Chicken Alfredo - beautifully plated pasta dish

Chicken Alfredo

Grilled chicken breast over fettuccine in a rich Parmesan cream sauce. Canada's most-ordered pasta dish, done right.

Prep Time

10 min

Cook Time

20 min

Servings

4

Calories

560

Ingredients

  • 400 g pasta (your choice of shape)
  • 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream (35%)
  • 0.75 cup freshly grated Parmesan
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter

Instructions

  1. 1

    Cook the Pasta

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.

  2. 2

    Prepare the Base

    While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

  3. 3

    Build the Sauce

    Add the main sauce ingredients to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the flavours meld together, about 3-5 minutes.

  4. 4

    Combine

    Add the drained pasta to the sauce and toss vigorously, adding pasta water as needed to achieve a silky consistency that coats every strand.

  5. 5

    Serve

    Plate immediately and garnish with fresh herbs and freshly grated cheese. Serve hot with crusty bread on the side.

Chef's Notes

I always slice chicken breast against the grain and pound it to even thickness before cooking. Even cooking means juicy results.

Chef Luca Bianchi

About This Recipe

There's a reason Chicken Alfredo sits at the top of nearly every Canadian restaurant menu — it's comfort food that delivers without fuss. Fettuccine gets swaddled in a luxuriously rich Parmesan cream sauce, then topped with tender grilled chicken breast. The magic happens when that silky sauce clings to every noodle, the sharp tang of Parmesan cuts through the richness, and the chicken adds a savoury contrast.

What makes this version work is simplicity done right. We're talking freshly grated Parmesan stirred into warm cream, a touch of butter for gloss, and just enough garlic to wake up the palate without overpowering anything. It comes together in thirty minutes, which is exactly why busy families keep coming back to it.

Tips for the Best Chicken Alfredo

Râpez votre propre Parmesan — les fromages pré-rapés contiennent des agents anti-agglomérants qui empêchent une fonte uniforme et laissent votre sauce granuleuse. Lorsque vous ajoutez la crème dans la casserole, laissez-la tiédir avant d'y incorporer le fromage pour qu'il fonde en douceur. Et ne négligez jamais l'eau de cuisson : l'amidon est ce qui transforme une sauce crémeuse fine en quelque chose qui accroche vraiment à chaque brin de pâtes.

What to Serve With It

Pair this with roasted broccoli or green beans tossed with lemon zest to cut through the richness. A crisp Caesar salad with homemade dressing is a classic Canadian side, and crusty sourdough for mopping up every last bit of sauce rounds out the meal. For a lighter touch, a simple arugula salad with shaved Parmesan and a balsamic drizzle works beautifully.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover Chicken Alfredo in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or milk and warm gently on the stovetop over low heat — the microwave will cause the sauce to separate. The pasta will continue absorbing the sauce overnight, so don't worry if it looks thick at first; a little extra liquid brings it back to life.

Nutrition Facts

560

cal

31g

Protein

22g

Fat

55g

Carbs

2g

Fiber

670mg

Sodium

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dried pasta instead of fresh?+

Absolutely. Dried fettuccine works perfectly and is the more common choice. Just be sure to cook it al dente since you'll finish it in the sauce, and reserve plenty of pasta water for emulsification.

Why does my Alfredo sauce break or separate?+

This usually happens from high heat or adding cheese too quickly. Keep the heat low and medium-low when incorporating the Parmesan, and stir constantly. If your sauce does separate, a splash of warm pasta water whisked in can often bring it back.

Can I substitute half-and-half for heavy cream?+

You can, but the sauce won't be as rich or velvety. Heavy cream (35%) gives Alfredo its signature luxurious mouthfeel. If you want a lighter option, whole milk with a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch can work, though the texture changes.

How do I get the best sear on the chicken?+

Pat the chicken completely dry before seasoning, season generously with salt and pepper, and don't move it once it hits the pan. Let it develop a golden crust for 4-5 minutes per side over medium-high heat before flipping.

Is it safe to eat leftover Alfredo sauce?+

Yes, provided it's refrigerated within two hours of cooking. Store in a sealed container and consume within three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop until piping hot throughout before serving.

Tips & Tricks

  • Always salt your pasta water generously — it should taste like the sea.
  • Reserve a cup of starchy pasta water before draining. It's liquid gold for emulsifying sauces.
  • Cook pasta 1 minute less than the package says if finishing it in the sauce.

Reviews (3)

Pierre T.★★★★★

Excellente recette! J'ai suivi les instructions à la lettre et le résultat était parfait. Ma femme a adoré.

Marie L.★★★★★

Made this last night and my family loved it! The sauce was perfect and so easy to make. Will definitely be adding this to our regular rotation.

Michael W.★★★★★

This recipe is a keeper. Great balance of flavours and the cooking times are spot on. My new favourite pasta dish.