Best Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe

Craving something creamy, cheesy, and utterly comforting? Look no further than this Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe, which will satisfy your pasta-loving heart! This classic dish combines tender chicken, rich Alfredo sauce, and perfectly cooked fettuccine to create a meal that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Best of all, it’s incredibly easy to make from scratch with simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Fettuccine

1. Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes, until al dente.
2. Drain and Set Aside: Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the fettuccine. Set it aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

1. Season the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.

Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce

1. Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Add the Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and stir gently. Let the cream come to a simmer, but avoid boiling it to keep the sauce smooth.
3. Melt in the Parmesan: Gradually whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Continue to stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce becomes thick and creamy. If the sauce gets too thick, you can use some of the reserved pasta water to thin it out to your liking.

Step 4: Combine Everything

1. Add the Pasta: Add the cooked fettuccine to the Alfredo sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly.
2. Add the Chicken: Place the sliced chicken on top of the pasta. Toss everything together until the chicken is well distributed.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for a fresh touch, and serve with lemon wedges if you like a hint of citrus.
2. Plate and Enjoy: Serve this creamy Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo hot, and enjoy the rich flavors with a side of garlic bread or a crisp Caesar salad.

Why This is the Best Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe

Rich and Creamy Alfredo Sauce

• The sauce is the star of this dish, made with butter, garlic, cream, and freshly grated Parmesan for the perfect texture and flavor.

Perfectly Cooked Chicken

• Seasoned and seared to golden perfection, the chicken is juicy and tender, adding protein and depth to the dish.

Simple Ingredients

• With just a handful of pantry staples, this recipe is easy to pull together, making it a great weeknight meal.

Versatile Dish

• You can easily adapt this recipe by adding vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms, or swapping the chicken for shrimp.

Tips for Making the Perfect Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo

Use Fresh Parmesan:

• Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and gives the sauce a smoother, more flavorful texture compared to pre-grated versions.

Don’t Overcook the Pasta:

• Cook the fettuccine al dente so that it holds up well when tossed with the Alfredo sauce. Remember that the pasta will continue to cook slightly when combined with the sauce.

Season the Chicken Well:

• Don’t be shy with seasoning the chicken! A well-seasoned chicken breast adds extra flavor to the whole dish.

Thin the Sauce if Needed:

• If your Alfredo sauce becomes too thick, simply add a bit of the reserved pasta water to thin it out until you reach your desired consistency.

Variations to Try

Vegetable Add-Ins:

• Add steamed broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms to the dish for extra nutrition and flavor. Simply toss them into the sauce with the pasta.

Swap the Protein:

• Don’t have chicken on hand? Try this recipe with shrimp, grilled salmon, or even crispy bacon for a different twist.

Make it Spicy:

• If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the Alfredo sauce or top the dish with freshly cracked black pepper for a spicy kick.

How to Store and Reheat Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo

Storing Leftovers:

• Store any leftover Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating:

• To reheat, warm the pasta gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen up the sauce. You can also reheat it in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

Freezing:

• While Alfredo sauce doesn’t freeze well due to the cream, you can freeze the cooked chicken and pasta separately. When ready to serve, make a fresh batch of Alfredo sauce and combine everything.

Serving Suggestions

Garlic Bread:

• Serve this creamy Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo with a side of crispy garlic bread to soak up all the delicious sauce.

Caesar Salad:

• Pair the richness of the Alfredo with a light and refreshing Caesar salad for a perfectly balanced meal.

Steamed Vegetables:

• Add some green vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or green beans to your plate for a complete and wholesome dinner.

Conclusion

This Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe is a comforting classic that will quickly become a staple in your home. The creamy Alfredo sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked fettuccine combine to create a restaurant-quality dish you can easily make in your own kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for your family or impressing guests, this dish is guaranteed to please. Plus, with so many variations and easy make-ahead options, you can tailor it to suit any occasion!

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
   Yes! While fettuccine is traditional, you can use other pasta like penne, linguine, or even spaghetti.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   Yes, you can make the chicken and Alfredo sauce ahead of time and store them separately. Reheat them together when you’re ready to serve.
3. What can I use instead of heavy cream?
   You can substitute half-and-half or whole milk, but keep in mind that the sauce may not be as rich or thick.

Yield: 4

Best Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe

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Craving something creamy, cheesy, and utterly comforting? Look no further than this Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe, which will satisfy your pasta-loving heart! This classic dish combines tender chicken, rich Alfredo sauce, and perfectly cooked fettuccine to create a meal that's simply irresistible. Whether you're cooking for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Best of all, it's incredibly easy to make from scratch with simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen!

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb fettuccine pasta
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Extra Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken:
   Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. Slice the chicken into strips or cubes.
3. Make the Alfredo Sauce:
   In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant (be careful not to burn the garlic). Slowly whisk in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Add Parmesan Cheese:
   Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Add the black pepper and a pinch of ground nutmeg (if using) for extra flavor. Simmer the sauce for another 2-3 minutes until it thickens.
5. Combine the Pasta and Chicken:
   Add the cooked fettuccine pasta to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly. Stir in the sliced chicken, allowing everything to heat through for 1-2 minutes.
6. Serve:
   Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve the Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo hot.

Notes

Pasta Cooking Tip: Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water before draining the pasta. You can add a little of the starchy water to the sauce if you want to adjust its consistency.

Chicken Variations: You can also use grilled chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even shrimp as a variation in this recipe.

Add Veggies: For a twist, toss in some sautéed vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms.

Make Ahead: The Alfredo sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently over low heat.