There’s something deeply satisfying about sitting down to a warm, creamy plate of pasta after a long day. Maybe you’ve had those evenings where you crave comfort, but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. This Creamy Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo is exactly what you need. It’s a comforting, rich, and flavorful dish that feels indulgent but comes together quickly. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe promises satisfaction with every bite.
Imagine tender chicken coated with a light crispy crust, resting on perfectly cooked fettuccine, all enveloped in a luscious, creamy sauce made from scratch. No jars, no shortcuts — just homemade goodness that’s surprisingly simple to make. By the time you finish reading, you’ll have everything you need to whip up this classic Italian-American favorite that’s guaranteed to become a regular in your dinner rotation. Indulge in gourmet dining at home with our Baked Spinach Mushroom Quesadillas
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe
What makes this recipe stand out is how it balances richness and ease, with simple ingredients that deliver big on flavor. Here’s why you should add it to your recipe box:
- Creamy, dreamy sauce: Made fresh using cream cheese, heavy cream, garlic, and parmesan, this sauce beats store-bought Alfredo any day.
- Tender, juicy chicken cutlets: Seasoned and lightly floured, then pan-seared until golden, adding texture and protein.
- Quick to prepare: From start to finish, it takes under 45 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the garlic, cheese, or cream to suit your preferences.
- A crowd-pleaser: Whether family dinner or entertaining guests, it impresses without the fuss.
Plus, cooking this at home means you control every ingredient — so no preservatives or unnecessary additives.

Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo
Having your ingredients ready is key to smooth cooking. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Chicken breasts | 2, halved lengthwise |
Garlic powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
Salt & pepper | To taste |
Flour | Enough for dredging |
Olive oil | 1 tablespoon |
Butter | 3 tablespoons, divided |
Fettuccine | 8 ounces, uncooked |
Cream cheese | 4 ounces (softened) |
Heavy cream | 1 cup |
Chicken broth | 1/4 cup |
Garlic | 2 large cloves, minced |
Parmesan cheese | 1 cup, freshly grated |
Pro Tip: Make sure your cream cheese is softened before starting—this helps it blend smoothly into the sauce.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Creamy Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo
1. Prepare Your Ingredients First
Start by softening the cream cheese. If you forgot to take it out early, a quick 20–30 second microwave zap works too. Meanwhile, grate your parmesan cheese and mince the garlic. Cut the chicken breasts lengthwise so you end up with four thin cutlets, then season both sides generously with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Cook Your Fettuccine
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add a good pinch of salt. Cook the fettuccine according to the package directions, aiming for al dente — you want the pasta to still have a bit of bite since it will absorb some sauce later. Once cooked, reserve a cup of the pasta water before draining; you’ll need it to adjust the sauce consistency later.
3. Cook the Chicken Cutlets
Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. While it’s warming, dredge your seasoned chicken cutlets in flour, shaking off any excess. Place them carefully in the pan and cook about 5 minutes per side until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. Set the chicken aside on a plate, and wipe out the pan if there’s too much grease left.
4. Make the Creamy Alfredo Sauce
Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet, along with the softened cream cheese, heavy cream, chicken broth, and minced garlic. Return the pan to medium heat and stir continuously to help the cream cheese melt and combine with the cream and broth. This will take a few minutes—patience here pays off with a silky sauce.
5. Reduce the Sauce
Allow the sauce to simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly, about 5 minutes. While it’s reducing, slice your cooked chicken into bite-sized strips or pieces.
6. Finish the Sauce
Stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese and cook for another minute, allowing it to melt completely into the sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved hot pasta water to thin it out to your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
7. Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the drained fettuccine directly into the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat every strand with the creamy sauce. Top with the sliced chicken or fold it gently into the pasta. Sprinkle additional parmesan cheese on top if you want an extra cheesy finish.
Tips for the Best Creamy Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo
- Use freshly grated parmesan — pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
- Don’t skip reserving pasta water; it’s your secret weapon to getting that perfect sauce texture.
- Be careful not to overcook the pasta — al dente gives the best bite.
- Allow the chicken to rest before slicing to keep it juicy.
- For a fresh touch, add chopped fresh parsley or basil when serving.
- To add more depth, try sautéing mushrooms or spinach with the chicken.
Nutritional Information and Serving Suggestions
Nutritional Info | Per Serving (Approximate) |
---|---|
Calories | 600 kcal |
Protein | 45 grams |
Fat | 35 grams |
Carbohydrates | 35 grams |
Serving size is roughly for 4 people, making this an ideal dish for small family dinners or meal prep for a couple of days. Pair it with garlic bread or a simple green salad for a balanced meal.

Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Simply swap out regular flour for a gluten-free alternative for dredging, and choose gluten-free fettuccine or pasta of your choice.
How Can I Adjust the Sauce Consistency?
If your sauce feels too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach the right consistency. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce.
Can I Substitute Other Pasta Types?
Yes! While fettuccine is traditional, linguine, penne, or even spaghetti work beautifully with this sauce.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in your fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, do it gently on the stove or microwave to avoid curdling the sauce. Adding a splash of milk or cream while reheating can help maintain creaminess.
Is It Possible to Prepare Parts of This Recipe Ahead?
You can cook the chicken and pasta in advance and store them separately. Prepare the sauce fresh or make it a day ahead and gently reheat it before tossing with pasta and chicken.
Conclusion: Bring the Comfort of Creamy Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo to Your Table Tonight
Now that you have a foolproof, delicious recipe in your hands, why not make tonight special with this creamy, comforting dish? You’ll enjoy a rich homemade Alfredo sauce paired with tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta — a combination that feels like a restaurant meal but is easy enough for any home cook. Try it, share it, and watch it become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
Don’t forget to save this recipe, experiment with your own twists, and let me know how it turns out! Your next favorite dinner awaits.
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Creamy Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe – A Deliciously Easy Comfort Meal
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
- Make creamy chicken fettuccine alfredo at home with this easy recipe—tender chicken and rich, cheesy sauce
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, cut in half lengthwise
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Flour for dredging
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided
- 8 ounces uncooked fettuccine
- 4 ounces cream cheese (1/2 block of Philly), softened
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 large cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- 1️⃣ Soften the Cream Cheese: Take the cream cheese out of the fridge to soften at least 30 minutes before starting the recipe, or microwave it for 20-30 seconds. Grate the parmesan cheese. Prepare other ingredients as you go.
- 2️⃣ Cook the Fettuccine: Boil a large, salted pot of water for the fettuccine. Cook it al dente according to package directions.
- 3️⃣ Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create 4 thinner cutlets. Season them with garlic powder, salt, and pepper on both sides. Dredge the chicken in flour, coating it evenly.
- 4️⃣ Cook the Chicken: In a deep skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Once the pan is hot, cook the chicken for about 5 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
- 5️⃣ Make the Sauce: Wipe out or rinse the skillet if there’s excess grease. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, softened cream cheese, heavy cream, chicken broth, and minced garlic to the skillet. Return the pan to medium heat. Stir to help the cream cheese melt into the sauce, which will take a few minutes.
- 6️⃣ Reduce the Sauce: Once the cream cheese is fully incorporated, let the sauce gently bubble for about 5 minutes to reduce slightly. Stir occasionally. While the sauce is cooking, slice the chicken into bite-sized strips.
- 7️⃣ Finish the Sauce: Stir in the grated parmesan cheese and cook the sauce for about a minute longer. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of hot pasta water to thin it out. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- 8️⃣ Combine Pasta and Sauce: Drain the cooked fettuccine and add it to the skillet. Toss the pasta with the sauce until well coated. Serve the fettuccine with the sliced chicken on top, or mix the chicken into the pasta. Grate additional parmesan cheese over the dish as desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 600 kcal per serving
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