Looking for a quick and delicious dinner idea? This easy Chicken Alfredo recipe with jar sauce is the perfect solution for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a creamy, satisfying meal. With just a few simple ingredients—like tender chicken, jarred Alfredo sauce, and pasta—you can whip up a dish that feels like a restaurant favorite in under 30 minutes.
This recipe is designed to be as easy as it is delicious. Using a high-quality jar of Alfredo sauce saves time while still delivering rich, cheesy flavor. Whether you’re cooking for family or want a cozy dinner for two, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s endlessly customizable. Add your favorite veggies, swap the pasta, or try different proteins for a meal that’s always a hit!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Chicken Alfredo recipe with jar sauce is a must-try for so many reasons:
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
- Simple Ingredients: With a jar of Alfredo sauce, pasta, and chicken, you don’t need to overthink dinner.
- Customizable: Add vegetables, swap the protein, or try different pasta for endless variations.
- Family-Friendly: Creamy, cheesy, and comforting—this dish is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to make this quick and delicious Chicken Alfredo:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken breast (sliced) | 2 large pieces |
| Fettuccine or pasta of choice | 12 oz |
| Jarred Alfredo sauce | 1 jar (15-16 oz) |
| Olive oil or butter | 2 tbsp |
| Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves |
| Parmesan cheese (optional) | ¼ cup |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
| Parsley (for garnish) | Optional |
Ingredient Notes
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are easy to cook and always tender. Want to save even more time? Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken.
- Pasta: Fettuccine is the classic choice, but penne, spaghetti, or linguine also work beautifully.
- Alfredo Sauce: A good-quality jarred Alfredo sauce makes all the difference. Brands like Bertolli, Classico, or Rao’s are excellent options.
- Extra Flavor: Fresh garlic and Parmesan cheese give the sauce an extra burst of flavor.
How to Make Easy Chicken Alfredo
This recipe is so simple, you’ll want to make it again and again. Follow these step-by-step instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta
Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta al dente according to package instructions. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of pasta water to help adjust the sauce consistency.
2. Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season the chicken slices with salt and pepper.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Sauté Garlic
Reduce the heat to medium and add minced garlic to the skillet.
- Sauté for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
4. Heat the Alfredo Sauce
Pour the jarred Alfredo sauce into the skillet with the garlic.
- Stir well and add a splash of the reserved pasta water to thin the sauce, if needed.
5. Combine the Ingredients
Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet with the sauce.
- Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, ensuring it’s fully coated.
6. Serve and Garnish
Divide the pasta into bowls or plates.
- Top with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for garnish.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Alfredo
- Season the chicken well: Adding salt, pepper, and even a touch of Italian seasoning boosts the overall flavor.
- Use fresh garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds a bold, authentic flavor to the sauce.
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Aim for al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly in the sauce.
- Enhance the sauce: Stir in a tablespoon of butter or cream for extra richness.
Variations to Try
This recipe serves as a wonderful starting point, incredibly versatile and ripe for personalization! Consider these exciting ways to elevate your meal, moving beyond the traditional. For instance, those seeking a comforting classic might enjoy exploring a Chicken Pot Pie or a hearty bowl of Chicken Spaghetti, while those with a sweet tooth may crave Sweet and Sour Chicken. On the other hand, if you desire a variation closer to the recipe’s roots, here are some more ideas:
Vegetable Alfredo: Load up on extra nutrients by incorporating vibrant broccoli, earthy spinach, or savory mushrooms into the creamy sauce.
Seafood Alfredo: Create an elegant seafood experience by substituting succulent shrimp or delicate scallops for the chicken, making this dish a true coastal delight.
Low-Carb Option: For a lighter alternative, swap out the pasta for zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash, or cauliflower rice, enjoying all the flavor without the carb overload.
Spicy Kick: Add a touch of fiery excitement by sprinkling red pepper flakes into the sauce, letting your tastebuds dance with a little heat. Remember, that even the simplest additions can lead to an unexpectedly delicious dish. Consider how a Jalbitedrinks Liquor pairing might complement these variations. If chicken is your goal, then a delicious Chicken Tetrazzini can be added to your culinary library.
What to Serve with Chicken Alfredo
Pair this creamy Chicken Alfredo with these sides to complete your meal:
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up the extra sauce.
- Caesar Salad: A crisp, tangy salad balances the richness of the pasta.
- Steamed Veggies: Asparagus, green beans, or roasted peppers are great options.
| Ingredient | Serving Size | Calories (kcal) | Protein (g) | Carbohydrates (g) | Fat (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fettuccine (pasta) | 1 cup cooked (140g) | 200 | 7 | 40 | 1 |
| Chicken breast (cooked) | 3 oz (85g) | 140 | 26 | 0 | 3 |
| Alfredo sauce (prepared) | 1/2 cup (125g) | 220 | 6 | 6 | 20 |
| Parmesan cheese (grated) | 1 tbsp (5g) | 20 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Butter | 1 tbsp (14g) | 100 | 0 | 0 | 11 |
| Garlic | 1 clove (3g) | 5 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Approximate Total Per Serving (1 plate): | Total | | Calories: 685 | Protein: 41g | Carbohydrates: 47g | Fat: 37g |
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
Can I make chicken Alfredo ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and chicken in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator and combine with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.
What’s the best way to reheat chicken Alfredo?
Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to prevent the sauce from drying out.
Can I use homemade Alfredo sauce?
Absolutely! If you have time, making Alfredo sauce from scratch is a great option. Use butter, heavy cream, garlic, and Parmesan cheese.
What can I add to jar Alfredo sauce to make it better?
Enhance the flavor of jarred Alfredo sauce by adding:
- Freshly minced garlic sautéed in butter.
- A splash of heavy cream or milk for extra richness.
- Grated Parmesan cheese for more cheesy goodness.
- A pinch of Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, or ground nutmeg for added depth.
- Freshly chopped parsley or basil for a hint of freshness.
How do I season my chicken for Chicken Alfredo?
Season your chicken with salt and pepper as a base. For extra flavor, you can add:
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Italian seasoning
- Paprika or chili powder for a subtle kick
Massage the seasoning into the chicken for even coverage before cooking.
How to stretch a jar of Alfredo sauce?
If you need more sauce, you can stretch a jar by:
- Adding a splash of reserved pasta water to thin the sauce.
- Stirring in heavy cream or milk for a creamier texture.
- Mixing in extra Parmesan cheese for added volume and flavor.
- Including sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli to bulk up the dish.
Do you season chicken before adding sauce?
Yes, seasoning the chicken before cooking is essential to enhance its flavor. A good seasoning blend complements the Alfredo sauce and ensures the chicken doesn’t taste bland. Once the chicken is cooked, you can combine it with the sauce for a fully flavored dish.
Creamy, Comforting, and Ready in No Time
This easy chicken Alfredo recipe with jar sauce demonstrates that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s a dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
So grab your favorite jarred sauce, cook up some chicken, and get ready to indulge in a creamy, delicious pasta dish that’s guaranteed to be a hit with family and friends!
Love this recipe? Share your tips or favorite twists in the comments below! Don’t forget to bookmark this page for quick and easy dinner inspiration. For more recipes, check out Easy Chicken Alfredo – Allrecipes or Baked Chicken Alfredo with Jar Sauce (Super Easy Recipe!) – Everyday Easy Eats.