Fettuccine Alfredo with Chicken
Creamy, rich Parmesan sauce clings to tender fettuccine pasta, tossed with perfectly seared chicken breast. A truly decadent and satisfying classic that comes together in under 30 minutes for an easy weeknight dinner.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Cook the Pasta
- b.Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 tbsp of salt.
- c.Add the fettuccine and cook according to package directions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- d.Before draining, reserve about 1.5 cups of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta but do not rinse it.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sear the Chicken
- b.While the pasta is cooking, pat the chicken pieces dry with a paper towel. Season them with 1 tsp of salt and 0.5 tsp of black pepper.
- c.Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- d.Add the chicken in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan (work in batches if necessary).
- e.Cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- f.Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Build the Alfredo Sauce
- b.Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the same skillet, allowing it to melt and scrape up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- c.Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
- d.Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Combine and Finish
- b.Reduce the heat to low. Gradually add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, whisking continuously until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Do not allow the sauce to boil after adding the cheese.
- c.Season the sauce with the remaining 0.5 tsp salt, 0.5 tsp black pepper, and the optional nutmeg.
- d.Return the cooked chicken and drained fettuccine to the skillet with the sauce.
- e.Toss everything together gently until the pasta and chicken are thoroughly coated.
- f.If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Garnish and Serve
- b.Divide the Fettuccine Alfredo among four plates.
- c.Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if desired.
- d.Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly, resulting in a grainy sauce.
- 2Do not overheat the sauce after adding the cheese, as this can cause it to separate or become oily. Keep the heat on low.
- 3The starchy pasta water is a crucial ingredient. It helps emulsify the sauce, making it silky and helping it cling to the pasta.
- 4Do not rinse the pasta after draining. The starch on its surface helps the sauce adhere better.
- 5For an even richer flavor, deglaze the pan with a splash of dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio) after cooking the garlic and before adding the cream.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Omit the chicken and sauté 1 lb of sliced cremini mushrooms and a handful of fresh spinach in its place.
SpicySpicy
Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes along with the garlic for a spicy kick.
Seafood AlfredoSeafood Alfredo
Substitute the chicken with 1.5 lbs of peeled and deveined shrimp. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until pink and opaque.
Lighter VersionLighter Version
For a less rich sauce, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with whole milk or half-and-half. Note that the sauce will be thinner and less creamy.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
The chicken breast and Parmesan cheese provide high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Provides Calcium for Bone Health
Parmesan cheese is a good source of calcium, a mineral vital for maintaining strong bones and teeth, as well as proper nerve and muscle function.
Energy Boosting Carbohydrates
The fettuccine pasta offers complex carbohydrates that your body uses as its primary fuel source, providing sustained energy.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of this recipe contains approximately 1350-1450 calories. It is a rich and indulgent dish, primarily due to the heavy cream, butter, cheese, and pasta.