore.
Looking for to go along with these side dishes and add to your Weekly Meal Plan? Try my easy Baked Chicken Cutlet Recipes,, Chicken Cutlets Parmesan or my Chicken Cutlets with Gravy.
Table of Contents
- Cooking Perfect Pasta and Sauce
- How do you keep Alfredo sauce creamy?
- Why is my cheese separating in my Alfredo sauce?
- 🛒Helpful Kitchen Tools
- 📋Ingredients
- Substitutions and Variations
- Step-by-Step Instructions
- Kitchen Tool Spotlight
- Before you Begin!
- Storing and Reheating Tips
- More Recipes You'll Love!
- Mouth-Watering Recipes Ready in 30 Minutes for Busy Weeknights
- 📖 Recipe Card
- 💬 Comments
Cooking Perfect Pasta and Sauce
Remember, the secret to a perfect Alfredo sauce lies in low, slow heat. This prevents the sauce from separating or becoming grainy.
Continuous whisking is key for that silky-smooth texture we love about homemade Alfredo sauce. Be gentle with the garlic – cook it just enough to release its aroma without letting it burn.
Freshly grated Parmesan is a must for the ultimate creamy sauce. Finally, season with salt and pepper right before tossing it all with the pasta for the best flavor.
Looking for a recipe variation? Try this Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells recipe.
How do you keep Alfredo sauce creamy?
To keep your Alfredo sauce perfectly creamy, use high-quality ingredients like heavy cream, freshly grated Parmesan, and butter. Remember, heavy cream is absolutely essential for that luxurious texture – don't even think about substituting it with half and half or milk!
Why is my cheese separating in my Alfredo sauce?
The most common cause of cheese separation in Alfredo sauce is overheating. This forces the cheese proteins to clump together and the fats to separate, resulting in a grainy and oily texture.
🛒Helpful Kitchen Tools
📋Ingredients
This is an overview of the ingredients and instructions. Be sure to see the recipe card below for exact quantities, detailed instructions and special notes.
Substitutions and Variations
- Swap the chicken for seared shrimp for a seafood twist. Or, try crumbling in crispy bacon for a salty, smoky flavor.
- Try Italian sausage, either crumbled or sliced.
- Try adding a handful of spinach just before mixing in the sauce in place of the broccoli.
- Sliced mushrooms also a great addition. Sweet peas would work also!
- Or you might like to add roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: In a large pan, melt butter over medium heat and cook garlic for 3-4 minutes. Stir in heavy cream, and salt, then increase heat slightly to reach a gentle simmer.
Step 2: Add the noodles, cover, and cook for 5-7 minutes (watch to prevent over-boiling). Flip noodles with tongs, re-cover for 3 minutes, then remove the lid, stir, and cook uncovered until noodles are mostly tender.
Step 3: Add the Parmesan cheese. Then toss to combine.
Kitchen Tool Spotlight
Remember when making homemade Alfredo sauce is to use freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Pre-grated Parmesan often contains additives that prevent it from melting smoothly, leading to a grainy sauce. Grating your own Parmesan ensures the creamiest, most delicious Alfredo sauce possible.
Step 4: Allow the mixture to simmer for 5 minutes. It looks so good!
Step 5: Stir in the cooked, shredded chicken. Check out my recipe for How to Cook Shredded Chicken for an easy way to prepare!
Step 6: Then add the steamed broccoli.
Before you Begin!
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Storing and Reheating Tips
Refrigerator: To store leftover chicken Alfredo, start by letting it cool completely to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container, either glass or food-safe plastic for 3-4 days.
Freezer: I do not recommend freezing any leftovers. The sauce may separate slightly and the pasta can become a bit softer upon thawing and reheating.
Reheating: Add the leftovers to a microwave-safe dish. Set your microwave to medium power and heat in short bursts of 30 seconds to 1 minute. Stir the sauce thoroughly between each heating interval to ensure even heating and prevent the sauce from separating. If the sauce appears too thick, you can add a splash of milk or cream for a smoother consistency.
More Recipes You'll Love!
- Check out my other recipe for Monterey Chicken Pasta Recipe.
- Or you might enjoy this recipe for Chicken Spinach Artichoke Cannelloni.
Mouth-Watering Recipes Ready in 30 Minutes for Busy Weeknights
10 mouth-watering recipes that are ready in just 30 minutes, this e-cookbook is the perfect solution for busy weeknight dinners.
📖 Recipe Card
Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
- 2 cups fresh broccoli
- 2 cups cooked chicken
- 1 pound Fettuccine noodles
Instructions
- In a large pan, heat the butter over medium heat and add the garlic when melted. Cook for 3-4 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, or until slightly thickened, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese.
- While the sauce simmers, warm the pre-cooked chicken in the microwave until heated through.
- Cook fettuccine noodles according to package directions.
- While the pasta cooks, steam the broccoli until it is tender-crisp, about 3-5 minutes.
- Drain the pasta, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
- Add pasta, warmed chicken, and broccoli to the Alfredo sauce. Toss to combine, adding pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Serve immediately with additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Notes
This post has been updated since it first appeared in 2013.
Diane cammer says
CAN GET HOT POCKET RECIPE TO COME UP?????????
Lois says
Is this the recipe you're looking for?
https://walkingonsunshinerecipes.com/chicken-puff-pastry-pockets/
Sugar Cookies to Peterbilts says
I have never made an Alfredo Sauce from scratch. I will try your recipe soon, it sounds so manageable, I don't know why I have never tried!
Ron's Rants says
Dinner tonight!
April says
We eat pasta and chicken a lot around here...this recipe would be a hit!
Pam Manners says
Oh, yum!! One of my fave comfort food recipes that has now become my 16 year old daughter's as well. You plated it beautifully, Lois. Looks delicious.
I look forward to the homemade ravioli post. I remember as a young girl, my Italian grandmom rolling out the dough in her back kitchen to make them, and painstakingly shaping each ravioli by hand. It took almost all day. Happy memories.
Thanks, Lois!
Pam M.
Cranberry Morning says
I love chicken fettucini, but always use Tinkyada, gluten-free. I would imagine that homemade noodles are fantastic, though. sigh.
Vee says
I'll be back for ravioli as I skip right along past fettuccine.
Miss Debbie says
Alfredo...my favorite...yummy! 🙂