Pasta dishes are my weeknight heroes, quick, comforting, and super satisfying. But there’s one dish I always turn to when I want something scrumptious, creamy, and irresistible. In that case, it’s Chicken Alfredo with Angel Hair Pasta. This pasta recipe is a silky, garlicky, truly rich, cheesy treat that never fails to impress, and is worthy.
This recipe was inspired by a boxed pasta that I used to love years ago, it was the garden herb flavor from Pasta Roni. I remember how creamy and flavorful it was, so I wanted to recreate that same deliciousness from scratch, now with added chicken.
Angel hair pasta is also known as “Capellini” in Italian, which means “thin pasta“, which is what everyone loves the most. Angel hair pasta is best used for delicate Alfredo sauce, as it absorbs all the goodness of the sauce without becoming too heavy. The texture is light with the richness of chicken, and herby-garlicky flavor, which I like!
The Secret of Chicken Alfredo with Angel Hair Pasta
Quick and Easy: Angel hair pasta is a total game-changer pasta type in the pantries. It cooks in just 1 to 2 minutes, it’s just as ready as boxed mac and cheese or instant pasta Roni, but with a much more enhanced flavor. That’s what makes it the perfect match for a creamy Alfredo sauce. With just some garlic and a sprinkle of parmesan, this sauce and chicken with angel hair come together like magic.
Family Favorite: This pasta is a go-to for busy nights when you’re short on time but still want to put something warm, hearty, and delicious on the table. Just boil, toss, and serve; it is that simple. And when you combine velvety Alfredo sauce with juicy, seasoned chicken, it becomes the kind of comfort food that everyone loves, from picky toddlers to food-loving adults, who can’t get enough of it.
Versatile & Flexible: You can even make a lighter version by swapping in whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for extra fiber and fewer carbs. You can also keep it vegetarian by omitting the chicken and adding your favorite plant-based toppings, like sautéed mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, vibrant beetroot, or even a handful of fresh Italian herbs. For protein lovers, try shrimp, chicken, or bacon, but meat like chicken gives this dish a mild, savory twist.
The beauty of this recipe is how flexible you can be in swapping the ingredients. This Chicken Alfredo with Angel Hair Pasta never fails to adapt to whatever’s in your kitchen. Still, it tastes like something you’d order from your favorite Italian restaurant in just 20 minutes.
Now it’s time to grab your notebook and start to note down this easy-peasy recipe! Let’s kick things off with the ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
If I could eat this pasta every day without worrying about calories, I totally would! It’s just so tasty, and the best part is, it’s really simple to make.
To make this creamy, cheesy, and dreamy Chicken Alfredo with Angel Hair Pasta, here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pack Angel Hair Pasta
- 4 boneless Chicken Breasts (sliced)
- 3 tbsp Butter
- 3 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 medium Onion (chopped)
- 1/2 cup fresh garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tsp Italian Seasonings
- 1 lb Mushrooms (sliced)
- 2 cups Heavy Cream
- 1/2 cup Cream Cheese
- 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
- 1 cup fresh basil (chopped)
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
Preparation:
- Cut the chicken breast into little pieces
- Minced the Garlicgarlic
- Chopped up the onions
- Sliced the mushrooms
- Boil the pasta
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Boil the Pasta:
Take a large skillet of salted water and boil angel hair pasta for just 1-2 minutes or according to package instructions. Don’t over cook, drain instantly, and keep save a cup of that pasta water. This liquid is gold for your sauce later!
2. Cook the Chicken:
Take another large skillet, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (don’t burn). Add in salt, black pepper, and Italian seasonings for a bit of warmth and give a good stir.
Next, toss in the sliced chicken, let it cook for a few minutes until the chicken is perfectly juicy. Once the chicken is tender, add your mushrooms and cover for 3-5 minutes. Stir everything!
3. Make the Creamy Sauce:
Pour in the heavy cream, cream cheese, and reserved pasta water. Keep stirring gently until the sauce becomes lump-free, smooth, and creamy. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes, then gently toss in the pasta mix until every pasta strand is coated with that velvety Alfredo sauce.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Dish out your pasta, top with freshly grated parmesan, and some parsley. Serve hot!
Here you go, Chicken Alfredo with angel Hair Pasta is ready to serve! Have you looked? I’m not kidding when I said this dish could be done in just 20 minutes.
Personal Tip: The Sauce Is Everything!
Let me reveal here a secret about the sauce I made for this recipe, shall I? Whenever I make this sauce, I use it in other meals too, with or without chicken! Try it with stir-fried steak and serve it with rice or mashed potatoes, believe me, it’s never disappointed you. Moreover, if you want to make your eggplant or vegan mushroom pasta even better, pour this creamy sauce over the eggplant, give it a good mix, and bake it—so tasty!
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)
Is Angel Hair the Same as Capellini?
Angel hair pasta, or Capellini, is one of the most delicate types of pasta among the other 350 pasta shapes. It’s because of their finest texture (0.78 to 0.85 millimeters) that they cook extremely fast, literally under 2 minutes! These two types pair beautifully with lighter sauces like Alfredo. Unlike thicker pasta that takes time to soak up flavor, Capellini and Angel hair quickly get coated with sauces, making it ideal for fast and flavorful dishes.
Tips for Perfect Alfredo Angel Hair Pasta
- Don’t overcook the pasta: be careful not to overcook the pasta, as this fine type turns mushy very fast. Just boil it for 1–2 minutes, then drain it. Remember, it continues to cook in the sauce.
- Use fresh herbs: use fresh herbs like basil, oregano, thyme, or parsley. Parsley elevates the flavor of the dish significantly.
- Italian Seasoning: In case you don’t have fresh herbs, no worries! You can use dried herbs like dried basil, oregano, thyme, or Italian seasoning. You don’t need to have all of them; use whatever is available.
- Balance your garlic. Fresh minced garlic gives intensity in pasta dishes; it’s a must-ingredient if you want amazing flavor!
- Serve immediately. I recommend serving it right off the stovetop. This dish tastes best when enjoyed hot and fresh.
What to Serve With Chicken Alfredo Pasta?
Looking for ideas for what to serve with your Alfredo with Angel hair pasta? Here are some tasty options:
- Appetizers: Garlic breadsticks, roasted asparagus, garden salad, or steamed broccoli
- Add-ins: To make it heartier, mix in some chicken, shrimp, sausage, green peas, broccoli, or mushrooms.
- Side Dishes: Pair it with a Caesar Salad, Mushroom Risotto, or a simple tossed salad.
- Wines: Chilled white wines like Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, or Sauvignon Blanc are best to balance their creamy richness. For a fun twist, try Prosecco, or go light with Pinot Noir if you prefer red wine.
How to Store and Reheat
- Store within 2 hours in an airtight jar or container and refrigerate for up to 3 to 4 days. It stays good for up to 4 days. Or you can freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat gently on the stove or microwave with a splash of milk to revive the creamy texture, but being so thin might break strands slightly.
Final Thoughts
Suppose you’re on the lookout for a quick, easy, and elegant pasta dish. In that case, this Chicken Alfredo with Angel Hair Pasta will be your new favorite. It’s indulgent without being too heavy, flavorful without being fussy, and most importantly, ready in under 20 minutes.
I’ve made this recipe dozens of times for family dinners, date nights, and potlucks—it’s always a hit. And once you try it, you’ll see why it holds a special place in my heart. I’m sure your whole family will enjoy it too. It’s forever a favorite in my house, specifically with the kids!
Looking for More Pasta Goodness?
Check out my other creamy creations like:
Best Vodka Sauce Pasta with Sausage
Baked Cream Cheese Cherry Tomato Pasta
FAQs about Alfredo with Angel Hair Pasta
What is the best pasta for Alfredo sauce?
The best pastas for Alfredo sauce are fettuccine, tagliatelle, and linguine. Their flat, wide shapes hold the creamy sauce well. Angel hair also works, but needs a gentler toss.
What is the secret to a good Alfredo sauce?
High-quality butter, heavy cream, and freshly grated parmesan are key ingredients to keep Alfredo sauce smooth and creamy.
Is Alfredo bad for a diet?
Yes, Alfredo is not healthy for a diet. A single serving of a restaurant pasta dish is packed with around 1,500 calories and loaded with saturated fat, making it one of the most unhealthy pasta dishes.
