Chicken Alfredo is a legendary comfort dish loved for its smooth, indulgent sauce and satisfying textures. While inspired by traditional Italian flavours, this creamy pasta has become a global staple, offering a luxurious yet familiar experience in every bite.
Mastering the Silkiness of a Professional Alfredo Sauce
The hallmark of a high-quality Chicken Alfredo lies in the emulsion of the sauce. In professional kitchens, the goal is to achieve a “velvety” consistency that clings to the pasta without becoming heavy or oily. By simmering high-quality cooking cream with aged Parmesan cheese and fresh garlic, you create a complex, umami-rich base. The secret is to use low heat during the cheese incorporation phase to prevent the dairy from splitting, ensuring a glossy finish that defines a true restaurant-standard Alfredo.
Preparation & Mise en Place
- Before turning on the heat, professional kitchens use a “Mise en Place” approach (everything in its place) to ensure the sauce doesn’t overcook while you are busy chopping.
- Chicken Safety: Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel before slicing. This removes surface moisture, allowing for a better golden sear rather than steaming in the pan.
- Prep the Veggies & Herbs: Wash the fresh parsley thoroughly under cold water, pat dry with a paper towel, and finely mince. Peel and finely mince the garlic cloves.
- Organize the Dairy: Measure out your cream and grate your Parmesan cheese. Using freshly grated cheese rather than pre-shredded ensures it melts into the sauce without becoming grainy.
Professional Secrets for Succulent Golden Chicken
To elevate this dish, the chicken must be more than just a protein addition; it must be a flavour highlight. Professionals recommend searing thin cutlets of chicken breast in a blend of olive oil and butter. This “hybrid” fat method allows for a high smoke point to achieve a golden crust while infusing the meat with a rich, buttery aroma. Slicing the chicken after resting ensures the juices remain within the meat, providing a tender contrast to the al dente pasta.
Serves: 4
Total Time: 40 minutes
Flavour Profile: Creamy, savoury, buttery, and comforting
Ingredients
- For the chicken:
- 500 g chicken breast, sliced
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- For the Alfredo sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ cups cooking cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- For the pasta:
- 350 g fettuccine or penne pasta
- Water and salt for boiling
- Optional garnish:
- Fresh parsley
- Extra Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a small amount of pasta water.
- Cook the chicken:
- Season the chicken with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil and butter in a pan over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 5–7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Start the sauce:
- In the same pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
- Build the Alfredo sauce:
- Pour in the cream and simmer gently for 3–4 minutes. Stir in Parmesan cheese and allow it to melt into a smooth sauce.
- Combine everything:
- Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the sauce. Toss gently to coat, adding reserved pasta water if needed for consistency.
- Serve:
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.
Explore more dinner dishes like our Peri-Peri Chicken
🍽 Serving
Chicken Alfredo is best served immediately while the sauce is creamy and smooth. Pair it with garlic bread or a light green salad to balance the richness. Steamed vegetables such as broccoli or asparagus make excellent additions. This dish is filling on its own but can be customised with mushrooms or spinach for extra flavour and texture.
Nutrition*
- Per serving:
- Calories: 720 kcal
- Protein: 36 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fat: 42 g
- Saturated Fat: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 155 mg
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Potassium: 620 mg
- Fiber: 3 g
- Calcium: 320 mg
- Iron: 2.6 mg
*Nutrition data is calculated by an automated system and may vary, so it is provided as an estimate.
Chicken Alfredo continues to be a favourite because it combines ease of preparation with indulgent flavour. Its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and comforting pasta create a dish that feels luxurious yet familiar. Whether cooked for a family meal or served to guests, this recipe delivers warmth, satisfaction, and timeless appeal.