Easy Keto Chicken Alfredo (Creamy Low-Carb Dinner)

ByAparna dhali
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Keto Chicken Alfredo is one of those recipes that never goes out of style. It’s rich, creamy, and feels indulgent without knocking you out of ketosis. This low-carb version skips the pasta but keeps everything people love about classic Alfredo: tender chicken, a silky garlic cream sauce, and plenty of cheese.

It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something filling, but it also works great for casual dinners or small get-togethers where comfort food is the goal. Best part? It comes together fast, uses simple ingredients, and tastes like something you’d order at a restaurant.

What You’ll Need

Ingredients

  • Boneless chicken breast or thighs
  • Heavy cream
  • Butter
  • Garlic
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Cream cheese
  • Olive oil
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Italian seasoning
  • Optional: zucchini noodles or steamed broccoli

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Practical Tips

  • Chicken thighs stay juicier, but breasts work fine if you don’t overcook them.
  • Pre-grated parmesan doesn’t melt well — freshly grated makes a smoother sauce.

How to Make Keto Chicken Alfredo

Step 1: Preparation

Slice the chicken into even pieces so it cooks evenly. Season lightly with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mince the garlic and grate the parmesan ahead of time this keeps the sauce from breaking later.

Tip: Cold cheese added to hot cream can turn grainy. Let it sit at room temp for a few minutes.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden on the outside and fully cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Mistake to avoid: Crowding the pan. If the chicken steams instead of browns, the flavor suffers.

Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce

In the same pan, lower the heat and sauté garlic briefly until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and add cream cheese, stirring until smooth. Slowly stir in parmesan until the sauce thickens.

Optional variations:

  • Add red pepper flakes for heat
  • Stir in spinach or mushrooms
  • Use extra parmesan for a thicker sauce

Step 4: Combine & Finish

Return the chicken to the pan and toss until fully coated. Simmer gently for a few minutes until everything is warmed through and creamy.

What to Serve With Keto Chicken Alfredo

This dish is rich, so keep sides simple:

  • Zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice
  • Steamed broccoli or asparagus
  • A light keto side salad

If you’re building a full spread, pair it with other easy keto dinner recipes or serve alongside creamy chicken mains and low-carb comfort food favorites to round out the meal.

Calories & Nutrition

Approximate calories: 520–580 per serving Values vary based on cheese, cream, and portion size.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

  • Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
  • Freezer: Not recommended — cream sauces can separate
  • Reheating: Warm gently on the stove or microwave at low power, stirring often

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time? 

Yes, but it’s best served fresh for the creamiest sauce.

Can I use milk instead of cream? 

No, milk won’t thicken properly and isn’t keto-friendly.

Is this kid-friendly? 

Yes, just skip spicy add-ins.

Can I add vegetables? 

Absolutely, spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms work well.

Why did my sauce get grainy? 

The heat was too high or the cheese was added too fast.

Keto Chicken Alfredo

This Keto Chicken Alfredo is rich, creamy, and seriously satisfying without the carbs. Tender chicken is coated in a garlic Parmesan cream sauce that tastes just like classic Alfredo, but stays low-carb and keto-friendly. It’s a weeknight-ready dinner that feels indulgent without kicking you out of ketosis.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1½ lb chicken breast or thighs
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1½ cups heavy cream
  • ½ cup cream cheese
  • 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning

Method
 

  1. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  2. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet and cook chicken until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  3. Lower heat, sauté garlic briefly, then add heavy cream and cream cheese. Stir until smooth.
  4. Slowly add parmesan, stirring until sauce thickens.
  5. Return chicken to the pan and toss to coat. Simmer gently for 3–5 minutes.
  6. Serve hot over zucchini noodles or with steamed veggies.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated parmesan for best texture
  • Reheat gently to avoid sauce separation
  • Add spinach or mushrooms for variety

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