Save to Pinterest There's nothing quite like the comforting embrace of a creamy Skillet Chicken Alfredo on a busy weeknight. This Italian-American classic brings together tender strips of golden chicken breast, perfectly al dente pasta, and a velvety, garlic-infused sauce that clings to every bite. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—all cooked in a single skillet, meaning less cleanup and more time enjoying dinner with family. Whether you're craving restaurant-quality comfort food or need a reliable crowd-pleaser, this dish delivers rich, satisfying flavors in just 35 minutes.
Save to Pinterest Ingredients
- Poultry: 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 500 g), sliced into strips
- Pasta: 300 g (10 oz) fettuccine or penne pasta
- Dairy & Sauce: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 3 garlic cloves, minced, 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream, 1 cup (100 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese, 1 cup (240 ml) low-sodium chicken broth, 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- Seasonings: 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Garnish: 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, extra Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Step 2
- Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken strips with salt and pepper. Add chicken to the skillet and cook for 5–6 minutes, turning once, until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Step 3
- In the same skillet, lower heat to medium and add the remaining butter and olive oil. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits. Add heavy cream and nutmeg. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes.
- Step 5
- Reduce heat to low and gradually stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce is smooth.
- Step 6
- Add cooked pasta and chicken back to the skillet. Toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce reaches desired consistency.
- Step 7
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Step 8
- Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For the most flavorful sauce, take your time when sautéing the garlic—just until fragrant, never burnt, which would make the taste bitter. The reserved pasta water is your secret weapon; it contains starch that helps emulsify the sauce, making it silkier and helping it cling better to the pasta. When adding the Parmesan, do it gradually over low heat to prevent the sauce from separating or becoming grainy.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Lighten this dish by substituting half-and-half for heavy cream, or use whole milk mixed with a bit of cornstarch for thickening. For extra nutrition and flavor, add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes along with the garlic. You can also use grilled shrimp or pan-seared scallops instead of chicken for a seafood variation. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta works well if you prefer.
Serviervorschläge
Serve this Skillet Chicken Alfredo piping hot, straight from the skillet for a rustic presentation. A crisp green salad with vinaigrette helps cut through the richness, and warm garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce. For wine lovers, a chilled Pinot Grigio or a light Chardonnay pairs beautifully with the creamy, savory flavors. This dish is substantial enough to be served as a main course on its own.
Save to Pinterest This Skillet Chicken Alfredo is more than just a weeknight dinner—it's a reminder that comfort food doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. With its golden chicken, velvety sauce, and perfectly coated pasta, it's the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table. Whether you're cooking for family or treating yourself after a long day, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality satisfaction with minimal fuss. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to three days, though we suspect there won't be much left to save.
Ask About This Recipe
- → Can I use different pasta types for this dish?
Yes, fettuccine or penne work well, but feel free to substitute with your preferred pasta as long as it holds the sauce nicely.
- → How can I make the sauce lighter?
Swap heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter consistency without losing creaminess.
- → What is the best way to cook the chicken?
Cook chicken strips in a hot skillet with olive oil and butter until golden and fully cooked to keep them tender and flavorful.
- → How to adjust sauce thickness?
Add reserved pasta water gradually to thin the sauce until it reaches your preferred consistency.
- → Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Sautéed mushrooms or fresh spinach can be incorporated for extra flavor and nutrition.