This creamy Fettuccine Alfredo with chicken is a perfect comfort meal. With tender pasta, rich sauce, and juicy chicken, it’s sure to please everyone!
I love how easy it is to whip up; just cook the pasta, sauté the chicken, and mix it all together. It feels like a fancy dinner without the fuss! 😊🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fettuccine Pasta: This flat pasta is perfect for Alfredo sauce because it holds the creamy sauce well. You can substitute it with tagliatelle or linguine if needed, but fettuccine is my favorite for that classic feel!
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this dish, but feel free to use thighs for extra juiciness. You can even use grilled or rotisserie chicken for convenience!
Heavy Cream: This is what gives Alfredo its rich, creamy texture. If you want a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half or a mix of milk and cream, but it might not be as thick.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated tastes the best and melts in beautifully into the sauce. If you’re in a pinch, grated Pecorino Romano can be a good alternative, providing a bit stronger flavor.
How Can I Get My Alfredo Sauce to Be Perfectly Creamy?
Creating a creamy Alfredo sauce is all about cooking it just right and using the right ingredients. Here’s how to nail it:
- Cook garlic just until fragrant; don’t let it burn, or you’ll get a bitter flavor.
- Add the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. This helps it thicken; just don’t boil it!
- Stir in the cheese slowly until melted, ensuring a smooth sauce. If it’s too thick, add a little reserved pasta water, which helps the sauce adhere better to the pasta.
These simple steps will ensure your Alfredo sauce is creamy and delicious every time!
Fettuccine Alfredo With Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz (340 g) fettuccine pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter (for cooking chicken)
- 4 tbsp butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (plus extra for garnish)
- Optional: a pinch of nutmeg
- Extra grated Parmesan, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Fettuccine Alfredo with Chicken takes about 25 minutes to prepare from start to finish. This includes cooking the pasta, preparing the chicken, and making the creamy Alfredo sauce. Perfect for a weeknight meal when you’re short on time but still want something special!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the fettuccine pasta, cooking according to package instructions until it’s al dente. Remember to reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining the pasta—this will help adjust the sauce’s thickness later on.
2. Preparing the Chicken:
While the pasta is cooking, take your chicken breasts and season them generously with salt and pepper on both sides. This will add flavor to the chicken.
3. Cooking the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through. After cooking, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips or bite-sized pieces.
4. Making the Alfredo Sauce:
In the same skillet used for the chicken (this adds more flavor!), lower the heat to medium and add 4 tablespoons of butter. Allow it to melt, then add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about a minute until it’s fragrant—be careful not to burn it!
5. Adding the Cream:
Next, pour in the heavy cream and gently bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Stirring in Cheese and Parsley:
Once thickened, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and creates a smooth sauce. Add the chopped parsley and season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if you like. This will give your sauce a nice depth of flavor!
7. Combining Pasta and Sauce:
Now it’s time to bring it all together! Add the drained fettuccine to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce, tossing them together to ensure the sauce coats the pasta evenly. If you find the sauce too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
8. Serving the Dish:
To serve, plate the creamy fettuccine and top it with the sliced cooked chicken. Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese and parsley over the top for additional flavor and color.
9. Enjoy Your Meal!
Dig in while it’s warm and enjoy the rich, creamy flavors of your homemade Fettuccine Alfredo with Chicken! It’s a cozy dish that’s sure to impress!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While fettuccine is traditional for Alfredo, you can substitute it with tagliatelle or linguine. Just be sure to adjust cooking times according to the pasta you choose.
Can I Substitute the Heavy Cream?
Yes, you can use half-and-half or a mix of milk and cream for a lighter option. Keep in mind that the sauce may not be as thick and creamy, so you might need to tweak the cooking time.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to bring back the creamy consistency.
What Can I Add for Extra Flavor?
Consider adding cooked mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for added flavor and nutrition. You can also try different herbs like basil or thyme to customize the taste further!
