Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta with Peas

Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta with Peas is a hearty and satisfying dish featuring tender chicken breast, al dente pasta, sweet green peas, and a rich, velvety Alfredo sauce. It’s a comforting one-bowl meal perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A complete meal with protein, pasta, and vegetables in one dish.

• Homemade Alfredo sauce adds a rich, creamy texture without overwhelming the palate.

• Quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights.

• Elegant enough to serve to guests or during family gatherings.

• Leftovers reheat beautifully and taste even better the next day.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cubed)

• Spaghetti or fettuccine pasta

• Frozen green peas (or fresh)

• Heavy cream

• Grated Parmesan cheese

• Garlic (minced)

• Butter

• Olive oil

• Salt and black pepper

• Italian seasoning or parsley (optional for garnish)

directions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season chicken cubes with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

3. Add chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through (6–8 minutes). Remove from skillet and set aside.

4. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.

5. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally and let it thicken slightly (2–3 minutes).

6. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce becomes creamy and smooth.

7. Add the cooked chicken and green peas to the sauce. Cook for 2–3 minutes until peas are warmed through.

8. Toss in the cooked pasta and mix everything together until well coated.

9. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with extra Parmesan and chopped parsley if desired.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 20 minutes

• Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Bacon Alfredo: Add cooked, crumbled bacon for extra flavor and texture.

• Spicy version: Sprinkle in red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.

• Low-carb: Replace pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.

• Vegetarian: Omit chicken and add mushrooms or sautéed spinach instead.

• Lighter option: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and reduce the amount of cheese slightly.

storage/reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. Stir occasionally for even heating.

• Freezing: Not recommended due to the cream-based sauce, which may separate upon thawing.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking fresh chicken?

Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken is a convenient substitute and works well in this recipe.

Can I substitute milk for cream?

Whole milk can be used but the sauce will be thinner and less rich. Adding a bit of flour or cornstarch can help thicken it.

Do I need to thaw the peas before using?

No, frozen peas can be added directly to the skillet and will thaw quickly in the hot sauce.

What type of pasta works best?

Fettuccine, linguine, or penne are ideal because they hold the sauce well, but any pasta will work.

How can I thicken the Alfredo sauce more?

Add more grated Parmesan or let it simmer a bit longer. Avoid boiling, as that may cause separation.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Only if made with gluten-free pasta and verified gluten-free ingredients. Regular pasta contains gluten.

Can I make the sauce in advance?

Yes, but reheat it gently and stir in a splash of cream or milk to restore its smooth texture.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, this recipe scales well. Just ensure you have a large enough skillet or pan to combine all ingredients evenly.

Can I use other vegetables?

Absolutely—broccoli, mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes are excellent additions.

How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?

Cook on medium-low heat and avoid boiling the cream. Stir continuously once the cheese is added.

Conclusion

Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta with Peas is a flavorful, satisfying dish that brings classic Italian-inspired comfort to your table in under 30 minutes. Its creamy texture, tender chicken, and pops of green peas make it a family-friendly favorite that’s both indulgent and balanced.

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