Easy Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe
There’s nothing more comforting on a chilly evening than a hot, creamy bowl of chicken fettuccine alfredo. This classic Italian-American dish combines tender chicken pieces with rich Alfredo sauce and ribbon-like fettuccine pasta for the ultimate in cozy, satisfying fare.
Despite its reputation as a richer recipe, chicken fettuccine alfredo is surprisingly easy to make at home. Unlike some heavier fettuccine alfredo dishes, this version relies on a light, from-scratch Alfredo sauce that comes together in minutes. Simply sauté chicken breasts until cooked through, then set aside while you whip up the sauce.
To make the signature creamy Alfredo component, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in minced garlic and let its flavor blossom for 30 seconds. Gradually add heavy cream along with shredded Parmesan cheese, whisking vigorously to attain a silky-smooth texture. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. The resulting sauce coats each strand of pasta luxuriously but isn’t overly rich.
In the meantime, boil fusilli or fettuccine pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and return to the warm pot. Pour the hot Alfredo sauce over the pasta, along with any chicken pan juices. Gently toss everything together, being careful not to overmix and break the noodles.
Finally, slice the chicken breasts and stir them into the pasta mixture. For maximum comfort, serve your homemade chicken fettuccine alfredo hot, garnished with extra grated Parmesan if desired. Enjoy this take on the classic dish – a satisfying meal that’s tasty yet simple to prepare anytime.
Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo Ingredients
- 8 ounces fettuccine pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe
Prepare the Ingredients:
Start by gathering and preparing all the necessary ingredients for your chicken fettuccine alfredo. Slice the chicken breasts into thin strips, mince the garlic cloves, grate the Parmesan cheese, and chop the fresh parsley for garnish.
Cook the Pasta:
In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the fettuccine pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water.
Cook the Chicken:
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken strips with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Alfredo Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
Combine and Simmer:
Reduce the heat to medium-low. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly until it begins to thicken, about 2-3 minutes. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Bring It All Together:
Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the alfredo sauce. Stir to combine, allowing the chicken to heat through for another 1-2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Finish and Serve:
Add the cooked fettuccine pasta to the skillet, tossing gently to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy alfredo sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta cooking water to reach your desired consistency.
Garnish and Enjoy:
Serve the chicken fettuccine alfredo hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad.
This easy chicken fettuccine alfredo recipe ensures a creamy, flavourful pasta dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Enjoy the rich flavors of homemade alfredo sauce combined with tender chicken and perfectly cooked fettuccine.
FAQs On Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo
What ingredients are needed for an easy chicken fettuccine alfredo recipe?
Ingredients needed:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
How long does it take to cook chicken fettuccine alfredo?
It typically takes about 30-40 minutes to prepare and cook chicken fettuccine alfredo. This includes the time to cook the pasta, prepare the chicken, and make the Alfredo sauce.
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute fettuccine with other types of pasta such as spaghetti, penne, or linguine. The cooking process remains the same, but cooking times may vary slightly depending on the pasta used.
How can I make the Alfredo sauce creamier?
To make the Alfredo sauce creamier, you can:
- Add more heavy cream or a splash of milk.
- Incorporate a small amount of cream cheese.
- Ensure the Parmesan cheese is freshly grated for better melting.
- Simmer the sauce gently to thicken it without reducing it too much.
How to make chicken for chicken alfredo?
To make chicken for chicken Alfredo, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium heat, add a tablespoon of olive oil, and cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove from heat, let rest for a few minutes, then slice into thin strips.
How to season chicken for chicken alfredo?
To season chicken for chicken Alfredo, coat the chicken breasts with olive oil, then sprinkle both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. You can also add Italian seasoning or dried herbs like basil and oregano for extra flavor. Let the chicken sit for a few minutes to absorb the seasonings before cooking.
What noodles for chicken alfredo?
Fettuccine is the classic choice for chicken Alfredo due to its wide, flat shape that holds the creamy sauce well. However, you can also use other pasta types like linguine, spaghetti, or penne if you prefer. The key is to choose a pasta that can effectively capture and complement the rich Alfredo sauce.
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