This Creamy Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo is a rich, comforting dish with tender slices of chicken and a velvety Alfredo sauce. It’s a classic Italian-American dish that will satisfy your craving for a creamy, cheesy meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb chicken breast, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional)
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)
How to Make Creamy Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo:
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Cook the Fettuccine
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the fettuccine pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. Drain the pasta and set it aside, but keep it warm while you prepare the chicken and sauce. - Cook the Chicken
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken breast to the skillet, cooking for about 5-7 minutes or until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. - Prepare the Alfredo Sauce
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter along with the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute, just until it becomes fragrant but not browned. Next, pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. - Add the Parmesan Cheese
Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the cream to form a smooth and creamy sauce. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg for added depth of flavor (if desired). - Combine the Chicken and Fettuccine
Return the cooked chicken slices to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Add the drained fettuccine and toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated with the creamy sauce. Let the dish heat through for an additional 2 minutes, stirring gently to ensure even cooking. - Serve and Garnish
Transfer the creamy chicken fettuccine Alfredo to a serving dish and garnish it with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately for best results.
Helpful Tips:
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Make sure to cook the pasta al dente (slightly firm to the bite) to maintain texture when combined with the sauce.
- Preheat Pan for Chicken: Ensure the pan is hot before adding the chicken for a nice golden sear.
- Avoid Overheating the Sauce: Keep the sauce on a low simmer to avoid separating or curdling the cream.
- Add Extra Veggies: For a twist, add spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms to the sauce for additional texture and nutrients.
Details:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing and Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian (can omit chicken for vegetarian version)
Notes:
- Nutmeg is optional but can add a subtle warm flavor that complements the creaminess of the sauce.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, though the sauce will be slightly thinner.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, if you have pre-cooked chicken on hand, you can skip the chicken-cooking step and simply add the chicken into the sauce when combining with the fettuccine. - Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While fettuccine is the traditional choice, other pasta types like penne, linguine, or pappardelle will work well too. - How do I prevent the sauce from separating?
Avoid cooking the sauce over high heat. Keep it on a low simmer to ensure the cream stays smooth and doesn’t separate.
Storage Instructions:
- Refrigeration: Store leftover Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.
- Freezing: While it is possible to freeze Alfredo, the sauce may lose some of its creamy texture. If freezing, store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat slowly, adding extra cream or milk if necessary.
Creamy Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo
Description
This Creamy Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo is a rich, comforting dish with tender slices of chicken and a velvety Alfredo sauce. It’s a classic Italian-American dish that will satisfy your craving for a creamy, cheesy meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb chicken breast, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional)
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Fettuccine
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the fettuccine pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. Drain the pasta and set it aside, but keep it warm while you prepare the chicken and sauce. - Cook the Chicken
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken breast to the skillet, cooking for about 5-7 minutes or until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. - Prepare the Alfredo Sauce
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter along with the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute, just until it becomes fragrant but not browned. Next, pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. - Add the Parmesan Cheese
Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the cream to form a smooth and creamy sauce. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg for added depth of flavor (if desired). - Combine the Chicken and Fettuccine
Return the cooked chicken slices to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Add the drained fettuccine and toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated with the creamy sauce. Let the dish heat through for an additional 2 minutes, stirring gently to ensure even cooking. - Serve and Garnish
Transfer the creamy chicken fettuccine Alfredo to a serving dish and garnish it with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately for best results.
Notes
- Nutmeg is optional but can add a subtle warm flavor that complements the creaminess of the sauce.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, though the sauce will be slightly thinner.