The Best Chicken Alfredo Pasta

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Creamy, garlicky pasta with perfectly seared chicken breast, finished with a luxurious Parmesan cream sauce that clings to every strand. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 40 minutes pairs fettuccine pasta, chicken breast, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 680 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 680 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz fettuccine and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water. Set aside.
  2. Step 2: Cut 1 lb chicken breast into 1-inch thick slices. Season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through; remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Mince 4 garlic cloves. Add to the same skillet with a drizzle of olive oil, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Stir in 1 cup heavy cream and 1 tsp dried basil, then simmer for 3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  4. Step 4: Add drained fettuccine to the skillet with 1/2 cup reserved pasta water. Toss vigorously for 2 minutes until the sauce coats the pasta evenly. Stir in 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
  5. Step 5: Return chicken to the skillet, toss to coat, and cook for 1 more minute until heated through. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Frequently asked questions

How long does The Best Chicken Alfredo Pasta take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover The Best Chicken Alfredo Pasta?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep fettuccine pasta from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in The Best Chicken Alfredo Pasta?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale The Best Chicken Alfredo Pasta for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with The Best Chicken Alfredo Pasta?

Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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