Introduction
Chicken Alfredo is a beloved Italian-American dish, cherished for its velvety, creamy sauce and tender fettuccine pasta, paired with perfectly seasoned chicken. This Chicken Alfredo recipe delivers a heartwarming meal that’s ideal for family dinners, date nights, or cozy gatherings with friends. Its rich flavors and straightforward preparation make it a favorite for home cooks seeking restaurant-quality results. With fettuccine as the star pasta and a homemade sauce, this dish brings timeless comfort and satisfaction to every plate.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: ¼ tsp red pepper flakes for a slight kick
Step-by-Step Process
- Season Chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry. Season both sides with ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove, let rest, then slice thinly.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain, reserving ½ cup pasta water.
- Make Alfredo Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream and nutmeg, simmering for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened. Gradually whisk in Parmesan until smooth. Add remaining salt and pepper, adjusting to taste.
- Combine: Add cooked fettuccine to the sauce, tossing to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water 1 tbsp at a time. Stir in sliced chicken and optional red pepper flakes.
- Serve: Divide among plates, garnish with parsley, and serve immediately with extra Parmesan if desired.
Tips for a Better Chicken Alfredo
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smooth sauce
- Cook pasta al dente to avoid mushiness
- Slice chicken thinly for even distribution
- Keep the sauce on low heat to prevent curdling
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency
- Taste and adjust the seasoning before serving
- Use a wide skillet for easier tossing
- Serve immediately for the best texture
Variations and Customization
- Broccoli Alfredo: Add 1 cup steamed broccoli florets
- Shrimp Alfredo: Replace chicken with 1 lb sautéed shrimp
- Spicy Alfredo: Increase red pepper flakes to ½ tsp
- Low-Fat: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream
- Vegetarian Alfredo: Skip chicken and add mushrooms
- Herb-Infused: Add 1 tsp fresh thyme to the sauce
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free fettuccine
- Cheesy Alfredo: Mix in ½ cup grated mozzarella
Storage and Serving Tips
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
- Freeze for 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating
- Serve with garlic bread or a Caesar salad
- Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream
- Use leftovers in casseroles or stuffed peppers
- Keep chilled for meal prep to maintain quality
- Garnish with extra parsley or Parmesan
- Pair with white wine or sparkling water
Nutritional Information
The following nutritional information is approximate, based on 6 servings (about 1 ½ cups per serving):
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Total Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
- Sodium: 780mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 38g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Vitamins and Minerals:
- Vitamin A: 20% of Daily Value
- Calcium: 25% of Daily Value
- Iron: 10% of Daily Value
Note: Nutritional values vary based on ingredient brands, portion sizes, and optional ingredients like red pepper flakes. Use a nutritional calculator for precise measurements. Chicken Alfredo is high in fat and calories due to cream and cheese; low-fat or vegetarian variations reduce richness. Chicken provides protein, while fettuccine offers carbohydrates for a balanced, filling meal.
Conclusion
This Chicken Alfredo recipe delivers a creamy, comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknights to special celebrations. Its rich sauce and tender fettuccine create a timeless meal that’s both satisfying and elegant. Easy to prepare and endlessly adaptable, it’s a classic that brings warmth to every table. This recipe ensures a delicious, crowd-pleasing dinner that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Chicken Alfredo Recipe: Creamy Classic Comfort
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 ½ cups grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
- Optional: ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder
- Cook chicken in oil; slice
- Boil fettuccine until al dente; drain
- Melt butter, cook garlic; add cream, nutmeg, Parmesan
- Toss pasta, chicken, and sauce; add pasta water if needed
- Garnish with parsley; serve
Notes
- Use fresh Parmesan
- Cook pasta al dente
- Store in fridge for 3 days or freeze for 2 months
- Serve with garlic bread