30-Minute Chicken Alfredo Pasta – Creamy, Cheesy & Easy!

If you love rich, creamy, and cheesy pasta, this 30-Minute Chicken Alfredo Pasta is the perfect weeknight dinner! Juicy pan-seared chicken tossed with tender pasta in a homemade Alfredo sauce—it’s a simple yet indulgent meal that comes together in just half an hour.

Forget store-bought Alfredo sauce—this homemade version is ultra-creamy, packed with garlic and Parmesan, and SO much better than anything from a jar!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Ready in 30 Minutes – Perfect for busy nights!
✔ Super Creamy & Cheesy – Rich, velvety sauce with tons of flavor.
✔ Easy to Customize – Add veggies, switch up the pasta, or use shrimp instead of chicken!
✔ Better Than Takeout – Homemade Alfredo sauce beats store-bought every time.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 3-4 small)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Alfredo Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz fettuccine, penne, or linguine
• 1 tablespoon salt (for boiling pasta water)
• ¼ cup pasta water (reserved)

For Garnish:

• Fresh parsley or basil (chopped)
• Extra Parmesan cheese

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How to Make Chicken Alfredo Pasta in 30 Minutes

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Reserve ¼ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Season & Sear the Chicken

1. Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal temp).
4. Remove from heat, let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.

Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce

1. In the same pan, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Pour in heavy cream, stirring constantly.
4. Add Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
5. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Toss Everything Together

1. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat.
2. Stir in ¼ cup reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
3. Add the sliced chicken on top.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!

• Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.
• Serve immediately and enjoy your restaurant-quality Alfredo pasta!

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Tips for the Best Chicken Alfredo Pasta

✔ Use fresh Parmesan – Pre-grated cheese won’t melt as smoothly.
✔ Don’t overcook the chicken – Use a thermometer to check for 165°F internal temp.
✔ Reserve pasta water – It helps make the sauce extra silky.
✔ Want extra creaminess? – Add 2 oz cream cheese to the sauce.

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Variations & Add-Ins

Make It Healthier 🥦

• Use whole wheat pasta or zucchini noodles.
• Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or milk.
• Add spinach, mushrooms, or steamed broccoli for extra veggies.

Swap the Protein 🍗🍤

• Try shrimp, salmon, or rotisserie chicken instead of chicken breasts.

Make It Spicy 🌶

• Add 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning or extra red pepper flakes.

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How to Store & Reheat

Storing Leftovers

• Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating

• Stovetop: Warm on low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.

Freezing

• Alfredo sauce doesn’t freeze well, but you can freeze cooked chicken and pasta separately for up to 2 months.

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FAQs About Chicken Alfredo Pasta

Q: Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
A: Yes! Use whole milk + 1 tablespoon butter for a lighter version.

Q: What’s the best pasta for Alfredo sauce?
A: Fettuccine, penne, or linguine work best because they hold the creamy sauce well.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Cook everything and store separately, then reheat and combine before serving.

Q: What side dishes go well with Alfredo pasta?
A: Garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted veggies are great choices!

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Final Thoughts

This 30-Minute Chicken Alfredo Pasta is creamy, cheesy, and absolutely delicious—plus, it’s SO easy to make at home! Whether you’re making a quick weeknight meal or hosting a special dinner, this better-than-restaurant Alfredo pasta is sure to impress.

Try it out and let me know how you like it! What’s your favorite way to enjoy Alfredo pasta? Let’s chat in the comments! 🍝✨

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