Description
This creamy and flavorful Chicken Alfredo recipe with jar sauce is the perfect easy meal for busy weeknights! Made with tender chicken, fettuccine pasta, and a rich, cheesy Alfredo sauce, this dish comes together in just 30 minutes. By using a high-quality jarred Alfredo sauce and enhancing it with simple ingredients like garlic, parmesan, and butter, you can achieve a restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort. Serve it with garlic bread or a fresh salad for a delicious, comforting dinner the whole family will love!
Ingredients
Ingredients
For the Pasta and Chicken
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta (or substitute with penne or linguine)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or substitute with chicken thighs)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
For the Alfredo Sauce
- 1 jar (15 oz) Alfredo sauce (high-quality, no artificial preservatives)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional, for depth of flavor)
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little spice)
For Garnish & Serving
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- ¼ cup extra grated parmesan cheese
- Garlic bread or side salad (optional)
Instructions
Instructions
-
Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
-
Prepare the Chicken
- While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
-
Cook the Chicken
- Place the chicken in the skillet and sear for 5-6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing into thin strips.
-
Enhance the Alfredo Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the jarred Alfredo sauce, stirring to combine.
-
Add Cream & Cheese
- Stir in heavy cream (if using) and grated parmesan cheese. Season with nutmeg and red pepper flakes for extra flavor. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 3-5 minutes until thick and creamy.
-
Combine Everything
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
-
Add the Chicken
- Stir in the sliced chicken and let everything heat together for another 2 minutes.
-
Garnish & Serve
- Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra parmesan, and serve immediately with garlic bread or a side salad. Enjoy!
Notes
- Pasta Choice: Fettuccine is traditional, but penne, spaghetti, or linguine work well too.
- Creamier Sauce: Add an extra ¼ cup of heavy cream or a small spoonful of cream cheese for a silkier texture.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Add a splash of milk or cream when reheating to keep the sauce creamy.
- Spice It Up: For extra heat, add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use a dairy-free Alfredo sauce and substitute nutritional yeast for parmesan.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: chicken Alfredo, Alfredo pasta, creamy pasta recipe, quick chicken Alfredo, jarred Alfredo sauce recipe, homemade Alfredo with jar sauce, fettuccine Alfredo, easy weeknight dinner