Creamy Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo

Indulge in the rich flavors of Italy with a dish that will become your new comfort food obsession. You’re about to dive into a culinary journey that combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked fettuccine.

Introduction to the Recipe

To get started, let’s break down the key details of this recipe.

Essential Details

• Prep and Cook Time: 30 minutes prep, 20 minutes cook, totaling 50 minutes.
• Yield (servings): This recipe serves 4.
• Difficulty Level: Moderate, requiring some skill with cooking pasta and making a creamy sauce.

Gathering Ingredients

To make this dish, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 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 pound fettuccine pasta
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Preparing the Dish

Follow these steps to create your Creamy Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo:

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 from heat and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the remaining 1/2 cup of butter. Once melted, add the minced 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, adding some reserved pasta water if the sauce seems too thick.
7. Return the chicken to the skillet and toss everything together until well combined.
8. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.

Chef’s Notes or Substitutions

For a lighter version, you can reduce the amount of butter and use half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream cheese instead of heavy cream. Additionally, consider adding some steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus to make the dish more nutritious and filling.

Tips for Success

• Use high-quality Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
• Don’t overcook the fettuccine; it should still have a bit of bite.
• If the sauce becomes too thick, you can thin it out with a bit of the reserved pasta water.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerate leftovers within two hours of cooking and store in a covered container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a bit of cream or pasta water if the sauce has thickened too much.

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Amount per serving
Calories	720
Carbohydrates	45g
Protein	37g
Fat	47g
Sugar	2g

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: Can I make Creamy Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo ahead of time?
  A: While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the components ahead of time. Cook the fettuccine and chicken, then refrigerate or freeze until ready to assemble and serve.
• Q: How do I prevent the sauce from separating?
  A: Make sure to whisk constantly when adding the cream and cheese, and remove from heat once the cheese is melted to prevent overheating.
• Q: Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
  A: Yes, you can substitute the chicken with roasted or sautéed mushrooms, or add more vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini.
• Q: Can I use other types of pasta?
  A: While fettuccine is traditional, you can experiment with other flat, long pasta shapes like linguine or tagliatelle.

Conclusion

With its rich, creamy sauce and tender chicken, Creamy Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo is a dish that will quickly become a favorite in your household. Give it a try and enjoy the process of creating a delicious, satisfying meal that will leave everyone wanting more.