This quick and easy chicken fettuccine alfredo recipe is better than Olive Garden’s and it takes just 30 minutes to throw together! It feels gourmet but it’s actually super simple, made with juicy chicken breast, al dente fettuccine, and a delectably creamy homemade alfredo sauce.
You can make fettuccine alfredo at home, and it’s easier than you might think. This recipe will make your alfredo taste like it came from a restaurant, without ever leaving your house. And it only takes 30 minutes to make, so it’s great for a quick dinner during the week!
Fettuccine is the best (and most traditional) for alfredo sauce recipes, but you can use other long pasta like angel hair pasta or spaghetti noodles.
Boneless skinless chicken breasts work best for this recipe, though you can use chicken thighs or even chicken cutlets, just be aware that the cooking time may vary. If you want you could also substitute the chicken for shrimp!.
Italian seasoning & paprika season the chicken beautifully, while a pinch of nutmeg gives a delicious dimension to the alfredo sauce. If you don’t have Italian seasoning, feel free to use dried oregano and dried thyme.
I use unsalted butter so I can better control the sodium levels while cooking. But any butter or butter substitute will also work.
Fresh garlic will give this recipe a heavenly scent and flavor. You can substitute with garlic powder, but I recommend using fresh garlic cloves if you can.
Heavy cream is best for alfredo sauce which is supposed to be thick and creamy. But you can use whole milk or half-and-half instead. Just know that the sauce will be thinner and the flavor won’t be as rich and delicious. Also – save the cream cheese for your Saturday morning bagels! It’s not for making alfredo sauce!.
Freshly grated parmesan cheese is best. It melts better and tastes amazing. Romano or Asiago will work as well.
Chicken alfredo is a classic Italian comfort food. A rich but simple dinner is creamy cheesy pasta wrapped around tender chicken. You can make this recipe even better with a few simple seasonings, though. If you want your chicken alfredo to taste like it came from a restaurant, follow these tips.
Start with Salt and Pepper
Salt and pepper are a must for enhancing any savory dish. Generously season both sides of the chicken breasts with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper. The salt amplifies the flavor while the pepper provides a subtle heat This seasoning duo brings out the natural flavors of the chicken and pasta
Add Italian Herbs
Dried Italian herb blends are perfect for giving chicken alfredo an authentic flavor profile. Sprinkling on a mixture containing oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary adds herbaceous, woodsy notes The combination of these herbs is commonly used in Italian cuisine. Let them infuse into the dish as it simmers and finishes cooking.
Include Garlic Powder
Alfredo sauce is defined by its garlic-infused creaminess. While fresh minced garlic is ideal, garlic powder is a handy substitute for adding concentrated flavor. It provides a potent garlicky taste without the hassle of chopping and prepping. Just a sprinkle of garlic powder as you sauté the chicken enhances the entire dish.
Sprinkle Onion Powder
Onion powder combines well with garlic powder to provide a savory allium backbone. Its flavor is more pungent than fresh onion, so use it sparingly. But it packs an umami punch that boosts the overall taste profile of chicken alfredo.
Add Smoked Paprika
A dash of smoked paprika adds both flavor and visual appeal. Its sweet yet smoky taste pairs perfectly with creamy sauces. The red powder also gives the chicken a lovely golden-brown exterior when pan-seared. Smoked paprika is an easy way to make this pasta dish more interesting.
Include Nutmeg
It may seem strange to use freshly grated nutmeg as a seasoning for chicken alfredo. But it provides a wonderfully warm, spiced aroma. The nutmeg’s sweetness cuts through the sauce’s wealth. It adds nuance and balances the savory parmesan cheese.
Use Lemon Juice and Zest
Lemon juice and zest add bright citrus flavors to heavy cream-based dishes that make them lighter. Adding fresh lemon juice to the sauce while it’s cooking makes it taste sour. Adding grated lemon zest to the cooked pasta gives it a bright finish. As you gently toss the chicken, sauce, and fettuccine together, let the zest soak in.
Garnish with Fresh Parsley or Basil
Fresh herbs are the perfect garnish for chicken alfredo. Chopped Italian flat-leaf parsley adds a pop of color and herbal flavor. Torn fresh basil leaves complete it with notes of sweetness. Scatter the herbs over individual plates or bowls for an aesthetic touch.
With just a few extra spices and herbs, chicken alfredo transforms from basic to sensational. Rely on salt, pepper, garlic, and Italian seasonings as your flavor base. Then customize it further with smoked paprika, nutmeg, citrus, or fresh herbs. Use your favorite seasoning combinations to make this creamy pasta dish your own.
What should I serve with chicken alfredo?
What should I do if my alfredo sauce breaks?
The best way to fix a broken sauce is to add a couple tablespoons of water or heavy cream and whisk vigorously while keeping the sauce over low heat. This will encourage the butter to re-emulsify and it will come back together and form a creamy sauce again.
Creamy Chicken Alfredo
FAQ
How should I season chicken for chicken alfredo?
For Chicken Alfredo, the chicken is typically seasoned simply with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, or garlic powder. A small amount of paprika can also add a nice color.
What are the best seasonings to put in Alfredo?
For lazy days, I often use garlic powder but for gourmet days, I use fresh garlic. Seasoning: without seasonings, all you have is bland, creamy pasta! Salt, pepper, onion powder, Italian seasonings, red pepper flakes and nutmeg really level up the fettuccine Alfredo.
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.