Traditional Chicken Alfredo

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 15 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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Traditional Chicken Alfredo is a classic dish that's perfect for a comforting, hearty meal. This creamy pasta is rich and indulgent, making it a favorite for both weeknights and special occasions. Let’s dive into crafting this delightful recipe!

Ingredients for Traditional Chicken Alfredo

Butter serves as the base for cooking the chicken and creating the sauce, adding richness and depth. Chicken breast, when sliced thinly, cooks quickly and remains tender and juicy. A sprinkle of salt and pepper enhances the natural flavors of the chicken. Fettuccine pasta is the perfect partner for Alfredo sauce, its flat shape holding the creamy sauce beautifully. Heavy cream creates the luscious, velvety texture of the Alfredo sauce. Parmesan cheese adds a nutty, savory kick and helps thicken the sauce. Garlic infuses a subtle, aromatic hint that elevates the dish. A splash of olive oil helps to sauté the garlic and rounds out the sauce. Finally, a touch of parsley adds freshness and color to the finished dish.

Tips & Tricks

  • For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken in a bit of lemon juice and Italian herbs before cooking.
  • If your sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture in the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

This Chicken Alfredo pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette. Garlic bread is also a classic companion, perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce. If you’re looking to add some greens, steamed broccoli or peas make a great addition to the dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While fettuccine is traditional, penne or linguine also work well.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, but the sauce is best when freshly made. If you do prepare it ahead, reheat gently and add a splash of cream to revive the sauce.

Traditional Chicken Alfredo Recipe Walkthrough

Start by melting 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. While it’s melting, season your thinly sliced chicken with a good pinch of salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet, letting it cook for about 6 to 8 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

Now, let’s get the pasta going. Cook your fettuccine according to the package instructions. Remember to give it a stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Once it’s al dente, drain it and set it aside, too.

In the same skillet where you cooked the chicken, add the remaining butter and olive oil. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté it for about a minute until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn it! Stir in the heavy cream, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Gradually add the Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce is smooth and starts to thicken.

It’s time to bring everything together. Return the chicken to the skillet, along with the cooked fettuccine. Toss everything to coat the pasta and chicken evenly with the creamy Alfredo sauce. Once it’s all nicely combined, you’re ready to garnish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley and serve it up immediately.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
  • Rich and creamy sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta.
  • Simple ingredients that pack a punch of flavor.
  • Customizable with your favorite herbs or veggies.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
Salt and pepper to taste
1 pound fettuccine pasta
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
Chopped parsley for garnish

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, and add to the skillet.
2. Cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes, or until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Cook the fettuccine according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add remaining butter and olive oil. Sauté garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
5. Stir in cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until sauce is smooth and thickened.
6. Return the chicken to the skillet, and add the cooked fettuccine. Toss to coat with the Alfredo sauce.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

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