Description
Chicken Alfredo is a creamy, comforting Italian-American classic combining tender chicken breast with a rich Alfredo sauce and perfectly cooked fettuccine pasta. This quick and easy recipe is ideal for busy weeknights and can be customized with veggies or alternate proteins. It’s a family favorite that also makes excellent leftovers, providing a satisfying, warm meal anyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a skillet over medium heat, melt a little butter or heat olive oil and cook the chicken about 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Let rest, then slice into bite-sized pieces.
- Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving one cup of pasta water.
- Make the Alfredo Sauce: Using the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and simmer gently for 3-4 minutes. Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the Alfredo sauce. Toss everything together. If the sauce is too thick, loosen with reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your homemade Chicken Alfredo.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for better flavor and melt.
- Avoid overcooking chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
- Simmer cream gently to keep sauce silky and prevent curdling.
- Reserve pasta water to help sauce cling to the noodles perfectly.
- Season in layers: salt the pasta water, and season chicken and sauce separately.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (about 1/4 recipe)
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 40 g
- Saturated Fat: 24 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg
Keywords: Chicken Alfredo, creamy chicken pasta, Italian pasta recipe, comfort food, quick dinner, Alfredo sauce, family meal
