How to Make the Perfect Creamy Chicken Alfredo
Italian American · Easy · 35 min · 4 servings
Juicy pan seared chicken breast over silky fettuccine coated in a rich homemade Parmesan cream sauce. This classic Italian American dish comes together in just 30 minutes.
Why this recipe works
This Creamy Chicken Alfredo recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 35 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 680 calories with 44g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 9 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 2 pieces boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1.5 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 0.5 cup pasta cooking water reserved
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil. Cook fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve half a cup of pasta water before draining.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Season chicken breasts with Italian seasoning salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Sear chicken for 6 to 7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Rest for 5 minutes then slice.
Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce
In the same skillet melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 4: Add the Parmesan
Remove skillet from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese until fully melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen it.
Step 5: Toss and Plate
Add drained fettuccine to the sauce and toss until every strand is coated. Plate the pasta and top with sliced chicken. Garnish with extra Parmesan and freshly cracked black pepper.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- heavy cream → half and half for a lighter sauce
- fettuccine → linguine or pappardelle
- chicken breast → chicken thighs or shrimp
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Using pre shredded Parmesan which contains anti caking agents that prevent smooth melting
- Adding Parmesan while the pan is on high heat which causes the cheese to clump and become grainy
- Draining pasta without saving pasta water which is essential for adjusting sauce consistency
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 680 calories, 44g protein, 52g carbs, 32g fat, 2g fiber.
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