Creamy Chicken Alfredo

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 20 min
🍽 Serves: 4
★★★★★
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There's something irresistibly comforting about a plate of Creamy Chicken Alfredo. It's a classic dish that combines tender chicken and rich, cheesy sauce with perfectly cooked pasta. Whether you're cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress.

Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Alfredo

Chicken breast is the star protein, offering a lean and tender bite. We season it simply with salt and black pepper to enhance its natural flavors. Olive oil helps in searing the chicken to a golden perfection, while fettuccine pasta serves as the ideal base, capturing all that creamy goodness. The butter and garlic form the foundation of the sauce, adding depth and aroma. Heavy cream brings the richness, and Parmesan cheese offers a sharp, savory note that ties the sauce together. Finally, fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for best results; it melts better and tastes fresher.
  • If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water to loosen it up.
  • Let the chicken rest before slicing; it’ll be juicier and more flavorful.
  • For a slightly tangy twist, add a squeeze of lemon juice to the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

This Creamy Chicken Alfredo pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette. A side of garlic bread would also be a fantastic addition, perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce. For a complete meal, consider serving with steamed broccoli or sautéed spinach.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While fettuccine is traditional, penne or linguine would work well too.
How can I make this dish healthier?
You can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream to cut down on fat, and add more vegetables like mushrooms or peas for more nutrients.
What if I don’t have Parmesan cheese?
Grana Padano or Pecorino Romano can be great substitutes, though they have a slightly different flavor profile.

Creamy Chicken Alfredo Recipe Walkthrough

Start by seasoning the chicken breast with a bit of salt and black pepper. This step is crucial for building flavor right from the beginning. Heat up a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once it's shimmering, lay the chicken in and let it cook undisturbed for about 5-7 minutes on each side until it's beautifully golden and cooked through.

While the chicken is resting, you can get your pot of water boiling for the fettuccine pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside. Keeping a bit of the pasta water can be useful if you want to adjust the sauce consistency later.

In your skillet, melt the butter over a medium flame and toss in the garlic. Stir it around until it’s fragrant, but be careful not to let it brown. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. This is when the magic happens. Add the Parmesan cheese and stir until it’s melted and the sauce is smooth. Slice the chicken and add it back to the sauce along with the cooked pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated.

Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a splash of color and freshness. Serve immediately while it’s hot and creamy.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Rich and creamy sauce that coats every strand of pasta.
  • Simple ingredients that come together quickly.
  • Perfect balance of flavors from garlic, Parmesan, and fresh parsley.
  • Great for both novice cooks and experienced chefs alike.

Ingredients

1 lb chicken breast
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
12 oz fettuccine pasta
2 tbsp unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Season chicken breast with salt and black pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side.
3. Remove chicken from skillet and let rest.
4. Cook fettuccine pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
5. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
6. Add heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
7. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
8. Slice the chicken and add to the sauce, along with the pasta.
9. Toss everything to coat with the sauce.
10. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

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