Description
Welcome to the ultimate Chicken Alfredo recipe guide! If you love creamy, rich, and flavorful pasta dishes, this classic Italian-inspired meal is a must-try. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or an indulgent weekend treat, this recipe will show you how to make Chicken Alfredo that’s perfectly balanced, full of flavor, and incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced thin)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Alfredo Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg (optional, enhances flavor)
For the Pasta:
- 12 ounces fettuccine pasta
- 4 cups water (for boiling)
- 1 teaspoon salt
Optional Add-Ons:
- 1 cup broccoli florets (for extra nutrition)
- ½ cup mushrooms, sliced
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (for a spicy kick)
Instructions
Step1: Cook the Chicken
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove from the pan, let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
Step2: Cook the Pasta
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the fettuccine pasta according to package instructions.
- Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step3: Make the Alfredo Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir well.
- Slowly whisk in the Parmesan cheese, stirring until fully melted.
- Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg, then simmer for 2 minutes until thick.
Step4: Combine Everything
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy Alfredo sauce.
- Stir in the sliced chicken, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Notes
- Use fresh Parmesan cheese – Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly.
- Don’t overcook the chicken – It should be juicy and tender.
- Adjust the sauce consistency – Add a splash of milk or pasta water if it’s too thick.
- Experiment with add-ins – Try shrimp, spinach, or mushrooms for variety.