Creamy Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo

Imagine a dish that combines the richness of creamy sauce, the tenderness of chicken, and the comfort of fettuccine pasta, all in one delicious package.

Recipe Details

Prep and Cook Time: 25 minutes
Yield (servings): 4
Difficulty Level: Medium

Ingredients and Instructions

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup fettuccine pasta
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, melt 1/2 cup of butter over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the remaining 1/2 cup of butter. Once melted, add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with basil, salt, and pepper.
6. Add the cooked fettuccine to the cheese sauce and toss until well coated, adding some reserved pasta water if the sauce seems too thick.
7. Return the chicken to the skillet and toss everything together until the chicken is well coated with the sauce.
8. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.

Chef’s Notes and Substitutions

For a lighter version, you can reduce the amount of butter and heavy cream. Additionally, you can substitute the chicken with shrimp or mushrooms for a different twist.

Tips for Success

* Use high-quality Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
* Don’t overcook the fettuccine to ensure it remains al dente.
* If the sauce becomes too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water.

Storage & Reheating

This dish is best served fresh, but you can store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a bit of cream or pasta water if the sauce has thickened.

Nutrition Table

FAQ

What is the origin of Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo? Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo is an Italian-American dish that originated from the classic Fettuccine Alfredo, with the addition of chicken for extra protein.
Can I make Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo ahead of time? While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the components ahead of time and assemble just before serving.
Is Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo a healthy option? This dish is rich and indulgent, but using less butter and cream can make it a slightly healthier choice.
Can I freeze Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo? It’s not recommended to freeze this dish due to the creamy sauce, which may separate upon reheating.

Conclusion

With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked fettuccine, Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo is a dish that will leave you and your family wanting more. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the comfort and satisfaction it brings to your table.