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Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this rich and velvety Creamy Chicken Alfredo. This dish combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a luxurious homemade Alfredo sauce that’s sure to impress. Perfect for a cozy night in or a special dinner, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s easier to make than you think!
Growing up, my grandmother’s Creamy Chicken Alfredo was the star of every family gathering. The smell of garlic and Parmesan filling the kitchen still brings back fond memories. Now, I’m excited to share my version of this classic dish with you, ensuring that every bite is as comforting and delicious as the ones from my childhood.
Get ready to cook up a storm and treat yourself to a bowl of pure comfort. Let’s dive into this Creamy Chicken Alfredo recipe that’s bound to become a favorite in your household too!
What to Expect
- Time: Approximately 30 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
Before You Begin
Before you start cooking, make sure you have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go. Grate your parmesan cheese fresh for the best texture, and have your chicken cut into even cubes for consistent cooking. Also, cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente, and reserve some pasta water in case you need to thin out the sauce later.
Ingredients You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken breast, boneless and skinless | 1 pound |
| Italian seasoning | 2 teaspoons |
| Kosher salt, divided | 1 ½ teaspoons |
| Olive oil or other neutral oil | 1 Tablespoon |
| Unsalted butter | ½ cup |
| Heavy cream | 1 ½ cup |
| Black pepper | ½ teaspoon |
| Ground nutmeg (optional) | ¼ teaspoon |
| Freshly grated parmesan cheese | 1¾ cup |
| Gluten-free pasta, cooked | 12 ounces |
| Fresh parsley, minced | ½ cup |
Step-by-Step Guide
- Cut the chicken into 1-inch cubes. Season with 1 teaspoon of salt and the Italian seasoning.
- Heat the oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 7 to 10 minutes, turning frequently, until cooked through. Move the fully cooked chicken to a plate and set aside. Do not wash the pan.
- Melt the butter in the same skillet over low heat. Scrape up the chicken bits as it melts. Once it begins to froth, stir in the heavy cream, remaining salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Bring to a simmer and cook on low for 5 to 6 minutes.
- Remove the pan from the heat, gradually add the cheese, and stir until the parmesan is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Stir in the cooked chicken and pasta, toss to coat. Top with the parsley and serve.
Notes
- To cut calories, these recipes usually skip the heavy cream and use Wheat Flour to thicken lighter milk. This makes the sauce non-GF.
- The Fix:
- Option A (The Roux): Substitute the wheat flour 1:1 with a Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour Blend.
- Option B (The Slurry): If the recipe calls for 1 tbsp flour, mix 1/2 tbsp Cornstarch with cold milk and add it at the end instead.
Use Gluten-Free Fettuccine.
- Brand Recommendation: Barilla or Jovial (Brown Rice). Avoid 100% Corn pasta for Alfredo; the texture is too hard. Rice pasta holds the creamy sauce better.
Dust the chicken in Cornstarch or Tapioca Starch instead. It actually creates a crispier, lighter crust than flour.
Buy a wedge of Parmesan and grate it yourself. It melts much smoother than the pre-bagged stuff (which often turns grainy in the sauce).
Pointers for Perfection & How to Store
For the creamiest sauce, always use freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Shelf-stable or pre-shredded Parmesan contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy. If you prefer a smoother look, substitute black pepper with white pepper. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
For a delightful twist, try adding lemon zest or roasted garlic to your Creamy Chicken Alfredo. If you’re a fan of lemony flavors, you might also enjoy this Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe.
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Creamy Chicken Alfredo: Healthy & Delicious Pasta
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Healthy Creamy Chicken Alfredo proves you don’t need heavy cream to make a delicious pasta dinner. By swapping the traditional heavy dairy for a savory blend of chicken broth, milk, and protein-packed Greek yogurt (or light cream cheese), you get a velvety, rich sauce with half the calories. It’s a comforting, gluten-free meal that feels indulgent but fits perfectly into a healthy lifestyle.
Ingredients
— The Pasta & Chicken —
8 oz gluten-free fettuccine or penne pasta (brown rice or chickpea pasta works great)
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approx. 1 lb), sliced into strips
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
— The Healthy Alfredo Sauce —
1 tablespoon butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon gluten-free all-purpose flour (or cornstarch) for thickening
1 cup chicken broth (low sodium, certified gluten-free)
½ cup milk (skim, almond, or oat milk all work)
⅓ cup plain Greek yogurt (or light cream cheese for a milder tang)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
— Garnish —
Fresh parsley, chopped
Steamed broccoli florets (optional, for extra fiber)
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the gluten-free pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup of the starchy pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Sear the Chicken: While the water boils, season the chicken strips with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
3. Start the Sauce: In the same skillet (don’t wash it, that flavor is gold!), melt the 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Thicken: Sprinkle the gluten-free flour (or cornstarch) over the garlic and stir constantly for 1 minute to cook off the raw taste.
5. Whisk in Liquids: Slowly pour in the chicken broth and milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Make it Creamy: Turn the heat down to LOW. Stir in the Greek yogurt (or cream cheese) and Parmesan cheese. Whisk gently until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. (Important: Keep heat low to prevent yogurt from curdling).
7. Combine: Add the cooked chicken and drained pasta back into the skillet. Toss everything together to coat the noodles in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, splash in a little of the reserved pasta water.
8. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately. This dish is fantastic with a side of steamed broccoli mixed right in.
Notes
Yogurt Tip: If using Greek yogurt, ensure it is room temperature before adding it to the pan. This helps prevent it from separating or ‘breaking’ in the hot sauce.
Pasta Choice: Chickpea or lentil pasta adds an extra protein boost that pairs perfectly with this healthy sauce, but classic brown rice pasta offers the most traditional texture.
Storage: This pasta is best eaten fresh. If reheating leftovers, add a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce, as it will thicken significantly in the fridge.
Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free butter, unsweetened almond milk, and a dairy-free cream cheese alternative (like Kite Hill) to make this fully dairy-free.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 550
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Unsaturated Fat: 6
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 32
- Cholesterol: 75
Your Burning Questions Answered!
- Can I use regular pasta instead of gluten-free?
- Absolutely! While this recipe uses gluten-free pasta, you can substitute it with any pasta of your choice. Just ensure it’s cooked al dente.
- What can I serve with Creamy Chicken Alfredo?
- This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and chicken ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Cook the pasta fresh when ready to serve and combine everything together.
Dig In & Enjoy
There you have it—a decadent and comforting bowl of Creamy Chicken Alfredo that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just treating yourself to a delicious meal, this recipe is a winner. Don’t forget to share it with your loved ones and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness together. For more delicious ideas, follow me on My Pinterest.