If you’re craving a cozy, restaurant-quality dinner without spending hours in the kitchen, this easy Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo is the perfect busy-night solution. Tender golden chicken, silky parmesan sauce, and perfectly coated pasta come together in a comforting bowl the whole family will love.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo
This recipe takes classic Alfredo to a new level of creamy comfort while still being incredibly simple to make. The sauce is made richer with cream cheese, the chicken is lightly pan-seared for flavor, and everything is ready in about 30 minutes. It’s the kind of meal that tastes special but doesn’t stress you out after a long day. Bonus: leftovers reheat beautifully!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 8 oz uncooked fettuccine
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Flour, for dredging
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp butter, divided
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
How to Make Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Soften the cream cheese ahead of time or warm it briefly in the microwave. Grate the parmesan cheese and set it aside. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the fettuccine.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Add the fettuccine and cook until al dente according to package directions. Do not overcook — you want the noodles to hold their texture once mixed with the creamy sauce.
Step 3: Season and Sear the Chicken
Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create thinner cutlets. Season both sides with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then lightly dredge in flour.
Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for about 5 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
Step 4: Build the Creamy Alfredo Sauce
Wipe the skillet to remove excess oil. Add the remaining butter, cream cheese, cream, chicken broth, and minced garlic.
Place over medium heat and stir gently as the cream cheese melts into the sauce. Let it bubble gently for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 5: Add Parmesan and Combine
Stir in the parmesan and let the sauce cook for another minute. If it becomes too thick, add a splash of hot pasta water. Taste and season the sauce as needed.
Slice the cooked chicken. Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the sauce. Serve with chicken on top or mixed in.
Tips & Variations
- Make it lighter: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half with 1 teaspoon of cornstarch.
- Use different proteins: Try turkey cutlets or shrimp for an easy variation.
- Boost the flavor: Add a pinch of Italian seasoning or extra garlic.
- Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free fettuccine and flour.
- Creamier sauce: Add an extra tablespoon of butter or a splash of pasta water to adjust the texture.
Easy Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo for Busy Nights
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This easy Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo is a cozy 30-minute dinner with tender pan-seared chicken, a rich parmesan garlic cream sauce, and perfectly coated fettuccine pasta — just like your favorite restaurant, but simple enough for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
8 oz uncooked fettuccine
2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
Flour, for dredging
1 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp butter, divided
1 cup heavy or whipping cream
1/4 cup chicken broth
2 large garlic cloves, minced
Instructions
1. Soften the cream cheese by leaving it at room temperature or microwaving it for 20–30 seconds. Grate the parmesan cheese and set aside.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine according to package directions until al dente.
3. Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to make 4 thinner cutlets. Season both sides with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then lightly dredge in flour.
4. In a large deep skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of the butter. When hot, sear the chicken for about 5 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
5. Wipe out the skillet if there is a lot of extra grease. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, the cream cheese, heavy or whipping cream, chicken broth, and minced garlic to the pan.
6. Return the skillet to medium heat. Stir and let the butter and cream cheese melt into the sauce, helping it along with your spoon. Let the mixture gently bubble for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
7. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese and cook for about 1 more minute, until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If it becomes too thick, add a splash of hot pasta water to loosen it.
8. Slice the cooked chicken into bite-sized strips. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
9. Drain the fettuccine and add it directly to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Toss until the pasta is well coated, then serve topped with the sliced chicken and extra parmesan if desired.
Notes
If the sauce gets too thick at any point, add a splash of hot pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
You can substitute turkey cutlets or shrimp for the chicken.
Use gluten-free pasta and flour to make this dish gluten-friendly.
For extra flavor, garnish with chopped fresh parsley or a pinch of Italian seasoning.
Leftovers keep well in the fridge for 3–4 days; reheat gently with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 540
- Fat: 32
- Saturated Fat: 18
- Unsaturated Fat: 12
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 49
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 41
- Cholesterol: 155
Serving Ideas & Storage
Serve this creamy pasta with a fresh green salad, simple roasted vegetables, or garlic bread.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or broth to revive the sauce’s silky texture.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~650 |
| Protein | 41g |
| Carbs | 49g |
| Fat | 32g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 540mg |
Final Thoughts
This Easy Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo is the perfect go-to meal when you want something warm, creamy, and satisfying without spending all evening cooking. It’s simple, comforting, and guaranteed to become a weekly favorite.