Name: Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 oz fettuccine pasta; 2-3 boneless skinless chicken breasts; 2 cloves fresh garlic (minced); 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese; Olive oil; Salt and pepper

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Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo is a classic Italian dish that has won hearts all over the world. This dish features tender fettuccine pasta coated in a rich, creamy sauce made from butter, cream, and Parmesan cheese. The addition of juicy chicken elevates the meal to a complete dining experience. Whether you are cooking for family or hosting friends, Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo guarantees smiles around the table. With its simple ingredients and quick preparation time, you can whip up this delightful meal in about 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions alike, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Get ready to impress your loved ones with this indulgent yet easy-to-make dish!

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo

Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time and straightforward steps make this recipe stress-free, even for novice cooks
Flavorful and Versatile: Enjoy outstanding flavor with ingredients you can easily customize by adding your favorites or adjusting spices
Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for casual gatherings, holiday celebrations, or weeknight dinners

Ingredients for Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Fettuccine Pasta: About 12 ounces of fresh or dried fettuccine works well; choose high-quality pasta for the best texture
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 2-3 chicken breasts; they should be cooked until golden brown for added flavor
Fresh Garlic: Use about two cloves of minced garlic for robust flavor; fresh garlic enhances the overall taste of the sauce

For the Sauce:

Heavy Cream: Approximately one cup; this ingredient creates a rich and creamy texture that makes the sauce indulgent
Parmesan Cheese: Grate about one cup of high-quality Parmigiano-Reggiano for an authentic taste; fresh cheese melts better than pre-grated versions

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Season the boneless chicken breasts with salt and pepper before placing them in the skillet. Cook each side for about six to eight minutes until golden brown and thoroughly cooked.

Step 3: Sauté Garlic

Once the chicken is done cooking, remove it from the skillet and let it rest. In the same skillet over medium heat, add minced garlic and sauté for about one minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Pour in heavy cream into the skillet with garlic. Allow it to simmer gently while stirring frequently. Gradually add grated Parmesan cheese while continuing to stir until it melts completely.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

Slice the cooked chicken into strips and return it along with drained fettuccine back into the skillet. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through.

Step 6: Serve

Transfer to plates and drizzle with extra sauce if desired. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese or parsley for an attractive finish.

Tips and Tricks

Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:

Even Cooking: Make sure all ingredients are cut to similar sizes for consistent cooking times
Temperature Control: Let ingredients reach room temperature before starting for better results
Advanced Technique: For enhanced flavor, try marinating the chicken in Italian herbs before cooking

How to Serve Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo

This Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:

Rice or Potatoes: A hearty base that soaks up the delicious sauce.
Fresh Salad: Adds a crisp and refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the dish.
Crusty Bread: Perfect for enjoying every last drop of the flavorful sauce.

Feel free to pair it with your favorite sides for a personalized meal!

Make Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead: You can prepare the fettuccine and chicken a day in advance. Cook the pasta until al dente, drain it, then toss it with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. For the chicken, season and cook as directed, then slice and refrigerate.
Storing: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing. Place the cooled Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo in freezer-safe containers and store for up to three months.
Reheating: To reheat, place your Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo in a saucepan over low heat. Add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce, stirring gently until warmed through. This should take about 5-10 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave it on medium power for two-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until heated evenly.

Suggestions for Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo

Avoid Overcooking the Pasta

One of the most common mistakes in preparing Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo is overcooking the pasta. Fettuccine should be cooked al dente, which means it should still have a slight bite to it. When overcooked, the pasta can become mushy and lose its texture, affecting the overall dish. To prevent this, make sure to follow the package instructions for cooking time and taste a strand a minute or two before the suggested time is up. Once done, drain the pasta immediately and toss it with a little olive oil to prevent sticking while you prepare your sauce.

Use Fresh Ingredients

To elevate your Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo, always opt for fresh ingredients rather than pre-packaged items. Fresh garlic, cream, and Parmesan cheese will enhance the flavor significantly. Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can alter the texture of your sauce. Additionally, using fresh herbs can add depth to your dish. Whenever possible, choose organic produce and high-quality dairy to ensure you achieve that creamy, rich flavor that makes this dish so beloved.

Balance Your Sauce

Getting the right consistency in your Alfredo sauce is crucial for a successful Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo. If your sauce is too thick, it can clump together and make the dish unappetizing. Conversely, if it’s too thin, it won’t coat the pasta properly. Start by melting butter over low heat, then gradually whisk in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add grated Parmesan cheese slowly until you reach your desired consistency. Remember to season with salt and pepper to taste throughout this process for optimal flavor balance.

Don’t Skip Seasoning

Many home cooks neglect proper seasoning when preparing Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo. Salt enhances flavors and can make or break your dish. While cooking pasta, add salt to the boiling water; this infuses flavor into the noodles themselves. Also, season your sauce generously with salt and pepper before combining it with chicken and fettuccine. A sprinkle of nutmeg can also add an unexpected layer of flavor that complements the creaminess of the sauce beautifully.

FAQs

What is Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo?

Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo is a classic Italian-American pasta dish made with fettuccine noodles tossed in a rich and creamy sauce typically made from butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Often topped with grilled or sautéed chicken breast, this dish has become popular due to its comforting flavors and satisfying nature. The combination of tender chicken pieces with luscious fettuccine creates a meal that’s both hearty and indulgent. It’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions where you want something deliciously filling.

Can I make Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo ahead of time! To do this successfully, cook everything but combine it right away. Prepare your chicken and fettuccine as normal but let them cool separately before storing them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat each component gently over low heat while adding a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce’s creamy texture. This way, you preserve both flavor and freshness without compromising on quality.

Can I use alternatives for heavy cream in Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo?

If you prefer not to use heavy cream in Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo due to dietary restrictions or personal preference, there are several alternatives you can try. Whole milk combined with cornstarch can mimic heavy cream’s thickness while reducing fat content. Alternatively, you could use half-and-half for a lighter option or even dairy-free alternatives like coconut milk or cashew cream if you’re looking for vegan-friendly choices. Keep in mind that these substitutions may slightly change the flavor profile but still yield a delicious result.

How do I store leftovers of Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo?

To store leftovers of Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo effectively, allow it to cool completely before transferring it into an airtight container. This helps prevent moisture buildup inside that could lead to spoilage or sogginess in your pasta dish. You can refrigerate leftovers for up to three days or freeze them for longer storage—up to three months if stored correctly! When reheating frozen portions, it’s best to thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before warming gently on low heat while adding extra cream or broth as needed.

Conclusion for Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo

In conclusion, mastering Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo requires attention to detail from choosing fresh ingredients to perfecting your sauce consistency. Avoid common pitfalls such as overcooking pasta or neglecting seasoning; these mistakes can significantly diminish your dish’s flavor profile. By following our suggestions—like using quality parmesan cheese and balancing flavors—you’ll create an unforgettable meal that delights everyone at your table. Whether enjoyed on special occasions or casual weeknights, this creamy delight remains a beloved staple worth perfecting!

Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo

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5 from 1 review

Author: Aimee
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x

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Description

Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo is a beloved Italian classic that brings comfort and satisfaction to any dining table. This indulgent dish features velvety fettuccine pasta enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce made from butter, heavy cream, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Tender pieces of juicy chicken add heartiness to the meal, making it perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. With a preparation time of just 10 minutes and a cooking time of 20 minutes, you can enjoy this delightful dish in under half an hour. Whether paired with a fresh salad or garlic bread, Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo is sure to impress.

Ingredients

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Instructions

Cook the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook for 6-8 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and let rest.
In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for about one minute until fragrant.
Pour in heavy cream, simmer gently while stirring. Gradually mix in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Slice chicken and return it to the skillet along with the drained fettuccine; toss to combine.
Serve warm, garnished with extra Parmesan or parsley if desired.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main
Method: Sautéing
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition