Chicken Alfredo Pasta

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 20 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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Chicken Alfredo Pasta is a creamy, comforting classic that's hard to resist. With tender slices of chicken and a rich, cheesy sauce, this dish is perfect for a cozy night in or a special dinner.

Ingredients for Chicken Alfredo Pasta

The base of this dish starts with fettuccine, a wide pasta that holds onto the creamy sauce beautifully. The boneless, skinless chicken breasts are seasoned simply with salt and pepper for a juicy, flavorful bite. Olive oil helps to sear the chicken to golden perfection. The heart of the sauce is heavy cream, providing that luscious, creamy texture. Parmesan cheese is crucial for its nutty flavor and creamy meltability. Butter adds richness, while garlic infuses the sauce with aromatic depth. Finally, a sprinkle of chopped parsley adds freshness and a pop of color.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melt and flavor. Pre-grated cheese may not melt as smoothly.
  • Letting the chicken rest after cooking helps retain its juices, keeping it tender.
  • If your sauce seems too thick, a bit of reserved pasta water can help achieve the perfect consistency.

Serving Suggestions

This Chicken Alfredo Pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette. Garlic bread on the side can also make for a delightful addition, perfect for sopping up any leftover sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, while fettuccine is traditional, you can use any pasta you have on hand, like tagliatelle or even penne.
Can I substitute the heavy cream?
If you want a lighter version, half-and-half can be used, but it may not be as thick or creamy.
How can I add more flavor?
Consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of white wine to the cream sauce for extra depth.

Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe Walkthrough

First, fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Throw in a generous pinch of salt and cook the fettuccine according to the package instructions. Once it's al dente, drain the pasta and set it aside. Meanwhile, pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel and season them with salt and pepper.

Heat up the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once it's shimmering, add the chicken breasts. Let them cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, ensuring they're fully cooked through. Once done, remove them from the skillet and let them rest before slicing them into strips.

Lower the heat to medium and add the butter to the same skillet. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic and sauté it for about a minute until it's fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and gently bring it to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Add the cooked fettuccine and sliced chicken back into the skillet, tossing everything together so the pasta and chicken are well coated in the sauce. If the sauce gets too thick, splash in a bit of the pasta cooking water to loosen it up. Top it all off with a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a fresh finish.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Rich and creamy sauce that clings to every strand of pasta.
  • Simple ingredients that deliver a gourmet taste.

Ingredients

1 lb fettuccine
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup chopped parsley

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Cook fettuccine according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
3. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
4. Grill chicken breasts until fully cooked, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove from heat and slice.
5. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt butter.
6. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
7. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
8. Gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until sauce is smooth and creamy.
9. Add cooked fettuccine and sliced chicken to the sauce.
10. Toss to combine, ensuring pasta and chicken are well coated.
11. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

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