Chicken Alfredo Fettuccine Pasta

Chicken Alfredo Fettuccine Pasta Recipe: A Creamy Delight for Your Dinner Table

If you’re craving a comforting, creamy, and flavorful dish, Chicken Alfredo Fettuccine Pasta is a perfect choice. It’s rich, indulgent, and satisfies your taste buds in every bite. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just getting started in the kitchen, this recipe is easy to follow and promises a meal that’ll impress anyone sitting at your dinner table.

Ingredients

To make this creamy Chicken Alfredo Fettuccine Pasta, here’s what you’ll need:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 3 cups fettuccine pasta
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Now, let’s break down the steps to make your Chicken Alfredo Fettuccine Pasta:

  1. Cook the Chicken
    Start by seasoning both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Once cooked, set the chicken aside to rest before slicing it into thin strips.
  2. Cook the Fettuccine
    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 10 minutes. Drain and set aside, saving about 1/2 cup of pasta water for later.
  3. Prepare the Alfredo Sauce
    In the same skillet you used for the chicken, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
  4. Add the Cheese
    Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and continue to simmer, allowing the sauce to thicken, which should take about 5 minutes. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.
  5. Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce
    Add the cooked fettuccine to the sauce, followed by the sliced chicken. Toss everything together gently to coat the pasta and chicken evenly with the creamy Alfredo sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
  6. Serve and Garnish
    Serve the Chicken Alfredo Fettuccine Pasta hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Recipe Notes

  • Chicken Options: You can substitute the chicken with shrimp or even crispy bacon for a different flavor twist.
  • Cheese Choices: While Parmesan is traditional, you can use a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan for an extra creamy texture.
  • Creaminess Factor: If you like your sauce even creamier, add a little extra heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese.
  • Make it Spicy: A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a little heat to balance the richness of the sauce.

Time and Serving

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Serves: 4

Kitchen Tools Needed

  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Medium pot for boiling pasta
  • Pasta strainer
  • Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring

How to Serve Chicken Alfredo Fettuccine Pasta

  • As a Main Dish: This creamy pasta can stand alone as a hearty main dish, perfect with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad.
  • Pair with Wine: If you enjoy wine with dinner, a glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio pairs wonderfully with the richness of the Alfredo sauce.
  • Add Vegetables: For some extra nutrition, toss in some sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli before serving.

Storage

If you have any leftovers (lucky you!), Chicken Alfredo Fettuccine Pasta stores quite well in the fridge. Just transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up on the stove over low heat, adding a little milk or cream to bring back its creamy texture.

For longer storage, you can freeze the pasta (without the fresh parsley garnish) for up to 2 months. To reheat frozen pasta, defrost overnight in the fridge and then warm it on the stove.

Nutrition Breakdown (Per Serving)

NutrientAmount
Calories720
Protein38g
Total Fat35g
Saturated Fat18g
Carbohydrates69g
Fiber3g
Sugars3g
Sodium650mg
Cholesterol95mg

Extra Tips to Make the Recipe Perfect

  • Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Keep an eye on the chicken as it cooks. Overcooked chicken can dry out and affect the texture of your dish.
  • Customize the Sauce: If you like your Alfredo sauce extra smooth, use an immersion blender to give it a silky texture.
  • Keep Stirring: To ensure the sauce doesn’t separate, stir it constantly once the cheese is added.

FAQs

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta in advance. When you’re ready to serve, just combine them and reheat. It’s a great make-ahead dinner option!

Yes! You can use half-and-half for a lighter version, or even whole milk if you’re looking to reduce calories, but the sauce will be less creamy.

For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to the sauce or toss in some chopped fresh chili peppers.

Absolutely! You can swap regular fettuccine for gluten-free pasta without compromising the taste.

Final Thoughts

Chicken Alfredo Fettuccine Pasta is one of those classic dishes that never goes out of style. It’s creamy, satisfying, and a guaranteed hit at dinner. With this easy recipe, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time. Plus, with the option to customize it to your tastes, this dish can become a regular on your dinner table. Enjoy making it, and don’t forget to savor every bite!

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