If there’s one dish that feels like a warm, comforting hug, it’s Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo. Creamy, rich, and packed with flavor, this dish brings restaurant-quality indulgence right to your kitchen. Picture tender fettuccine coated in a luscious, garlicky Parmesan Alfredo sauce, topped with juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken. It’s the kind of meal that makes you close your eyes and savor every bite!
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Whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner at home, a special occasion, or just to treat yourself, this recipe is a foolproof way to impress. Trust me, after one taste, you’ll never go back to store-bought Alfredo sauce again!
Why You’ll Love Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo
This dish isn’t just about flavor—it’s about creating an unforgettable dining experience! Here’s why you’ll love it:
Ultra-Creamy & Comforting:
The velvety Alfredo sauce clings to every strand of pasta, making every bite rich and satisfying.
Easy Yet Elegant:
Looks fancy but comes together with simple, everyday ingredients. Perfect for weeknights or date nights!
Family Favorite:
Picky eaters? No problem! This creamy pasta is a hit with kids and adults alike.
Customizable:
Want to switch things up? Add broccoli, mushrooms, or even shrimp for a delicious twist.
Better Than Restaurant-Style:
Once you make this homemade Alfredo sauce, you’ll never want the jarred stuff again!
Ingredients in Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo
This recipe uses simple, high-quality ingredients to create the perfect creamy pasta dish.
Fettuccine Pasta:
The classic choice for Alfredo! Its wide, flat shape holds onto the sauce beautifully.
Chicken Breast:
Tender, juicy, and seasoned to perfection. You can also use chicken thighs for extra flavor.
Butter:
The base of the Alfredo sauce, giving it that signature rich taste.
Heavy Cream:
Creates the smooth, creamy consistency that makes Alfredo sauce so irresistible.
Garlic:
Freshly minced garlic adds a depth of flavor that takes this dish to the next level.
Parmesan Cheese:
Freshly grated Parmesan melts into the sauce, creating a deliciously cheesy and nutty flavor.
Salt & Pepper:
Enhances all the flavors—don’t skip these!
Olive Oil:
Used to sear the chicken to golden perfection.
Nutmeg (Optional):
A tiny pinch adds warmth and depth to the Alfredo sauce.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s make this creamy, dreamy pasta dish step by step!
Cook the Pasta:
Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
Prepare the Chicken:
Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a touch of garlic powder.
Sear the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and let it rest before slicing.
Make the Alfredo Sauce:
In the same pan, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
Add the Cheese:
Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese, letting it melt into the sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if using.
Combine Everything:
Add the cooked fettuccine to the sauce, tossing to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Slice the Chicken & Serve:
Slice the rested chicken into strips and place it on top of the creamy fettuccine. Garnish with more Parmesan and freshly chopped parsley.
Enjoy!
Serve warm and get ready for the ultimate comfort food experience.
How to Serve Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo
Make your meal even more amazing with these serving ideas:
- Garlic Bread: A must-have for soaking up every last bit of that creamy sauce.
- Side Salad: A crisp Caesar salad or arugula salad adds a refreshing contrast.
- Roasted Veggies: Serve with roasted asparagus, broccoli, or zucchini for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Extra Parmesan & Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle on top for the perfect finishing touch.
Additional Tips
- Use Fresh Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly, so always use fresh Parmesan for the best texture.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Let it rest before slicing to keep it juicy.
- Thin Out the Sauce if Needed: If your Alfredo sauce thickens too much, add a splash of pasta water or milk.
- Make It Lighter: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version.
- Want Extra Flavor? Add a splash of white wine to the sauce before adding the cream!
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I make Alfredo sauce ahead of time?
A1: Yes! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of milk if needed.
Q2: Can I use a different pasta shape?
A2: Definitely! While fettuccine is traditional, you can use penne, linguine, or any pasta you love.
Q3: How do I store and reheat leftovers?
A3: Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat over low heat, adding a little milk or cream to restore the sauce’s creaminess.
Q4: Can I add vegetables to this dish?
A4: Absolutely! Broccoli, spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes all work beautifully.
Q5: What’s the best way to get creamy Alfredo sauce?
A5: Use fresh Parmesan and stir constantly while melting the cheese to avoid clumps.
Q6: Can I make this with shrimp instead of chicken?
A6: Yes! Simply sauté shrimp in butter and garlic for 3-4 minutes, then add them to the pasta.
Q7: Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
A7: Yes! Just use gluten-free pasta and check that your Parmesan is gluten-free.
Q8: How do I keep the sauce from getting too thick?
A8: Reserve pasta water and add a little at a time to loosen up the sauce if needed.
Q9: Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
A9: You can, but the sauce won’t be as rich. To thicken it, add a bit of flour or cream cheese.
Q10: What’s the secret to restaurant-style Alfredo sauce?
A10: Using high-quality butter, freshly grated Parmesan, and a touch of pasta water for that silky, glossy texture!
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a cozy, indulgent meal, this Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo is the answer. Creamy, garlicky, and loaded with flavor, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a special occasion, this dish will never disappoint. So grab your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This creamy Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo is the ultimate comfort food! Tender chicken, fettuccine pasta, and a rich homemade Alfredo sauce come together for an easy, restaurant-quality meal. Perfect for a quick dinner or a cozy family night!
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken breast, sliced into strips
- 3/4 lb fettuccine pasta (or angel hair/vermicelli)
- 1 lb white mushrooms, thickly sliced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 1/2 cups half and half
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped (plus more for garnish)
- 1 tsp sea salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
- 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil 4 quarts of water with 1 tbsp salt. Cook fettuccine according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the chicken: Season sliced chicken breast with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté chicken until lightly golden and cooked through (about 5 minutes). Remove from pan and cover to keep warm.
- Sauté the veggies: In the same pan, heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter over medium-high heat. Add onion and sauté 3 minutes until soft. Stir in mushrooms and cook until tender (5-7 minutes), stirring frequently. Add garlic and sauté 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Make the Alfredo sauce: Pour in half and half and bring to a simmer. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce starts to thicken.
- Combine everything: Add the cooked chicken back to the pan along with ¼ cup chopped parsley. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the pasta: Toss in the cooked fettuccine, stirring to combine. Let it heat through for 1 minute, then remove from heat. Cover and let rest 10-15 minutes before serving.
- Garnish & serve: Stir the pasta before serving and garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
- Substitute heavy cream for a richer Alfredo sauce.
- Use grated Parmesan for extra flavor.
- Letting the pasta rest allows it to absorb the sauce, making it even creamier.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 110mg