Creamy Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo

Indulge in the rich flavors of Italy with a dish that will leave you wanting more. Imagine a perfectly cooked fettuccine, smothered in a creamy sauce, and topped with tender chicken.

Introduction to the Recipe

To make this recipe, you will need to consider the following key details:

Prep and Cook Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Yield

This recipe yields 4 servings.

Difficulty Level

The difficulty level of this recipe is moderate, requiring some skill with cooking pasta and preparing a creamy sauce.

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
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 pound fettuccine pasta
• 1 cup chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine according to the 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 the chicken from the skillet 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 reduced.
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 the pasta is well coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water.
7. Divide the fettuccine among plates and top with parsley. Serve immediately.

Chef’s Notes or Substitutions

For a lighter version, you can reduce the amount of butter used in the sauce. Additionally, you can substitute the heavy cream with a mixture of milk and cream cheese for a similar rich texture.

Tips for Success

• Use high-quality Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
• Don’t overcook the fettuccine, as it will continue to cook a bit after draining.
• Add the parsley just before serving to preserve its freshness and color.

Storage & Reheating

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a bit of pasta water if the sauce becomes too thick.

Nutrition Table

Calories	Carbs	Protein	Fat	Sugar
550	35g	37g	32g	2g

FAQ

1. What is the best type of cheese to use for Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo? Parmesan cheese is the traditional and recommended choice for its sharp, salty flavor.
2. Can I make Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo ahead of time? While it’s best served immediately, you can prepare the components ahead of time and assemble just before serving.
3. Is Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo a healthy dish? Due to the rich ingredients, it’s considered an indulgent dish. However, you can make lighter variations by reducing the butter and cream.
4. Can I add other ingredients to customize the recipe? Yes, feel free to add other vegetables, meats, or spices to suit your taste preferences.

Conclusion

With this recipe, you’ll create a mouthwatering Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo that will impress your family and friends. The combination of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta makes for a dish that’s hard to resist. Give it a try and enjoy the flavors of Italy in the comfort of your own home.