Ground Chicken Alfredo Pasta

Name: Ground Chicken Alfredo Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 12 oz fettuccine pasta; 1 lb ground chicken; 2 cups heavy cream; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Highlighted under: Home Cooking

I love whipping up a comforting bowl of Ground Chicken Alfredo Pasta on busy weeknights. It's a creamy, delicious, and satisfying meal that comes together in just 30 minutes! With tender ground chicken mingling perfectly with pasta and a rich Alfredo sauce, it offers a delightful flavor profile that's sure to please the whole family. The best part? I can customize it with my favorite vegetables, making it both versatile and nutritious.

Created by

Camille Norwood

Last updated on 2026-02-23T18:44:48.742Z

During one of my culinary adventures, I stumbled upon the idea of using ground chicken in an Alfredo sauce. I wanted something hearty yet light, and this combo worked beautifully. The ground chicken absorbs the creamy sauce, making every bite full of flavor.

When preparing this dish, I realized that using freshly grated Parmesan instead of pre-packaged made a noticeable difference. It melted more smoothly into the sauce, adding an extra layer of richness that I can’t get enough of. Just the right touch of garlic and herbs brings it all together!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Creamy Alfredo sauce that's rich without being heavy
Quick to prepare, perfect for weeknight dinners
Ground chicken makes it a delicious alternative to traditional recipes

The Role of Ingredients in Alfredo Sauce

In this recipe, the heavy cream is crucial for achieving a luxurious texture in the Alfredo sauce. Its higher fat content creates a creamy, smooth consistency that clings beautifully to the pasta. Make sure to use heavy cream and avoid substitutes like half-and-half, as they won't yield the same rich mouthfeel. The quality of Parmesan cheese also impacts the overall flavor; opt for freshly grated cheese whenever possible for a better melt and taste.

Using ground chicken not only speeds up the cooking process but also allows for a unique twist on traditional Alfredo dishes. Ground chicken cooks quickly and evenly, which eliminates worries about undercooking thick chicken breasts. If you're looking to make this dish a bit lighter, you can substitute ground turkey, but be aware that it may require slightly more seasoning due to its milder flavor.

Perfecting Your Pasta

Cooking the fettuccine until al dente in salted water ensures that the pasta maintains a slight firmness, providing a perfect texture when combined with the sauce. Be sure to reserve a cup of pasta water before draining; it can be added to the sauce if it thickens too much, adjusting the consistency without losing flavor. This little trick can save your dish from being too thick or sticky, ensuring a delightful mouthfeel.

Timing is everything, especially when preparing the pasta and sauce simultaneously. Start cooking the pasta just before you begin sautéing the ground chicken. This way, everything is ready around the same time, minimizing waiting periods. I like to keep an eye on the pasta while preparing the sauce, as overcooked pasta can become mushy and may not hold up well when tossed in the creamy sauce.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create a mouthwatering dish.

Ingredients

12 oz fettuccine pasta
1 lb ground chicken
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Make sure to have everything ready for cooking to enjoy a smooth preparation process.

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to make your Ground Chicken Alfredo Pasta.

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Cook the Ground Chicken

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned, about 8-10 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Prepare the Alfredo Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium and pour in the heavy cream. Bring it to a gentle simmer, then stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Combine and Serve

Toss the cooked fettuccine in the Alfredo sauce, ensuring all pasta is well coated. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.

Enjoy your delicious meal, and feel free to customize with vegetables!

Pro Tips

For a lighter version, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with chicken broth. Add steamed broccoli or spinach for extra nutrients and color!

Storing and Reheating

Leftover Ground Chicken Alfredo Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, use a skillet over low heat to warm it gently, adding a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Microwaving can dry out the dish, so avoid that if possible. This creamy pasta also freezes well in individual portions for up to 3 months; just remember to allow it to cool before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.

When reheating from frozen, it’s best to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat it as mentioned. If you're short on time and need to thaw quickly, you can microwave it on the defrost setting. However, always ensure it's heated thoroughly to 165°F to maintain food safety.

Customization Ideas

This recipe is incredibly versatile, so feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables. Adding cooked spinach or sautéed mushrooms can enhance both the flavor and nutritional value of the dish. You can also incorporate cherry tomatoes for a burst of freshness, just toss them in during the last few minutes of cooking the sauce to warm them through.

For an extra kick, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes while making the sauce or topping the finished dish with some. If you're looking to make a lighter version, substitute part of the heavy cream with low-fat milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. This can change the texture slightly, but it's a great way to accommodate dietary preferences without sacrificing too much of the creamy essence of the dish.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use another type of pasta?

Absolutely! Any pasta shape will work, such as penne or spaghetti.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

You can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta.

→ Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, you can replace the ground chicken with sautéed mushrooms or a meat substitute.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.