How to Cook Chicken Alfredo

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Chicken Alfredo might seem like an indulgence that you can only order in a restaurant, but it's easy to make at home. Start by cooking fettuccine and seasoning chicken breasts. Then sauté the chicken breasts until they're golden brown and slice them into strips. To make the sauce, cook garlic with cream, butter, and Parmesan cheese until it thickens. Toss the pasta with the sauce and serve the chicken strips on top. Garnish the chicken Alfredo with freshly chopped parsley and enjoy!

Ingredients

  • 1 ⁄ 2 pound (230 g) of dried fettuccine
  • 1 pound (450 g) of boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 teaspoon (6 g) of kosher salt, divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon (1 g) of freshly ground black pepper, divided
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of canola oil
  • 8 tablespoons (113 g) of unsalted butter, divided
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (240 ml) of heavy cream
  • 1 cup (100 g) of finely grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • 1/4 teaspoon (0.5 g) of freshly grated nutmeg
  • Coarsely chopped fresh parsley leaves, for serving

Makes 2 to 4 servings

Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Cooking and Slicing the Chicken

PDF download Download Article
  1. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Chicken Alfredo
    Pour 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of canola oil into a large skillet or pot. Turn the burner to medium-high and let the oil heat until it shimmers. [1]
    • Avoid using a nonstick pan because it will prevent the chicken from developing a nice crust.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Chicken Alfredo
    Slowly lower the seasoned chicken breasts into the hot oil and leave them to cook without moving them around. [2]
    • Leaving the chicken undisturbed will help it develop a crisp brown crust.
    Advertisement
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Chicken Alfredo
    Use tongs or a spatula to flip the breasts over and put 1 tablespoon (14 g) of the butter in between them. Leave the chicken to cook undisturbed for another 5 to 7 minutes. [3]
    • To ensure the chicken is finished cooking, insert an instant-read meat thermometer into the thickest part of a breast. It should reach 165 °F (74 °C).
  4. Turn off the burner and transfer the chicken breasts to a cutting board. Lay a piece of aluminum foil over the chicken and leave it to rest before you cut it. [4]
    • The juices will redistribute within the meat as it rests.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Chicken Alfredo
    Use a sharp knife to cut each chicken breast into evenly sized strips. Leave these on the cutting board and lay the aluminum foil back over them while you make the sauce. [5]
    6. Advertisement
Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Cooking the Pasta and Seasoning the Chicken

PDF download Download Article
  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Stir in the dried pasta and set a timer according to the cooking time recommended on the package. [6]
    • Stir the noodles occasionally as they cook to prevent them from clumping together.
  2. Turn off the burner and scoop out 1 ⁄ 2 cup (120 ml) of the water from the pasta pot. Set it aside and place a colander in the sink. Carefully pour the pasta into the colander so the rest of the water drains. [7]
    • You'll use the reserved pasta water when you make the sauce.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Chicken Alfredo
    Get out 1 pound (450 g) of boneless, skinless chicken breasts and pat them completely dry using paper towels. Set the chicken on a plate or cutting board and sprinkle 3/4 teaspoon (4.5 g) of the kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon (0.5 g) of the pepper evenly over the chicken. [8]
    • Turn the chicken over so you can season the other sides as well.
    4. Advertisement
Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Making the Alfredo Sauce

PDF download Download Article
  1. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Chicken Alfredo
    Put the remaining 7 tablespoons (100 g) of unsalted butter into the pan you used to cook the chicken. Turn the burner to medium heat so the butter melts. Stir in 2 cloves of minced garlic and cook it until it becomes fragrant. [9]
    • Watch the garlic closely as you sauté it because it can burn easily.
    • This recipe is a more traditional alfredo sauce that uses heavy cream, but beginner cooks may have difficulty getting the sauce to thicken to their liking. If you'd prefer an easier option, you can make alfredo sauce with cream cheese instead of heavy cream.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Chicken Alfredo
    Slowly pour in 1 cup (240 ml) of heavy cream as you whisk. Continue to whisk as you add 1 cup (100 g) of finely grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 teaspoon (0.5 g) of freshly grated nutmeg, the remaining 1/4 teaspoon (1.5 g) of kosher salt, and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon (0.5 g) of pepper. [10]
    • You can also use cream labeled as "heavy whipping cream."
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Chicken Alfredo
    Keep the burner at medium heat and stir the sauce occasionally as it bubbles gently. If the sauce gets thicker than you'd like, stir in a few spoonfuls of the pasta water that you set aside earlier. [11]
    • It's important to stir the Alfredo sauce every once in a while so it doesn't stick to the bottom of the pan.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Chicken Alfredo
    Turn off the burner and put the cooked fettuccine into the pot with the sauce. Use tongs or a spoon to toss the noodles so they're completely coated with the sauce. [12]
  5. Divide the pasta among your serving dishes and divide the chicken strips between them. Sprinkle a little freshly chopped parsley and serve the chicken Alfredo immediately. [13]
    • If you like, add extra Parmesan cheese and black pepper.
    • While you can refrigerate the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, the pasta sauce may separate.
    6. Advertisement

How Do You Make Easy Alfredo Sauce?


Shopping List and Recipe

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    Can I cook raw chicken breast in Alfredo sauce?
    Community Answer
    It's important to cook the chicken separately. If you heated the sauce to boiling in order to cook the chicken, the cream would separate.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 8
  • Question
    How long do I cook the chicken to make sure it's done?
    Community Answer
    This depends on how thick your chicken is and how you cut or slice it. To ensure it's cooked, insert an instant-read meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken. It should reach 165 F (74 C) once it's cooked.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 1 Helpful 5
  • Question
    Will the sauce separate if it is not served immediately?
    Community Answer
    The sauce will separate only if you added oil to the Alfredo while it's cooking.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 2
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Read Video Transcript

      Tips

      • To make spicy Alfredo, consider stirring 1 tablespoon (15 g) of pureed chipotle peppers in adobo sauce into the Alfredo.
        Thanks
        Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
      • Add sautéed mushrooms or steamed broccoli florets to the pasta for an extra serving of vegetables.
        Thanks
        Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
      • For a stronger herb flavor, stir in more chopped fresh oregano, thyme, or parsley.
        Thanks
        Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
      Show More Tips
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Things You’ll Need

      • Large pot with a lid
      • Colander
      • Measuring cups and spoons
      • Knife and cutting board
      • Large skillet or pot
      • Tongs or a spatula
      • Spoon

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Measure Dry Pasta
      How to
      Cook Pasta
      How to
      Make Maggi
      How to
      Boil Lasagna Noodles
      How to
      Eat Noodles with Chopsticks
      How to
      Keep Pasta Warm
      How to
      Make Yippee Noodles
      How to
      Cook Noodles
      How to
      Use a Pasta Machine
      Make Easy & Delicious Pasta from Scratch—With or Without the Use of a Pasta Maker
      How to
      Thicken a Casserole
      How to
      Cook Ravioli
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-chicken-alfredo-pasta-249767
      2. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-chicken-alfredo-pasta-249767
      3. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-chicken-alfredo-pasta-249767
      4. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-chicken-alfredo-pasta-249767
      5. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-chicken-alfredo-pasta-249767
      6. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-chicken-alfredo-pasta-249767
      7. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-chicken-alfredo-pasta-249767
      8. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-chicken-alfredo-pasta-249767
      9. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-chicken-alfredo-pasta-249767
      1. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-chicken-alfredo-pasta-249767
      2. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-chicken-alfredo-pasta-249767
      3. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-chicken-alfredo-pasta-249767
      4. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-chicken-alfredo-pasta-249767

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To cook chicken alfredo, start by bringing a pot of water to a boil and cooking some dried fettuccine in it for 8-10 minutes. While the noodles are cooking, season some boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt and pepper put them in a skillet with some oil over medium-high heat. Next, cook the chicken for 2-3 minutes on one side and then 5-7 minutes on the other or until it's fully cooked through. While the chicken is cooking, simmer cream, cheese, nutmeg, salt, pepper, and garlic for 3-4 minutes to make the alfredo sauce. Finally, cut the chicken into thin strips and mix the pasta, chicken, and sauce together. To learn how to cut up chicken for chicken alfredo, scroll down!

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 231,140 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Bri Fhdkd

        Feb 6, 2021

        "I liked this recipe because it is simple and delicious. I didn't add the extra ingredients to the sauce but it ..." more
        Rated this article:
      More reader stories Hide reader stories
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement