Creamy Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo

Indulge in the rich flavors of Italy with a dish that will leave you wanting more. Imagine a warm, creamy sauce coating tender fettuccine pasta, paired with juicy chicken that simply melts in your mouth.

Prep and Cook Time

The preparation time for this recipe is approximately 20 minutes, and the cooking time is about 25 minutes, making the total time around 45 minutes.

Yield (servings)

This recipe yields 4 servings, perfect for a small family dinner or a night in with friends.

Difficulty Level

The difficulty level of this recipe is moderate. You will need some basic cooking skills, such as boiling pasta, cooking chicken, and making a sauce from scratch.

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
• 1/2 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)

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 from the skillet 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 or 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 the pasta is well coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water.
7. Return the chicken to the skillet and toss everything together until the chicken is coated in the creamy sauce.
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 used in the recipe. Additionally, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream cheese for a different flavor profile.

Tips for Success

• Use high-quality Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
• Don’t overcook the fettuccine to prevent it from becoming mushy.
• If using frozen chicken, make sure it’s fully thawed before cooking.

Storage & Reheating

This dish is best served fresh, but 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	34g	2g

FAQ

1. What is the best type of pasta to use for Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo? Fettuccine is the traditional choice, but you can also use other flat, long noodles like linguine or tagliatelle.
2. 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.
3. How do I prevent the sauce from separating? Make sure to remove the sauce from the heat before adding the Parmesan cheese, and stir constantly until the cheese is fully melted and integrated.
4. Is Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo suitable for a diet? This dish is rich and high in calories, so it’s best consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Conclusion

With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked fettuccine, this Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo recipe is sure to become a favorite. Give it a try and experience the authentic taste of Italy in the comfort of your own home.