Quick & Easy Chicken Alfredo Recipe: A Delicious Dinner in Minutes

When you're in the mood for a creamy, comforting meal but don't have hours to spend in the kitchen, a Quick & Easy Chicken Alfredo recipe is your go-to. This classic Italian-American dish combines tender chicken, rich Alfredo sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta into a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. Whether you’re feeding a family or just cooking for yourself, this recipe is designed to be both simple and delicious.

Ingredients

To make a delicious Chicken Alfredo, you'll need the following ingredients:

For the Chicken:

2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

For the Alfredo Sauce:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

For the Pasta:

8 ounces fettuccine (or pasta of your choice)

Water for boiling

Salt for the pasta water

Optional Garnishes:

Fresh parsley, chopped

Extra grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Add the fettuccine and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.

Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

2. Cook the Chicken:

While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).

Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.

3. Make the Alfredo Sauce:

In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat.

Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant.

Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Stir in the Italian seasoning and season with salt and pepper to taste.

If the sauce is too thick, add a small amount of the reserved pasta cooking water to reach your desired consistency.

4. Combine Everything:

Add the cooked pasta to the Alfredo sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly.

Gently fold in the sliced chicken.

5. Serve:

Divide the Chicken Alfredo among serving plates.

Garnish with fresh parsley and additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Tips for Success

Chicken: For even cooking, make sure to flatten the chicken breasts slightly before cooking. This ensures they cook more uniformly.

Sauce: Keep the heat low when adding the cheese to prevent the sauce from becoming grainy.

Pasta: Don’t forget to reserve some pasta water! It’s a great way to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.

Variations

Vegetables: Add some steamed broccoli, sautéed mushrooms, or roasted red peppers to the dish for extra flavor and nutrition.

Spice: For a kick of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Alfredo sauce.

Herbs: Fresh basil or thyme can add a nice touch of freshness to the finished dish.

Conclusion

This Quick & Easy Chicken Alfredo recipe is a versatile and comforting option that delivers on flavor with minimal effort. Whether you're cooking for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, it's a meal that's sure to please. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and satisfying pasta, it's a dish that's hard to resist. Enjoy your delicious homemade Chicken Alfredo, and savor the simplicity and satisfaction of this classic favorite!