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
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
