Creamy Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo
Indulge in the rich flavors of Italy with a dish that will leave you wanting more. Imagine tender fettuccine pasta smothered in a creamy sauce, made with love and the finest ingredients.
## Prep and Cook Time
To create this culinary masterpiece, you’ll need to allocate about 20 minutes for preparation and 15 minutes for cooking, totaling 35 minutes of your time.
## Yield (servings)
This recipe yields 4 servings, perfect for a family dinner or a small gathering of friends.
## Difficulty Level
The difficulty level of this recipe is moderate, requiring some basic cooking skills and attention to detail to achieve the perfect creamy sauce.
## Ingredients
- 1 pound fettuccine pasta
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 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 boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
## Instructions
- 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.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and bring to a simmer. Let cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with basil, salt, and pepper.
- Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta in the cream sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and toss everything together to combine.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
## Chef’s Notes or Substitutions
For a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream cheese. Additionally, feel free to add some steamed vegetables, like broccoli or asparagus, to make the dish more balanced.
## Tips for Success
* Use high-quality Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
* Don’t overcook the fettuccine to prevent it from becoming mushy.
* If the sauce thickens too much, a little pasta water can help thin it out.
## 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 cream or pasta water if the sauce has thickened too much.
## Nutrition Table
| Calories | Carbs | Protein | Fat | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 540 | 35g | 37g | 32g | 2g |
## FAQ
Q: What is the best type of pasta to use for Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo?
A: Fettuccine is the traditional choice, but you can also use other flat, long noodles like tagliatelle or linguine.
Q: Can I make Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo ahead of time?
A: While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the components ahead of time and assemble just before serving.
Q: Is Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo a healthy option?
A: With its rich cream sauce, it’s not the lightest option, but using lean chicken and whole wheat pasta can make it a bit healthier.
## Conclusion
With its creamy sauce and tender chicken, Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo is a dish that will satisfy your cravings and leave you feeling like you’re dining in Italy. Give this recipe a try and experience the rich flavors of a classic Italian dish in the comfort of your own home.
