Description
A classic Italian-American creamy chicken Alfredo recipe featuring tender boneless chicken breasts in a rich, velvety sauce made with butter, heavy cream, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This comforting and indulgent dish is quick and easy to prepare, perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests, and easily customizable to suit your taste and dietary preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Sauce Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Pasta
- 12 ounces fettuccine pasta
Cooking Aids
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Optional Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of the pasta water, then set both aside.
- Prepare the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through with no pink inside. Remove from the skillet and slice into strips or bite-sized pieces.
- Make the Alfredo Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the heavy cream and simmer gently for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Add Cheese and Season: Gradually stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, letting it melt and blend fully into the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce becomes too thick, slowly add reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Combine Chicken and Pasta: Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet and toss to coat them evenly in the Alfredo sauce. Add the drained fettuccine and gently mix until the pasta is thoroughly coated with the creamy chicken Alfredo sauce.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and melting quality; avoid pre-grated cheese.
- Cook chicken just until done to keep it tender and juicy.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency without diluting flavor.
- Simmer the cream gently to prevent the sauce from curdling or separating.
- Cook garlic briefly to maintain its fragrance without bitterness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 25g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
Keywords: creamy chicken Alfredo, chicken Alfredo recipe, easy Alfredo sauce, Italian-American pasta, fettuccine Alfredo with chicken, comfort food recipe
