Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo

This creamy, comforting classic Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo is perfect for a cozy dinner. Tender chicken, rich Alfredo sauce, and perfectly cooked fettuccine come together to create a dish that’s both indulgent and satisfying. It’s a recipe you’ll turn to again and again for family dinners or when entertaining guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich and Creamy: The Alfredo sauce is velvety smooth, made with heavy cream, butter, and freshly grated Parmesan.

Customizable: Easy to adapt with shrimp, grilled vegetables, or extra seasonings.

Restaurant-Quality at Home: Save a trip to your favorite Italian restaurant with this homemade version.

Quick and Easy: Ready in under an hour, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.

Perfectly Balanced: A combination of protein, carbs, and indulgent sauce ensures a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken:

2 large chicken breasts (boneless and skinless)

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper, to taste

2 tbsp olive oil

For the Pasta:

12 oz fettuccine pasta

Water and salt for boiling

For the Alfredo Sauce:

3 tbsp unsalted butter

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 1/2 cups heavy cream

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Salt and pepper, to taste

1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional, for depth of flavor)

Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Directions

Cook the Chicken:

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C).

Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into strips.

Cook the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine according to the package instructions until al dente.

Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Make the Alfredo Sauce:

Using the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.

Add the heavy cream, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Gradually stir in Parmesan and mozzarella, allowing them to melt completely. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using). If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.

Combine Everything:

Toss the cooked fettuccine in the Alfredo sauce until evenly coated. Gently mix in the sliced chicken.

Serve:

Plate the pasta, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

Seafood Twist: Replace chicken with shrimp or scallops for a luxurious seafood version.

Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted broccoli.

Spicy Kick: Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne for a little heat.

Low-Carb Alternative: Use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of fettuccine.

Herb Upgrade: Enhance the flavor with fresh basil or thyme in the sauce.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s creamy texture. Avoid overheating to prevent the sauce from separating.

Related Recipes:

• Crispy Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo
• Creamy Shrimp Fettuccine Pasta With Homemade Alfredo Sauce
• Salmon and Shrimp Alfredo

FAQs

How do I keep the sauce from separating?

To prevent separation, reheat the sauce gently over low heat and stir frequently. Avoid bringing it to a boil.

Can I freeze Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo?

Freezing is not recommended as the cream-based sauce can become grainy when thawed.

What type of Parmesan works best?

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is ideal for the smoothest and most flavorful sauce.

Can I make this ahead of time?

It’s best served fresh, but you can prepare the chicken and pasta ahead, then toss them with the sauce just before serving.

Is nutmeg essential in the sauce?

Nutmeg is optional, but it adds a subtle depth of flavor that enhances the creamy sauce.

Conclusion

Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo is a classic comfort food that delivers indulgent flavors with minimal effort. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to impress. Pair it with garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a complete, satisfying meal. Enjoy this creamy delight whenever you’re in the mood for something truly special.

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