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. Creamy cheesy pasta coating tender chicken makes for an indulgent yet easy dinner. But you can take this recipe from basic to spectacular with some simple seasonings. Use these tips on what to season chicken alfredo with to make it restaurant-quality.
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. Even though fresh minced garlic is best, garlic powder can be used to add a lot of flavor. It has a strong garlicky flavor without all the work of chopping and preparing. Adding a little garlic powder to the chicken while it’s cooking makes the whole dish better.
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 little smoked paprika makes it taste better and look better. Its sweet yet smoky taste pairs perfectly with creamy sauces. When the chicken is pan-seared, the red powder also gives it a beautiful golden brown outside. It’s easy to add smoked paprika to this pasta dish to make it more interesting.
Include Nutmeg
Freshly grated nutmeg may seem like an unconventional seasoning for chicken alfredo. But it provides a wonderfully warm, spiced aroma. The nutmeg cuts through the richness of the sauce with its sweetness. It adds nuance and balances the savory parmesan cheese.
Use Lemon Juice and Zest
Bright citrus flavors from lemon juice and zest help lighten up heavy cream-based dishes. Adding some fresh lemon juice to the sauce as it simmers gives it a tangy taste. Grating lemon zest over the finished pasta provides a vibrant finish. Let the zest infuse as you gently toss the chicken and sauce with the fettuccine.
Garnish with Fresh Parsley or Basil
Fresh herbs are the perfect garnish for chicken alfredo. Chopped Italian flat-leaf parsley gives it color and a herbal taste. Torn fresh basil leaves complete it with notes of sweetness. For a nice look, spread the herbs out on separate plates or bowls.
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?
To fix a broken sauce, add a few tablespoons of water or heavy cream and whisk the sauce very well while keeping the heat low. 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.