Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe

If you are craving a rich, creamy, and utterly comforting pasta dish, this Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe will become your new favorite go-to. Imagine tender chicken breasts cooked to golden perfection, nestled atop silky fettuccine noodles, all enveloped in a luscious, homemade Alfredo sauce that’s bursting with garlic and cheese flavors. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and simplicity, making it a fantastic way to impress family or friends without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward yet essential, each playing a crucial role in building the creamy texture, savory flavor, and beautiful appearance of this classic dish. From the perfectly seasoned chicken to the trio of cheeses and aromatic garlic, each component contributes to that soulful taste we all love about Alfredo.

• 2 large chicken breasts (boneless and skinless): The star protein for tender, flavorful bites in every forkful.
• 1 tsp garlic powder: Adds depth of flavor to the chicken without overpowering.
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning: Brings a herby, aromatic lift to the dish.
• Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for well-rounded seasoning throughout.
• 2 tbsp olive oil: For perfectly searing the chicken to a golden crust.
• 12 oz fettuccine pasta: The classic ribbon pasta that holds the sauce so beautifully.
• Water and salt for boiling: To cook the pasta to al dente perfection.
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter: Creates a rich base for the creamy Alfredo sauce.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic infuses the sauce with aromatic warmth.
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream: The heart of the sauce, making it luxuriously smooth and creamy.
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Delivers sharp, nutty flavor that melts perfectly.
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds gooey, melty texture and mild richness.
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional): A subtle spice that elevates the sauce’s complexity.
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish: Brightens the dish with color and fresh herbal notes.

How to Make Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Start by patting the chicken breasts dry, then season them thoroughly with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. This seasoning mix infuses the meat with balanced flavor that shines throughout the dish. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then cook the chicken for approximately 4 to 5 minutes per side until it’s beautifully golden brown and cooked through. Once done, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes so the juices redistribute, ensuring every bite is juicy and tender. Finally, slice the chicken into strips for easy mixing with the pasta.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

While the chicken rests, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cooking the pasta in salted water ensures it is perfectly seasoned from the start. Add the fettuccine and cook it until al dente, meaning it is tender but still slightly firm to the bite—this is vital for achieving the best texture in your Alfredo. Reserve half a cup of the pasta cooking water before draining; this starchy water helps adjust the sauce consistency later on.

Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce

Using the same skillet that cooked the chicken (which now carries wonderful flavors), melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for just one minute until fragrant but not browned—this step unlocks the garlic’s sweetness without bitterness. Next, pour in the heavy cream and simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes to thicken slightly. Slowly stir in the freshly grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheeses, stirring constantly until everything melts together into a velvety sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it without losing creaminess. Optionally, a pinch of nutmeg adds a cozy depth that perfectly complements the cheese.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Now comes the best part—tossing the cooked fettuccine noodles into the rich Alfredo sauce so each strand is coated evenly. Then, fold in the sliced chicken strips, allowing the warm sauce to cling to the tender chicken pieces, marrying the flavors beautifully. This combination makes every forkful satisfying from first bite to last.

Step 5: Serve

Plate the creamy Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe generously and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately while it’s warm and inviting—the perfect comfort meal that feels a little fancy but comes together without fuss.

How to Serve Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is a classic garnish here, adding both visual appeal and a light herbal notes that cut through the richness slightly. You can also add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan if you love cheesiness or a dash of cracked black pepper for a subtle spicy kick. A twist of lemon zest can be surprisingly refreshing if you want to brighten the dish.

Side Dishes

A fresh side salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the creamy pasta perfectly, offering crispness and acidity to balance the meal. Roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans work well to bring in vibrant color and nutrients. Garlic bread or warm focaccia also pairs wonderfully, providing a crunchy contrast to the creamy texture.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe in individual shallow bowls topped with a parmesan crisp or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil for extra indulgence. For gatherings, consider plating it family-style on a large platter with whole parsley sprigs scattered on top for a rustic, inviting look. You can even stuff some of the sauce and chicken into crepes for an elegant twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store any leftover Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best to cool it completely before sealing to maintain freshness and prevent condensation from making the sauce watery.

Freezing

Although Alfredo sauce with cream and cheese can change texture after freezing, you can freeze leftovers when necessary. Place the pasta and chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve as much of the original texture as possible.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave at medium power. Stir frequently and add a splash of milk or cream as needed to bring back the sauce’s creamy consistency. Avoid high heat, which can cause the cheese to separate or the chicken to dry out.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe?

Absolutely! While fettuccine is classic because its flat strands hold sauce well, you can substitute with linguine, tagliatelle, or even penne if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free or lighter?

You can lighten the sauce by substituting half-and-half or whole milk for heavy cream, but it won’t be as rich and silky. For a dairy-free version, try coconut milk and dairy-free cheese alternatives, though expect some flavor variations from the traditional Alfredo.

How can I make the chicken more flavorful?

Marinating the chicken for 30 minutes in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs adds extra flavor before cooking. Or, sear it with additional spices or smoked paprika for a slightly different taste dimension.

Can I prepare any parts of the Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe in advance?

Yes! You can cook and slice the chicken ahead and store it in the fridge. The pasta can be cooked and slightly underdone, then tossed with a little oil to prevent sticking before combining with fresh sauce at serving.

What wine pairs well with Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe?

A crisp, unoaked Chardonnay or a light Pinot Grigio complements the creamy sauce and chicken beautifully, balancing richness with refreshing acidity.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe is a true comfort food classic that never fails to impress with its creamy, cheesy goodness and tender chicken. It’s warm, inviting, and perfect for sharing with loved ones on any night of the week. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite dinner that feels like a special treat every time!

Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

3.8 from 23 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

This creamy Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo is a delicious and comforting Italian-American dish featuring tender seasoned chicken breasts cooked to perfection, tossed with fettuccine pasta in a rich homemade Alfredo sauce made from butter, garlic, heavy cream, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses. Garnished with fresh parsley, this meal is perfect for a satisfying dinner in about 40 minutes.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

Pasta

• 12 oz fettuccine pasta
• Water and salt for boiling

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)

Garnish

• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
2. Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken breasts for 4-5 minutes on each side until they develop a golden crust and are cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
3. Rest and Slice Chicken: Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Then slice the chicken into strips.
4. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.
5. Make the Alfredo Sauce: Using the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant without browning.
6. Add Cream and Simmer: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally to thicken slightly.
7. Incorporate Cheeses: Gradually stir in the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg if using.
8. Toss Pasta and Chicken: Add the cooked fettuccine to the Alfredo sauce and toss to coat evenly. Then mix in the sliced chicken strips to combine.
9. Serve: Plate the creamy chicken fettuccine Alfredo and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

• Resting the chicken after cooking helps retain its juices, keeping it tender and moist.
• Reserve some pasta water; the starch helps adjust sauce consistency and allows it to cling well to pasta.
• Nutmeg is optional but adds a subtle warm flavor that complements the creamy sauce.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best melt and flavor.
• Ensure the cream simmers gently to prevent curdling and achieve a smooth sauce.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American