Description
Indulge in a classic Italian-American favorite with this rich and creamy Chicken Alfredo. Tender chicken breast slices are tossed with fettuccine pasta in a luxurious, velvety sauce made from butter, garlic, cream, and parmesan cheese. It’s a comforting meal perfect for weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces (225 g) fettuccine pasta (or your preferred pasta)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1¼ cups heavy cream (or heavy whipping cream)
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- ¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional, for extra warmth)
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
-
Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta, reserving about ½ cup of the cooking water.
-
Sear the Chicken
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season the chicken strips lightly with salt and pepper.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 4–5 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
-
Prepare the Alfredo Sauce
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium.
- Melt the butter and stir in the minced garlic. Sauté for 30–60 seconds, or until fragrant (be careful not to brown the garlic).
- Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously.
- Let the sauce come to a gentle simmer, then add the grated Parmesan cheese.
- Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg (optional).
-
Combine and Serve
- Add the cooked fettuccine and the chicken back into the skillet.
- Toss to coat the pasta and chicken evenly with the sauce.
- If the sauce is too thick, use a bit of the reserved pasta water to thin it out.
- Remove from heat.
- Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley, if desired.
- Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Pasta Choice: Fettuccine is traditional, but you can use linguine, spaghetti, or any long pasta.
- Protein Options: Feel free to substitute shrimp for chicken, or use both.
- Cheese Variations: For an extra cheesy taste, mix in some shredded mozzarella.
- Storage: Leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Chicken Alfredo, Creamy Pasta, Easy Dinner, Quick Meal, Comfort Food