Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo is a classic comfort food that combines rich, creamy Alfredo sauce with tender chicken and perfectly cooked fettuccine pasta. This dish is a true crowd-pleaser, with its creamy texture, savory flavors, and satisfying components. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or hosting a dinner party, this recipe is sure to impress. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a flavorful dish that tastes like it came from a restaurant. The creaminess of the sauce, balanced by the subtle garlic and Parmesan, pairs wonderfully with the lean protein of chicken. Fettuccine noodles, which have the perfect surface area to hold the creamy sauce, complete this indulgent meal. Plus, it’s quick and easy to make, with a prep time of just 10 minutes and a total cooking time of 30 minutes. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe guarantees a delicious result.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo is the ultimate comfort dish for pasta lovers. The creamy Alfredo sauce, made with heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, is rich and luxurious. The tender chicken adds a satisfying protein element, while the fettuccine noodles perfectly soak up the sauce. This dish is versatile enough to be served on its own or paired with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables. With its quick prep and cooking times, it’s an excellent choice for busy weeknights when you still want to enjoy a flavorful homemade meal. The addition of fresh parsley for garnish adds a pop of color and freshness to balance the richness of the sauce. Whether you’re feeding a family or impressing guests, this dish never fails to deliver on taste and presentation.
Ingredients
- Fettuccine pasta (8 oz)
- Chicken breasts (2, thinly sliced)
- Heavy cream (2 cups)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1 cup)
- Butter (2 tablespoons)
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
- Chicken broth (1/2 cup)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Variations
This Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo recipe is easy to customize. Here are a few variations to try:
- Add Vegetables: Incorporate sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli for added texture and nutrition.
- Use Shrimp: Swap the chicken for shrimp for a seafood variation of this classic dish.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Alfredo sauce to give the dish a subtle heat.
- Use Half-and-Half: For a lighter version, replace the heavy cream with half-and-half.
- Swap for Whole Wheat Pasta: To make the dish healthier, opt for whole wheat fettuccine for added fiber.
- Herb Twist: Experiment with fresh herbs such as thyme, basil, or rosemary for a fragrant twist on the traditional flavor profile.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Cook the fettuccine pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced chicken breasts and cook until the chicken is no longer pink in the center, about 7-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 4: Make the Alfredo Sauce
Add the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir constantly until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
Step 5: Season the Sauce
Season the Alfredo sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
Step 6: Combine Chicken and Pasta
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Then add the drained fettuccine pasta and toss everything together to coat the pasta and chicken evenly in the creamy sauce.
Step 7: Serve
Garnish the Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use Fresh Parmesan: For the best flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-grated cheese.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Be careful not to overcook the chicken, as it can become dry. Thinly sliced chicken cooks quickly, so be mindful of the cooking time.
- Adjust the Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash more chicken broth or milk to reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a little longer to thicken.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Save a small cup of pasta water before draining the fettuccine. You can use this to thin the sauce if necessary.
- Make It a One-Pan Meal: For easy cleanup, cook the pasta and the chicken in the same skillet, saving time and washing fewer dishes.
How to Serve
Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo is a rich and satisfying main dish that can be served on its own. To complete the meal, pair it with a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables such as asparagus or broccoli. A glass of white wine, such as Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio, pairs wonderfully with the creaminess of the Alfredo sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a little extra cream or chicken broth to restore the creamy texture.
Freezing
Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo can be frozen, but the cream sauce may change in texture once thawed. To freeze, place the cooled leftovers in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat slowly.
Reheating
To reheat, place the chicken Alfredo in a skillet over low heat and stir in a splash of cream or broth to help bring the sauce back to life. Stir occasionally to ensure the sauce doesn’t break or separate.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as penne, linguine, or spaghetti. Fettuccine works best because it holds the sauce well, but feel free to experiment.
2. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
To make the recipe dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a non-dairy cream alternative, and use dairy-free cheese or skip the cheese altogether.
3. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the fettuccine with gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version of the dish.
4. Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce?
While homemade Alfredo sauce is recommended for the best flavor, store-bought Alfredo sauce can be used in a pinch. Just add the cooked chicken and pasta, and adjust the seasoning as needed.
5. How can I make this dish spicier?
For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the sauce.
6. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use chicken thighs for a more flavorful option, but be sure to cook them thoroughly.
7. How do I keep the Alfredo sauce creamy?
To keep the Alfredo sauce creamy, avoid high heat and don’t let the sauce boil vigorously. Stir frequently and add more cream or broth if the sauce thickens too much.
8. Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes, vegetables like spinach, peas, or mushrooms can be added to the dish for extra flavor and texture. Sauté them with the garlic before adding the cream.
9. Can I make Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo ahead of time?
While this dish is best served fresh, you can make it ahead and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.
10. How do I make the sauce thicker?
If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer for a few extra minutes or add more Parmesan cheese to thicken it up.
Conclusion
Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo is a comforting, creamy, and satisfying meal that everyone will love. With tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich Alfredo sauce, this dish is a perfect choice for a cozy dinner at home or when entertaining guests. Quick to prepare and easy to customize, this recipe offers the indulgence of a restaurant-quality dish without the hassle. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a crowd, Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo will always be a crowd-pleaser.
PrintChicken Fettuccine Alfredo
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This creamy Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo is a classic Italian dish featuring tender chicken, fettuccine pasta, and a rich Alfredo sauce made with heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and garlic. It’s a comforting, indulgent meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
- 2 chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Cook the fettuccine pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the chicken: In a large skillet, cook the sliced chicken breasts until no longer pink in the center. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Alfredo sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Make the sauce: Add the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Season: Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine: Add the cooked chicken and fettuccine pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat the pasta and chicken evenly in the Alfredo sauce.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- You can use a combination of heavy cream and milk for a lighter version of the sauce.
- Add extra Parmesan cheese for more flavor.
- Serve with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes