I remember one week when my calendar was bursting with back-to-back meetings and errands, and dinner felt like a mountain I just couldn’t climb. That’s when Fettuccine Alfredo with Chicken and Sundried Tomatoes became my saving grace. Planning this dish ahead simplified my dinner rotation instantly. I knew with a little prep, I could come home and pull together a creamy, satisfying meal without scrambling.
This recipe fits perfectly into an organized meal plan because the ingredients are straightforward and store well. The cooked chicken can be prepped on the weekend or grabbed from my stash of rotisserie leftovers. Plus, sun-dried tomatoes add a big flavor punch with minimal effort. The creamy Alfredo sauce takes just minutes to whip up once the pasta is ready.
One of my biggest planning breakthroughs was doubling this chicken pasta recipe to stretch leftovers into a second night’s dinner or tasty lunch. That time-saving approach meant I saved at least 20 minutes on a busy weeknight and could use those extra minutes to prep snacks or update my planner for the days ahead.
If you’re juggling work, family, or just the daily grind but want to serve something indulgently delicious without last-minute chaos, this Fettuccine Alfredo with Chicken and Sundried Tomatoes has your back. The planning advantage lies in prepping components ahead and assembling efficiently when hunger calls.
Meal planners who want a strategic, tasty solution for weeknight rotation will find this dish a reliable staple. It hits the flavor notes with Italian creamy fettuccine comfort and the bright touch of sundried tomato pasta flavor—plus the protein boost from chicken. Keeping it on your rotation means a stress-free way to enjoy a rich, easy chicken Alfredo with minimal fuss.
If you want to add more easy ideas like this into your week, check out my collection of planned meals like the crispy chicken tenders with dipping sauce or one pan chicken dinner with buttered noodles. These recipes play nicely across a busy schedule and help you put thoughtful meal planning into regular practice.
Your Shopping List:
For your Fettuccine Alfredo with Chicken and Sundried Tomatoes, here’s the strategic list I pull together:
- 12 ounces fettuccine pasta (use gluten-free if needed; cooks perfectly al dente for this creamy Alfredo)
- 2 large chicken breasts (I prefer boneless, skinless for faster prep and easier portioning)
- 1 cup heavy cream (this is the base for that luscious creamy Alfredo sauce)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated for best melt and flavor)
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (packed in oil for more flavor and easier chopping)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (adds richness without overpowering the sauce)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (fresh for aroma and flavor that ties this sundried tomato pasta together)
- Salt and pepper to taste (this simple seasoning keeps every component balanced)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional) (adds color and fresh flavor, storing in a glass of water extends shelf life)
- Olive oil (for cooking chicken, I keep a good quality bottle handy)
I choose these ingredients for my Fettuccine Alfredo with Chicken and Sundried Tomatoes because they store well throughout the week. Pasta and sun-dried tomatoes last several weeks unopened, and chicken breasts can be prepped or frozen in batches.
When shopping, group the pasta, cream, and Parmesan in your dairy and dry goods aisle. Chicken and butter are from the fresh section, while garlic and parsley round out the produce aisle. Buying pre-minced garlic or pre-chopped sun-dried tomatoes can save time without sacrificing quality if you prefer.
Many of these ingredients work in other recipes for the week, like my Mediterranean chicken and orzo or one pan chicken dinner with buttered noodles. Planning to use staples across several meals cuts down your shopping load and preps efficiently for multiple nights.
For batch prep, cook extra chicken breasts on Sunday and slice or dice them. Keep in airtight containers in the fridge or freeze portions for later. That way, making this Fettuccine Alfredo with Chicken and Sundried Tomatoes midweek becomes a quick assembly instead of a full cook from scratch.
The Game Plan:
- Prep your chicken first. Season the 2 large chicken breasts lightly with salt and pepper, then heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken about 6-7 minutes each side, or until no longer pink inside. Set aside to rest, then slice thinly. This step can be done ahead and stored in the fridge.
- While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add your 12 ounces of fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Plan for about 10 minutes on average. Drain pasta and save about 1/2 cup of pasta water—this will help loosen your creamy Alfredo sauce if needed.
- Start your creamy Alfredo sauce: In the same skillet you used for chicken, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add 3 cloves minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not brown. Pour in 1 cup heavy cream and simmer gently for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes (1/4 cup chopped) into the sauce. Let them soften and flavor infuse for another 2 minutes. Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce thickens. Add salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce feels too thick, splash in reserved pasta water gradually until you reach your preferred consistency.
- Toss the cooked fettuccine pasta and sliced chicken into the sauce. Gently fold to coat all noodles and chicken evenly. At this point, your Fettuccine Alfredo with Chicken and Sundried Tomatoes should look glossy and rich.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately with a light green salad or steamed veggies on the side.
Planning tip: This entire process takes about 30-40 minutes, but prepping chicken earlier or buying pre-cooked cuts shortens your time substantially. While the sauce simmers, you can wash salad veggies or prep sides to keep meal flow brisk.
If you are making this Fettuccine Alfredo with Chicken and Sundried Tomatoes ahead, cook the pasta al dente and cool completely before storing in the fridge without sauce to avoid mushy noodles. Warm the Alfredo sauce gently on the stove and combine just before serving.
I’ve found that freezing cooked chicken separately works well for batches. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then toss into your Alfredo just before serving. This system keeps meal planning flexible without sacrificing freshness or flavor.
For more on smooth planning with easy chicken Alfredo dishes, check out Chicken Pasta of your dreams! – RecipeTin Eats or the Sun-Dried Tomato Fettuccine Alfredo at Damn Delicious for flavor inspiration.
Smart Serving & Meal Planning Ideas:

This Fettuccine Alfredo with Chicken and Sundried Tomatoes fits nicely as a weekly staple. I often plan it for a Tuesday or Wednesday night when I want something comforting but not fussy. It pairs well with simple sides that use common ingredients for smart shopping: a crisp mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette or steamed broccoli with a light drizzle of olive oil.
Portion planning is straightforward. One serving is about 1.5 cups of the prepared pasta with chicken. For a family, doubling ingredients works well and leftovers reheat nicely without losing the creamy texture. Leftover Fettuccine Alfredo with Chicken and Sundried Tomatoes can transform into a quick lunch, or layered in a casserole with some extra cheese and baked for a fresh take.
If you want to keep your meal prep flexible, consider roasting extra vegetables during the same window you cook chicken. They can be served alongside the pasta or packed for lunches—this adds variety with minimal extra effort.
For a variation, swap spinach into your creamy Alfredo sauce as in this recipe from Dolce and Ricotta to add greens without complicating your list. These adjustments make this Italian creamy fettuccine adaptable across weeks.
Strategic planners will notice how this dish complements others like the tasty one pan chicken dinner with buttered noodles or the Mediterranean chicken and orzo in a rotation, keeping your week balanced without overloading the schedule.
Planning & Prep Questions
How far ahead can I prep Fettuccine Alfredo with Chicken and Sundried Tomatoes?
You can cook and slice the chicken up to 3 days ahead, stored in airtight containers in the fridge. Pasta is best cooked no more than a day ahead to avoid mushiness, stored separately from sauce.
What is the best make-ahead strategy for this chicken pasta recipe?
Cook chicken and pasta on meal prep day. Keep pasta plain and store sauce separately. On dinner day, reheat sauce gently, toss pasta and chicken just before serving. This approach avoids overcooked noodles and keeps flavors fresh.
Can I freeze components for this Fettuccine Alfredo with Chicken and Sundried Tomatoes?
Yes, cooked chicken freezes well. I recommend freezing chicken separately in portions. Pasta doesn’t freeze as well for texture, so keep it refrigerated and fresh.
How do I incorporate this sundried tomato pasta recipe into my weekly meal plan?
Position it midweek as a reliable dinner when you need something filling but quick. It pairs well with salads or steamed veggies, making side prep easy. Use leftovers to save time on lunches.
Do I need special tools to prepare creamy Alfredo sauce?
No, just a good skillet and whisk or spoon to stir through cheese carefully. Having grated Parmesan on hand speeds the process.
Any tips to keep the sauce creamy and not separate?
Simmer the cream gently and avoid boiling hard once cheese is added. Stir continuously to keep the sauce smooth for your Italian creamy fettuccine.
What if I want a lighter version of this easy chicken Alfredo?
Swap half and half for heavy cream or reduce butter slightly. Add more sun-dried tomatoes or fresh herbs for flavor without extra richness.
If you want more planned meals that play well alongside this Fettuccine Alfredo with Chicken and Sundried Tomatoes, check out my recipes on crispy chicken tenders with dipping sauce and Mediterranean chicken and orzo for a balanced rotation.
Planning Takeaways
Fettuccine Alfredo with Chicken and Sundried Tomatoes earned its spot in my meal planning because it nails balance—rich and delicious, yet genuinely easy to prep in advance. It’s a weekly staple where thoughtful prep pays off in big flavor without last-minute stress.
Strategic Fettuccine Alfredo with Chicken and Sundried Tomatoes Tips:
- Cook and slice chicken ahead of time for quick assembly.
- Store pasta and sauce separately when making ahead to maintain texture.
- Use sun-dried tomatoes for concentrated flavor that lasts on the shelf and brightens the creamy Alfredo sauce.
For meal planning variations, I’ve switched up the veggies by adding spinach, or swapped chicken for shrimp when I needed a faster protein cook time. I’ve also doubled the recipe for batch cooking, freezing chicken for future meals while freshening up the sauce day-of.
The planning approach that works best for busy weeks is simplifying steps—with most of the protein and chopping done ahead of time, this Fettuccine Alfredo with Chicken and Sundried Tomatoes comes together in under 20 minutes once you’re ready to eat.
This recipe is flexible enough to fit your schedule. Whether you batch cook on Sundays or prep components in the morning, it streamlines dinner without feeling rigid.
For more planned meal solutions, take a look at one pan chicken dinner with buttered noodles that complements this recipe nicely.
Remember, incorporating Fettuccine Alfredo with Chicken and Sundried Tomatoes into your meal plan means you’re choosing efficiency without sacrificing deliciousness. Planning ahead keeps your week running smoothly, and dinner satisfying every night. You’re ready for the week ahead—with a creamy, comforting dish that shows thoughtful meal planning pays off.
Happy planning!
Ingredients Image

Fettuccine Alfredo with Chicken and Sundried Tomatoes
A creamy and comforting Fettuccine Alfredo featuring tender chicken and flavorful sundried tomatoes, perfect for an easy yet elegant Italian-inspired dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup sundried tomatoes, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the fettuccine pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and cook 5-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and let rest, then slice thinly.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add butter and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Stir in chopped sundried tomatoes and cooked fettuccine, tossing to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
- Add sliced chicken on top and heat through for 1-2 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
For an extra burst of flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
