Creamy Fettuccine Chicken Alfredo
Creamy Fettuccine Chicken Alfredo is a rich and satisfying comfort meal featuring tender chicken breasts, silky homemade Alfredo sauce, and perfectly cooked fettuccine pasta. This easy-to-make Italian-inspired dish is ideal for quick weeknight dinners or impressive special occasions, offering a luscious texture and customizable flavors to suit your preferences.
- Author: Kaeli
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Not Gluten Free (can be made gluten free by substituting gluten-free pasta)
Protein
- 2 boneless chicken breasts
Pasta
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasoning & Cooking
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Cook the Fettuccine: Start by boiling salted water in a large pot and cooking the fettuccine according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a small cup of pasta water for the sauce if needed.
- Prepare the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove the chicken and let it rest before slicing into strips or bite-sized pieces.
- Make the Alfredo Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant without browning. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring frequently as it simmers gently. Slowly whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth and creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken: Add the cooked fettuccine and sliced chicken back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together to ensure the pasta is evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up to your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Serve Immediately: Plate the Creamy Fettuccine Chicken Alfredo while it’s warm and luscious, ready to be garnished and enjoyed.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan rather than pre-shredded for best flavor and texture.
- Cook pasta al dente to prevent mushy texture after sauce absorption.
- Simmer sauce gently on low heat to avoid curdling the cream.
- Let cooked chicken rest before slicing to keep it juicy and tender.
- Utilize reserved pasta water to adjust sauce thickness and help it cling to noodles.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 40 g
- Saturated Fat: 22 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg
Keywords: Chicken Alfredo, Fettuccine Alfredo, Creamy Pasta, Comfort Food, Italian Pasta, Easy Dinner, Chicken Pasta Recipe