I find that there’s something so comforting about a big bowl of creamy pasta, and this chicken fettuccine alfredo recipe is one I come back to again and again.
It is flavorful, rich, and so easy to make at home especially on a busy weeknight. I added a little bit of soy sauce to give it an extra kick of umami and I think it really takes it to the next level!
What Is Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo?
Chicken fettuccine alfredo is a classic, popular pasta dish made with fettuccine noodles tossed in a creamy Parmesan-based sauce and topped with seasoned chicken.
It’s definitely my go-to chicken and fettuccine alfredo recipe when I want comfort food that tastes just like the restaurants (maybe even better).
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy and indulgent: The combination of butter, cream, Parmesan, soy sauce, and pasta water creates a smooth, velvety sauce that clings to every noodle.
- Easy but impressive: This easy chicken fettuccine alfredo recipe looks fancy but comes together in just 15 minutes with simple steps.
- Family-friendly comfort food: It’s a crowd-pleaser that works just as well for weeknights as it does for casual entertaining.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot
- Large skillet
- Tongs
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients for Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo
- Chicken breast: Seasoned and pan-seared for juicy, flavorful protein
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Smoked paprika
- Dried oregano
- Fettuccine pasta: Perfect for holding onto creamy sauces. You can swap with any other pasta you like!
- Unsalted butter
- Garlic
- Heavy cream: Creates the signature creamy Alfredo texture
- Reserved pasta water: Helps emulsify and loosen the sauce
- Soy sauce: Unusually ingredient for this recipe but adds a lot of umami!
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Melts smoothly and gives the sauce its classic flavor. Freshly grated is highly recommended for this recipe!
- Parsley
Customizations
- Use a different protein: Swap chicken for shrimp, or leave it out entirely for a vegetarian version.
- Lighter sauce: Use half and half instead of heavy cream for a less rich finish.
- Extra veggies: Stir in broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms for added texture and color.
How to Make Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo
Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Season and Cook the Chicken
Slice the chicken breast in half horizontally and season both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and dried oregano.
Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook the chicken until golden and cooked through. Remove and let it rest.
Make the Alfredo Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the garlic until fragrant. Add the heavy cream, reserved pasta water, soy sauce, and Parmesan cheese.
Simmer gently, stirring, until slightly thickened.
Toss and Serve the Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo
Add the cooked fettuccine to the sauce and toss until creamy.
Season with salt and black pepper, adjusting with more pasta water if needed.
Stir in parsley, top with sliced chicken, and serve right away.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.
Tips to Make the Perfect Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo
- Grate your own cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts smoothly and prevents a grainy sauce.
- Don’t rush the sauce: Keep the heat gentle to avoid breaking the cream.
- Use pasta water wisely: A little at a time helps keep the sauce silky and cohesive.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! You can use almost any pasta shape you like, such as linguine, penne, or even spaghetti.
What can I use instead of chicken?
Shrimp is a popular swap, or you can make it vegetarian by simply leaving the chicken out.
Can I use half and half for this chicken fettuccine alfredo recipe?
Yes, but the sauce will be less rich and creamy compared to using heavy cream.
Should I use fresh Parmesan cheese?
Absolutely! Freshly grated Parmesan is highly recommended for the best flavor and texture.
Related Recipes You’ll Love
Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo
Equipment
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 chicken breast sliced in half horizontally
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Pasta and Sauce
- 8 oz. fettuccine pasta
- 4 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoon chopped parsley
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine until al dente according to the package instructions. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water (a little more than needed in case) then drain the pasta.8 oz. fettuccine pasta
- Slice the chicken breast in half horizontally. Season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and dried oregano.1 chicken breast, ½ teaspoon salt, ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Pan-fry the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 2–3 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and set aside to rest.1 tablespoon olive oil
- In the same skillet, add the butter and let it melt. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in the heavy cream, ½ cup of the reserved pasta water, soy sauce, and Parmesan cheese. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring, until slightly thickened.4 tablespoon unsalted butter, 4 cloves garlic, 1 cup heavy cream, ½ cup reserved pasta water, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- Add the cooked fettuccine to the sauce and toss until evenly coated and creamy. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adding more reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce. Stir in the chopped parsley.½ teaspoon salt, Freshly ground black pepper, 2 tablespoon chopped parsley
- Transfer the pasta to plates, slice the chicken, place it on top, and serve immediately.
Chanelle le Sueur says
Such a delicious and easy recipe to make , just the right amount of flavour and not rich at all like most Alfredo Pastas.
Herman says
I'm so glad you liked this recipe! Thank you!
Audrey says
Best tasting alfredo sauce I've ever had. I was worried the sauce wouldn't thicken up but once you add the pasta it does. Definitely would make again
Herman says
So glad you liked this recipe! Yes, once you add the pasta and reduce slightly, it will thicken up.
Julie Ann says
It's easy to cook for a working mom
Herman says
I agree and so tasty for an easy weeknight meal!