Description
Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo is a classic Italian-American dish featuring tender chicken pieces and fettuccine pasta tossed in a rich, creamy Alfredo sauce. This comforting meal is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
- Fettuccine Pasta: 12 ounces (about 340 grams)
- Chicken Breasts: 2 boneless, skinless, approximately 1 pound (450 grams)
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
- Butter: 4 tablespoons
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Heavy Cream: 1 1/2 cups (360 milliliters)
- Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup (about 100 grams), freshly grated
- Parsley: Fresh, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Fettuccine:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve about ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken:
- While the pasta cooks, season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
- Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts.
- Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is golden brown.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes, then slice into thin strips.
- Make the Alfredo Sauce:
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 4 tablespoons of butter.
- Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently to combine.
- Let the cream mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it slightly thickens.
- Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Season the sauce with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce:
- Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.
- Add the sliced chicken to the skillet, gently mixing to combine and heat through.
- Serve:
- Divide the Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo into serving plates.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- For a lighter version, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Adding steamed broccoli or sautéed mushrooms can introduce extra flavor and nutrition.
- Ensure the Parmesan cheese is freshly grated for the best texture and taste.