Creamy Chicken Alfredo – Easy Weeknight Dinner Ideas

Looking for easy and delicious dinner ideas that don’t take hours in the kitchen? This creamy Chicken Alfredo is the perfect solution! Originating from Italy, Alfredo sauce is a luscious blend of cream, butter, and Parmesan cheese – but we’re making it even better with tender chicken breasts, garlic, and perfectly cooked pasta. This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, yet elegant enough to serve guests.

🥘 Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need:

• 2 large chicken breasts, thinly sliced
• 12 oz (340g) fettuccine or linguine pasta
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt & black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken slices with salt, pepper, and half of the Italian seasoning. Cook for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and milk, stirring well. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 4: Add Parmesan & Seasoning

Reduce heat to low, add Parmesan cheese, and whisk until smooth. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet. Toss until evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve

Sprinkle fresh parsley on top and serve hot with extra Parmesan.

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💡 Cooking Tips & Variations

• Lighter Option: Use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream for a lower-calorie version.
• Gluten-Free: Swap pasta with gluten-free fettuccine.
• Extra Flavor: Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for variety.
• Protein Variations: Substitute chicken with shrimp or grilled salmon for a seafood twist.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk.

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📊 Nutritional Info (Per Serving – 4 Servings)

• Calories: ~580
• Protein: 36g
• Carbohydrates: 46g
• Fat: 28g
• Fiber: 2g

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🍽 Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs beautifully with:

• Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up extra Alfredo sauce.
• Caesar Salad: Adds a refreshing crunch.
• White Wine: A crisp Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio complements the creamy sauce.

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❓ FAQs

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📚 Further Reading

For more information on making the perfect Alfredo sauce, check out this guide from thesaltymarshmallow.

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Conclusion

This Chicken Alfredo recipe is one of the best dinner ideas for busy families – quick, creamy, and satisfying. Try it tonight and let me know how it turned out!