Quick Chicken Alfredo Pasta is a creamy, comforting dish that brings restaurant-quality flavor to your home kitchen in just about 30 minutes.
Perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners, this pasta features tender pieces of chicken breast sautéed to golden perfection and coated in a rich, velvety Alfredo sauce made with butter, cream, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The sauce clings beautifully to fettuccine or penne, delivering a satisfying bite in every forkful.
This dish is not only easy to prepare but also highly customizable. You can add vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor.
A dash of garlic or Italian seasoning enhances the savory depth, while fresh parsley or grated cheese on top adds a touch of elegance.
What makes Quick Chicken Alfredo Pasta truly shine is its balance between simplicity and indulgence. It doesn’t require a long list of ingredients or complex techniques, yet the result is a luxurious, crowd-pleasing meal.
Whether you’re cooking for your family or trying to impress guests, this creamy classic is always a hit. Serve it with a side of garlic bread or a crisp salad, and you have a complete, satisfying meal ready in no time.
Quick Chicken Alfredo Pasta
Description
Quick Chicken Alfredo Pasta is a creamy, comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken strips are sautéed and tossed with al dente pasta in a rich, velvety Alfredo sauce made from butter, garlic, cream, and Parmesan cheese.
This easy-to-make meal delivers restaurant-quality flavor in under 30 minutes. It's a family-friendly favorite that pairs well with garlic bread or a fresh salad.
You can also customize it with mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli for extra nutrition.
Whether you're craving something indulgent or need a satisfying dinner fast, this classic Italian-American pasta hits the spot every time.
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your chosen pasta—fettuccine is traditional, but penne or linguine work just as well. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente (firm to the bite), usually 8–10 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. -
Sear the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken slices with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Sear for 4–5 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and golden. Transfer the chicken to a plate and cover to keep warm.
-
Make the Alfredo Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant (but not browned). Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes. -
Combine Pasta and Chicken
Add in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. If the sauce becomes too thick, stir in a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to loosen it. Optionally, add a pinch of ground nutmeg for warmth and depth. -
Serve and Garnish
Return the cooked chicken to the pan, along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together gently until well coated in the Alfredo sauce. Let it warm through for a minute or two. -
Plate the pasta and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped parsley or basil. Serve immediately with warm garlic bread or a crisp side salad.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 700kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 35g54%
- Saturated Fat 18g90%
- Cholesterol 110mg37%
- Sodium 800mg34%
- Total Carbohydrate 55g19%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Sugars 4g
- Protein 40g80%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Quick Chicken Alfredo Pasta is a beloved comfort dish known for its creamy, cheesy sauce, tender chicken, and satisfying pasta.
It’s easy to make in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight meal. To make the most of this classic recipe, here are some useful tips, smart storage strategies, and delicious serving variations.
Quick Cooking Tips
- Use Pre-Cooked or Rotisserie Chicken:
Save time by using rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled/baked chicken. Simply shred or cube it before tossing it into the sauce. - Boil Pasta Efficiently:
Salt your pasta water well—this is your only chance to season the pasta itself. For faster cooking, use a wide pot with plenty of boiling water to prevent sticking. - Choose the Right Pasta:
Fettuccine is traditional, but penne, rigatoni, or rotini work well too, especially if you like sauce to cling to every bite. - Make a Simple Alfredo Sauce:
Use butter, heavy cream, minced garlic, and Parmesan. Cook until smooth and velvety. For a richer flavor, add a splash of pasta water and some cream cheese. - Don’t Overcook the Chicken:
If you’re cooking chicken fresh, season it simply with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sear on medium-high until golden and fully cooked (internal temp: 165°F or 74°C). - Add Freshness:
Toss in chopped parsley or spinach at the end for color and a fresh finish. A squeeze of lemon also brightens the flavor.
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Refrigeration:
Store leftover Chicken Alfredo Pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days. - Freezing:
Alfredo sauce can separate when frozen, but if you must, freeze the pasta and sauce separately for best results. Add a splash of cream or milk when reheating to restore creaminess. - Reheating on Stove:
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a bit of added cream, milk, or even chicken broth. Stir often to avoid sticking and maintain the sauce's texture. - Microwave Reheating:
Use a microwave-safe dish. Cover loosely and reheat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. Add a small splash of liquid to help revive the creaminess.
Serving Variations
- Vegetable Boost:
Add broccoli florets, peas, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or spinach to make the dish more colorful and nutritious. Cook them lightly before mixing in. - Protein Swaps:
Instead of chicken, try:- Shrimp Alfredo – Quick-cooking and elegant.
- Turkey Alfredo – Great for using holiday leftovers.
- Tofu or Tempeh – For a vegetarian version.
- Flavor Enhancements:
- Add sun-dried tomatoes or roasted garlic for extra depth.
- Mix in a bit of pesto for a herby twist.
- Sprinkle red pepper flakes or cracked black pepper for a spicy kick.
- Cheese Variations:
While Parmesan is classic, you can use Asiago, Romano, or a blend for a unique flavor. Avoid pre-shredded cheese as it often contains anti-caking agents that don’t melt smoothly. - Low-Carb Option:
Substitute traditional pasta with zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash, or low-carb pasta alternatives. - One-Pot Option:
Cook the pasta in chicken broth, add cream and cheese in the same pot, then toss in the chicken—fewer dishes, same great flavor.
Serving Size & Presentation
A typical recipe serves 4 people generously. Serve with:
- Garlic bread or breadsticks
- Caesar salad or a fresh green salad
- A sprinkle of grated Parmesan and chopped parsley on top
For larger gatherings, double the recipe and serve from a warm casserole dish. For an elegant dinner, plate it individually with wine pairings like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio.
Tips for Best Results
- Use fresh Parmesan: It melts better and gives the sauce a smoother, richer texture.
- Don’t overcook the chicken: Thinly sliced chicken cooks quickly—searing it too long will make it dry.
- Reserve pasta water: A few tablespoons of the starchy pasta water can help thicken or loosen the sauce as needed.
- Make it ahead: Cooked Alfredo sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently over low heat.
Variations
- Add vegetables: Toss in cooked broccoli, spinach, mushrooms, or peas for color and nutrition.
- Use shrimp instead of chicken: Sauté shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side and substitute them for chicken.
- Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes to the garlic step for a spicy Alfredo twist.
- Use rotisserie chicken: For an even quicker version, use pre-cooked chicken to shave off 10 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your Chicken Alfredo Pasta with:
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for mopping up the creamy sauce.
- Caesar Salad: A crunchy, tangy contrast to the rich pasta.
- Roasted Veggies: Asparagus, bell peppers, or zucchini add balance.
- White Wine: A chilled glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Quick Chicken Alfredo Pasta is:
- Fast & Easy: Ready in 30 minutes from start to finish.
- Creamy & Flavorful: The velvety sauce clings to every strand of pasta.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable with different proteins, veggies, or pasta types.
- Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters love the creamy cheese and mild flavors.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.
- Do Not Freeze: Cream-based sauces tend to separate when frozen and thawed.
Conclusion
This Quick Chicken Alfredo Pasta recipe is a satisfying, soul-warming meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor or take hours to prepare. With simple ingredients and a few smart techniques, you’ll have a creamy, restaurant-worthy dish on the table in no time. Perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or cozy nights in—this Alfredo pasta will quickly become a staple in your home cooking rotation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this Chicken Alfredo Pasta "quick"?
This dish is considered quick because it uses minimal ingredients and streamlined steps. Boneless, skinless chicken breast cooks in under 10 minutes, while pasta boils simultaneously.
The Alfredo sauce comes together in one pan using butter, garlic, cream, and parmesan—no roux or thickener needed. The entire meal is typically ready in 25–30 minutes.
Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce?
Yes, you can use pre-made Alfredo sauce to save even more time. However, making it from scratch with just butter, cream, and parmesan adds a fresher taste and creamy texture.
If using jarred sauce, consider adding sautéed garlic or a splash of cream to enhance the flavor.
What type of pasta works best?
Fettuccine is the classic choice for Alfredo, but penne, linguine, or rotini work just as well, especially if you want the sauce to cling better to the noodles. Use any pasta you have on hand to keep the recipe quick and flexible.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or microwave with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. Avoid overheating to prevent the sauce from separating or becoming oily.
