Creamy Chicken Alfredo Recipe

Dreamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Alfredo Recipe for Lovebirds

Creamy sauce and tender chicken dance together in this romantic chicken alfredo with sun-dried tomatoes that promises an enchanting dinner experience.

Succulent strips of chicken nestle into silky ribbons of pasta, creating a luxurious meal perfect for date night.

The rich alfredo embraces each noodle with velvety warmth and depth.

Vibrant sun-dried tomatoes add bursts of tangy sweetness that cut through the dish’s decadence.

Fragrant herbs sprinkled on top enhance every delectable bite with aromatic complexity.

Each forkful carries the promise of culinary passion and intimate connection.

This recipe turns an ordinary evening into a memorable romantic celebration of flavor and love.

Quick Recipe Overview

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 645 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Romantic Chicken Alfredo with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

For Base and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Olive Oil: Provides smooth cooking foundation and helps prevent sticking.
  • Butter: Adds rich, velvety depth and helps create silky sauce texture.
  • Onion: Builds aromatic base with sweet, subtle undertones for complex flavor profile.
  • Garlic: Delivers intense, pungent taste that elevates entire dish's warmth.
For Protein and Seasoning:
  • Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that absorbs spices beautifully and creates hearty meal centerpiece.
  • Italian Seasoning: Blends herbs for authentic Mediterranean taste and aromatic complexity.
  • Smoked Paprika: Introduces smoky, slightly sweet undertone with gentle warmth.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Adds subtle heat and vibrant kick to overall dish.
  • Garlic Powder: Concentrated flavor booster for consistent seasoning.
  • Salt: Enhances and balances all ingredient flavors.
  • Pepper: Provides gentle spicy background note.
For Creamy Sauce and Finishing Touches:
  • Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious, silky sauce with rich, indulgent texture.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Delivers nutty, sharp flavor and helps thicken sauce naturally.
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Introduces intense, concentrated tangy sweetness with Mediterranean flair.
  • Dried Pasta: Provides perfect vehicle for sauce and primary carbohydrate component.
  • Basil Leaves: Offers fresh, bright garnish with aromatic herbaceous finish.

Tools to Make Creamy Chicken Alfredo

  • Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta perfectly.
  • Large pan: Needed for sautéing ingredients and creating the creamy sauce.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring and combining ingredients smoothly.
  • Cutting board: Required for chopping onions, garlic, and preparing ingredients.
  • Sharp knife: Crucial for precise ingredient preparation.
  • Measuring cups: Helps accurately measure pasta water and cream.
  • Colander: Used for draining cooked pasta quickly.
  • Grater: Helpful for freshly grating parmesan cheese.

Instructions for Romantic Alfredo Chicken

Instructions for Romantic Alfredo Chicken
  • Pasta Preparation

Boil water with a pinch of salt in a large pot. Cook pasta until perfectly tender, keeping some starchy water aside for later magic.

  • Onion and Garlic Base

Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet, gently transforming chopped onions into soft, translucent jewels. Introduce minced garlic and a touch of butter, creating an aromatic foundation.

  • Chicken Magic

Slide chicken pieces into the fragrant pan, seasoning with your favorite herbs. Cook until the meat turns golden and becomes wonderfully juicy.

  • Creamy Transformation

Pour silky cream into the skillet, adding reserved pasta water and a generous sprinkle of parmesan. Stir in vibrant sun-dried tomatoes, allowing everything to meld into a luxurious sauce.

  • Final Symphony

Twirl the cooked pasta into the creamy mixture, ensuring each strand is lovingly coated. Shower with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately while the dish whispers romance.

Flavor Tips for Chicken Alfredo with Tomatoes

  • Cooking Tips & Variations
  • Protein Power: Swap chicken with shrimp, turkey, or keep it vegetarian by using roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers for a delightful twist.
  • Pasta Perfect: Choose fettuccine, penne, or linguine as alternatives. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta works wonderfully for different dietary needs.
  • Cream Control: For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt to reduce calories without losing rich flavor.
  • Herb Heaven: Experiment with fresh herbs like oregano, thyme, or fresh parsley instead of basil. Each herb brings a unique aromatic profile to the dish.
  • Spice Sensation: Add red pepper flakes for a subtle kick, or sprinkle smoked paprika for depth. A dash of nutmeg in the sauce can elevate the overall taste experience.

Serving Ideas for Chicken Alfredo Date Night

  • Date Night Dinner Plating
  • Serve on warmed white plates with a crisp wine glass beside the dish. Sprinkle extra fresh basil and parmesan shavings on top for an elegant restaurant-style presentation that feels intimate and special.
  • Romantic Side Companion
  • Pair with a light arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette and garlic crostini. The fresh greens will balance the rich alfredo and create a complete meal that feels sophisticated yet comforting.
  • Cozy Candlelight Complement
  • Create a warm atmosphere with soft candlelight and gentle background music. Use cloth napkins and dimmed lighting to transform this simple chicken pasta into a memorable dining experience that feels luxurious and personal.
  • Leftovers Love Strategy
  • Store remaining pasta in airtight containers for next-day lunch. The flavors will develop overnight, making the dish even more delicious when reheated gently with a splash of extra cream to restore its creamy texture.

How to Store Romantic Chicken Alfredo

  • Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Seal leftover Chicken Alfredo in airtight containers within 2 hours after cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator's main compartment.
  • Smart Reheating Trick: Warm refrigerated pasta gently using microwave or stovetop. Add splash of cream or milk to restore creamy texture, preventing sauce from separating or becoming dry.
  • Freezer-Friendly Option: Package cooled dish in freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Stays delicious for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
  • Ingredient Prep Hack: Chop chicken, slice sun-dried tomatoes, and grate cheese in advance. Store separately in sealed containers, reducing total meal preparation time by 10-15 minutes.
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Creamy Chicken Alfredo Recipe

Creamy Chicken Alfredo


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4.7 from 40 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Creamy chicken alfredo elevates weeknight dinners with luxurious Italian-inspired flavors. Rich parmesan sauce and tender chicken provide a delightful meal that welcomes you to savor each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (0.45 kg) chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
  • 8 oz (226 g) dried pasta, half standard box
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
  • 34 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • ½ cup onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • Basil leaves for garnish
  • ½ tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp pepper

Instructions

  1. Pasta Preparation: Boil salted water and cook pasta until al dente, reserving starchy cooking liquid before draining.
  2. Aromatics Sauté: Heat olive oil in a large skillet, caramelize onions until translucent, then introduce garlic and butter, stirring rapidly to prevent scorching.
  3. Protein Cooking: Sear chicken pieces in the skillet, ensuring complete golden-brown doneness with no residual pink coloration.
  4. Sauce Development: Pour heavy cream and reserved pasta water into the pan, creating a velvety sauce base; incorporate parmesan cheese and sun-dried tomatoes, allowing the mixture to simmer and thicken.
  5. Final Assembly: Fold cooked pasta into the creamy sauce, coating each pasta strand thoroughly, then garnish with fresh torn basil leaves.
  6. Serving: Plate immediately while the dish remains piping hot, preserving the sauce’s luxurious texture and vibrant flavors.

Notes

  • Preserve Pasta Water: Starchy liquid acts as a secret sauce thickener and helps bind ingredients smoothly.
  • Prevent Garlic Burning: Quickly stir garlic to avoid bitter, acrid flavors that can ruin the entire dish’s taste profile.
  • Check Chicken Doneness: Use meat thermometer or cut into thickest part to confirm no pink remains, ensuring food safety.
  • Gentle Sauce Simmering: Low and slow heat development allows cream and cheese to blend seamlessly without separating or breaking.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 645
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 34g
  • Saturated Fat: 18g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 54g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 33g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg
Emily Roberts

Emily Roberts

Content Creator & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

Dietary Planning​, Public Health Nutrition, Nutritional Education​, Content Development​

Education

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

  • Degree: Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences
  • Focus: Research on dietary patterns and their impact on chronic diseases.​

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

  • Credential: Expertise in translating nutrition science into practical advice. ​

Emily Roberts is our content specialist and registered dietitian at HealthyChoices.org. With her Master’s degree in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Illinois and her Registered Dietitian Nutritionist certification, Emily uses her deep nutrition knowledge to write helpful, easy-to-understand guides about healthy eating. 

Her warm, practical advice empowers readers to confidently make healthier choices, turning everyday meals into simple moments of wellness and joy.

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