Chicken Alfredo Recipes
When it comes to comfort food that satisfies the soul and pleases the crowd, few dishes beat a creamy, cheesy, and rich Chicken Alfredo. With its roots in Italian-American cuisine, this dish has evolved far beyond the classic fettuccine Alfredo to include countless creative twists. Whether you're cooking for your family, meal-prepping for the week, or just indulging in something decadent, chicken Alfredo is a reliable favorite. Here are three mouthwatering versions to try: Classic Chicken Alfredo, Baked Chicken Alfredo, and Cajun Chicken Alfredo.
1. Classic Chicken Alfredo
Servings: 4 | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
12 oz fettuccine
3 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1½ cups heavy cream
1½ cups grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
Cook the Pasta: Boil the fettuccine in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
Cook the Chicken: Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook chicken on medium heat until golden brown and cooked through (about 5–6 minutes per side). Let rest, then slice thinly.
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant (1 minute). Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Gradually add Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
Combine: Toss the cooked pasta in the Alfredo sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed for a silky texture. Add the sliced chicken on top and garnish with parsley.
Why It Works:
This classic recipe is all about balance—rich, creamy sauce paired with juicy chicken and al dente pasta. It’s indulgent but easy to make in under 30 minutes.
2. Baked Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli
Servings: 6 | Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 25 minutes
This baked version gives you creamy Alfredo with golden, cheesy topping—ideal for weeknight dinners or potlucks. Broccoli adds a nutritious crunch and color.
Ingredients:
3 cups cooked penne or rotini
2 cups cooked and shredded or diced chicken breast
1½ cups steamed broccoli florets
2 tablespoons butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1½ cups milk
1 cup heavy cream
1½ cups shredded mozzarella
1 cup grated Parmesan
Salt and pepper to taste
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
Instructions:
Prepare Alfredo Sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan, add garlic, then whisk in flour. Cook for 1 minute, then add milk and cream. Stir until thickened. Add half the mozzarella, all the Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, chicken, broccoli, and Alfredo sauce. Toss to coat.
Bake: Transfer mixture to a greased 9x13 baking dish. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella on top, and optionally add breadcrumbs. Bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Pro Tip:
Make it ahead of time and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve—it reheats beautifully and gets even tastier as the flavors meld.
3. Spicy Cajun Chicken Alfredo
Servings: 4 | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes
For those who like a kick of heat with their creamy dishes, this Cajun version blends spicy and creamy for a fiery, flavor-packed meal.
Ingredients:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
1 tablespoon olive oil
12 oz linguine or fettuccine
2 tablespoons butter
1 small red bell pepper, sliced
1 small yellow bell pepper, sliced
1 cup heavy cream
¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt to taste
Chopped scallions or parsley for garnish
Instructions:
Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water. Reserve ½ cup pasta water and drain.
Season and Cook Chicken: Rub chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning. Sauté in olive oil over medium heat until cooked through and lightly blackened. Remove, rest, and slice.
Cook the Veggies: In the same pan, melt butter and sauté bell peppers until tender-crisp.
Make the Sauce: Pour in cream and let it simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Add a pinch of salt and adjust seasoning.
Combine: Toss pasta into the sauce. Add sliced chicken and bell peppers. Thin with reserved pasta water if needed. Garnish and serve hot.
Cajun Twist:
You can make it even bolder by adding a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the Alfredo. It’s a fusion of indulgent and spicy—a crowd-pleaser for heat lovers.
Tips for All Variations
Don’t overcook the pasta – Always aim for al dente, especially if baking the dish later.
Use freshly grated cheese – Pre-grated Parmesan often has anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
Reserve pasta water – It’s starchy and perfect for loosening up thick Alfredo sauce.
Customizable protein – Swap chicken for shrimp, salmon, or even roasted vegetables for vegetarian versions.
Reheat with care – Alfredo can thicken in the fridge. Add a splash of milk or cream when reheating on the stovetop to revive the silky texture.
Serving Suggestions
Side Salads: Pair with a crisp Caesar salad or arugula with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread or a rustic sourdough to mop up the sauce.
Wine Pairing: A buttery Chardonnay complements the richness, while a light Pinot Grigio balances it with acidity.
Why We Love Chicken Alfredo
Whether it's the classic, creamy simplicity, the baked and bubbly comfort, or the spicy Cajun heat, chicken Alfredo brings everyone to the table. It’s endlessly adaptable, budget-friendly, and turns simple pantry ingredients into something luxurious. Plus, leftovers store well and taste just as good the next day (if they last that long).
Make one of these recipes your own by tweaking the ingredients to suit your taste. Add mushrooms, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or swap in whole-wheat pasta for a healthy twist. No matter how you spin it, Chicken Alfredo is a reliable go-to for hearty, satisfying meals.
Further Reading
3 Sisters Planting & Square Foot Gardening
https://www.amazon.com/Sisters-Planting-Gardening-Beginners-Planters-ebook/dp/B0F2TQQH1R/
Vintage Dollhouses
https://www.amazon.com/Vintage-Dollhouses-Collectables-Montego-Publishing-ebook/dp/B0F2TRBK2Q/
Growing & Using Lavender for Pain Relief
https://www.amazon.com/Growing-Lavender-Relaxation-Stimulation-Digestion-ebook/dp/B0D3QT5WRL/
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