People love chicken Alfredo, a creamy, cheesy pasta dish that makes them feel good. But after a while, the simple dish of fettuccine, chicken, Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream can get old. Luckily, it’s easy to make chicken Alfredo taste better, be creamier, and be healthier by adding extra ingredients.
After looking at a lot of chicken Alfredo recipes, these are the most common and useful things that people add to make this pasta dish more interesting:
Garlic
By far, one of the most popular things to put in chicken Alfredo is garlic. A simple way to add a fragrant flavor to the sauce is to chop up two or three cloves of fresh garlic and quickly sauté them in butter or olive oil. You can roast a whole head of garlic and mash it into the sauce for a mild, sweet taste. Garlic powder is another easy option for convenience.
Onion
Like garlic, onions add savory depth to chicken Alfredo sauce. Try sautéing diced onions before making the sauce, or caramelize them slowly for a deeper, sweeter taste. Onions pair especially well with other aromatics like garlic.
Herbs
Fresh herbs are an easy way to brighten up chicken Alfredo sauce. Popular choices are basil, parsley, oregano, and thyme. Chop 1-2 tablespoons of your chosen herbs and stir them in at the end for a fresh finish. Dried herbs work too but use less.
Lemon
A squeeze of lemon juice adds a touch of acidity and brightness to cut through the rich creaminess of chicken Alfredo. Zest the lemon before juicing to add the aromatic citrus oils as well. This works well with herbs like basil or parsley.
Wine
Add a splash of white wine to the sauce when making the Alfredo for a fancy, restaurant-style dish. The alcohol will cook off, leaving behind acidity and fruitiness. Vermouth, sherry, or marsala wine would also work beautifully.
Mushrooms
Sautéed mushrooms lend meatiness and umami flavors to chicken Alfredo, adding substance and texture. Chop cremini, button or portobello mushrooms before cooking them in butter or oil until browned.
Spinach
Spinach is one of the most popular veggies to mix into chicken Alfredo, wilting it right into the hot pasta. The color contrast looks lovely while adding nutrition from vitamins A, C, and K.
Broccoli
For texture and crunch, blanch or roast bite-sized broccoli florets and mix them into the finished chicken Alfredo. Steaming works too. The broccoli retains its shape and adds color.
Sun-dried Tomatoes
Chopped sun-dried tomatoes make an easy flavor-boosting add-in for chicken Alfredo. They add sweetness, tang, color and texture. Use oil-packed instead of dehydrated for the best results.
Bacon
Crisp-cooked, chopped bacon is a no-brainer add-in for chicken Alfredo, providing smoky, salty, savory flavor. Make sure to drain excess grease after cooking it. Prosciutto works great too.
Cheese
Extra cheese always improves cream sauces. Finely grated Parmesan, pecorino, Asiago, Gruyère, and fontina all enrich chicken Alfredo further. A sprinkle of shredded mozzarella on top adds gooey appeal.
Pepper
For heat and aroma, add dashes of crushed red pepper flakes, black pepper, or white pepper when cooking the sauce. Whole peppercorns, coarsely cracked, would also add interest.
Nutmeg
A pinch of freshly grated nutmeg enhances cream sauces like Alfredo with its warm, earthy flavor. It’s a key seasoning in classic Italian cooking. Use a very light hand to avoid overwhelming.
Shallot
For a more complex, refined flavor than regular onions, use minced shallots instead. They have a gentler, sweeter taste. Cook them in butter before adding cream for the sauce.
Pesto
Stirring a spoonful or two of pesto into hot chicken Alfredo sauce adds herby richness. The basil and pine nuts play beautifully with the Parmesan cheese. Add less if using pesto containing garlic.
Peas
Fresh or frozen peas add natural sweetness and dainty texture to chicken Alfredo. Stir them in right at the end to warm through and retain their color.
Shrimp
For extra protein and flavor, sauté some shrimp in garlic, herbs and butter, then mix into hot chicken Alfredo pasta. Shrimp gives the dish an elegant feel.
Breadcrumbs
Topping chicken Alfredo with toasted fresh breadcrumbs adds crunch and savory flavor. Panko, Italian, or sourdough crumbs work well. Breadcrumbs also soak up extra sauce.
Tomatoes
Diced fresh tomatoes stir nicely into chicken Alfredo pasta, adding sweetness, acid and texture. Slow-roast them first for concentrated flavor. Cherry or grape tomatoes work great too.
The possibilities are endless when enhancing chicken Alfredo. Keep tasting as you add ingredients until you achieve the perfect balance of flavors you crave. With the right mix of add-ins, this classic comfort food pasta can become an exciting new family favorite. What will you add to yours?
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips for Chicken Alfredo
This sauce and recipe comes together very quickly and is great fresh, but if you are in a serious pinch, Alfredo sauce keeps surprisingly well. Check out this make-ahead version for tips on that!.
Leftovers keep in the fridge for 3 to 4 days and reheat well. Don’t put them in the microwave! Instead, heat the cold Alfredo pasta over low heat in a pot with a splash of water. Gentle heat is the key to bringing this pasta back to life!.
Vegetable Add-Ins and Suggestions
The only vegetables I would consider adding to my Alfredo are peas (which you can stir in near the end of cooking) or sautéed mushrooms, which fold in beautifully.
For me, Alfredo should only have pasta, sauce, and chicken. I like to serve it with a big, hearty salad.
Creamy Chicken Alfredo
FAQ
What are good add-ins for Alfredo?
Mix-ins: chicken, shrimp, sausage, green peas, broccoli, mushrooms. Side dishes: Classic Restaurant Caesar Salad, Gourmet Mushroom Risotto, Classic Tossed Salad.
What makes Chicken Alfredo taste better?
Several factors contribute to a better-tasting chicken Alfredo. High-quality Parmesan cheese, fresh garlic, and a touch of black pepper are essential for the sauce. Searing the chicken to develop flavor, using pasta water to create a creamy sauce, and incorporating fresh herbs like parsley or basil can elevate the dish.
How do you fancy up Alfredo?
Add some color and flavor to your Fettuccine Alfredo by incorporating fresh vegetables and herbs. Consider adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of flavor and extra nutrients. Don’t forget to garnish with some freshly chopped parsley or basil to elevate the dish even further.
How do I spice up my Chicken Alfredo?
I love salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning in Alfredo. For a tangy twist, add lemon juice. And for extra flavor, grate some nutmeg. May 9, 2025.