This Fettuccine Alfredo with Chicken is a creamy delight that will make your taste buds smile. The rich sauce perfectly hugs the pasta, while tender chicken adds a tasty punch.
I love how quick and easy this dish is to whip up! Toss in some veggies if you like, and you’ve got a full meal in no time. Who doesn’t enjoy a warm bowl of cheesy goodness? 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fettuccine Pasta: This wide, ribbon-like pasta is perfect for holding onto the creamy sauce. If you’re out of fettuccine, use linguine or spaghetti as alternatives — they work well and taste great!
Chicken Breasts: Skinless, boneless chicken breasts give a mild flavor and juicy texture. If you’re looking for something different, try grilled shrimp or sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
Heavy Cream: This adds a rich creaminess to the sauce. If you’re watching calories, consider using half-and-half or a lighter cream, but know that the sauce will be less rich and luscious.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan gives the best flavor. If you can’t find it, Pecorino Romano is a good substitute. Just remember, it can be saltier, so adjust your seasoning.
How Can I Make the Chicken Extra Flavorful?
Seasoning the chicken properly makes a big difference in flavor! Here are some tips:
- Pat the chicken dry before seasoning to achieve a nice crust.
- Don’t rush cooking! Give the chicken time to brown properly on each side for that delicious flavor.
- After slicing, consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or smoked paprika for an extra kick.
What’s the Best Way to Achieve a Creamy Alfredo Sauce?
To get that sought-after creamy texture in your Alfredo sauce, follow these steps:
- Cook the garlic in butter, but don’t let it brown. This avoids bitterness.
- Once you add the cream, keep the heat moderate. A gentle simmer is ideal to prevent curdling.
- Add cheese gradually, stirring constantly. This helps it melt smoothly, avoiding clumps in your sauce.
- Remember to save a splash of pasta water! It can help you adjust the sauce’s consistency if it becomes too thick.
By keeping these tips in mind, your Fettuccine Alfredo with Chicken will turn out creamy and delicious every time! Enjoy your cooking! 🍽️
How to Make Fettuccine Alfredo With Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta and Chicken:
- 12 ounces fettuccine pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
For Garnishing:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes around 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend about 10 minutes preparing and cooking the pasta and chicken, and another 10-15 minutes making the creamy sauce and combining everything together. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, add the fettuccine. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, which should be around 8-10 minutes. When done, drain the pasta but save a little bit of the pasta water for later. Set the pasta aside.
2. Preparing the Chicken:
While the pasta cooks, season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Then, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side until they are golden brown and cooked all the way through. When done, remove them from the skillet and let them rest for a few minutes. Then slice the chicken into strips.
3. Making the Creamy Sauce:
In the same skillet where you cooked the chicken, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once it’s melted, toss in the minced garlic, cooking for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to let it brown!
4. Combining the Sauce and Pasta:
Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and optional Italian seasoning, stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
5. Mixing it All Together:
Now, add the drained fettuccine to the sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
6. Serving:
Plate your creamy fettuccine Alfredo and arrange the sliced chicken on top. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and additional grated Parmesan if you’d like. Serve immediately and enjoy this delicious meal!
Can I Use Other Types of Pasta for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While fettuccine is traditional for Alfredo, you can substitute it with linguine, spaghetti, or even penne. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! You can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the chicken and using sautéed mushrooms or grilled vegetables instead. The creamy sauce will still be delicious and satisfying!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or water to help restore the sauce’s creamy texture.
How Can I Make it Healthier?
If you’re looking to lighten this dish, consider using whole-wheat pasta, reducing the amount of cheese, or substituting heavy cream with a blend of Greek yogurt and a splash of milk. You can also add steamed vegetables for extra nutrients!
