Description
Creamy chicken alfredo pasta brings Italian-inspired comfort to weeknight dinners. Parmesan cheese and tender chicken create a luxurious sauce you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Pasta and Base Ingredients:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) fettuccine pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter
Seasonings and Extras:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Boil fettuccine in salted water at high heat for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside in a warm location.
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season generously with kosher salt and cracked black pepper on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high temperature. Cook chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F, creating a golden-brown exterior.
- Transfer chicken to a cutting board and allow to rest for 3-4 minutes to retain moisture. Slice into thin diagonal strips.
- Reduce skillet heat to medium-low. Add minced garlic and sauté for 45-60 seconds until aromatic, being careful not to burn.
- Pour heavy cream into the skillet. Add butter and whisk continuously until completely incorporated and sauce begins to simmer.
- Gradually sprinkle Parmesan cheese into the cream mixture, stirring constantly to create a smooth, velvety sauce without lumps.
- Add cooked fettuccine directly into the sauce, gently tossing with tongs to ensure complete and even coating.
- Arrange sliced chicken atop the sauced pasta. Garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley for added color and flavor. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Select high-quality, freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a richer, more authentic flavor profile that melts smoothly into the sauce.
- Use room temperature chicken to ensure even cooking and prevent uneven browning, which helps achieve a golden exterior and juicy interior.
- Consider switching to whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier alternative that maintains the dish’s creamy texture and satisfying taste.
- Customize the protein by substituting chicken with grilled shrimp, sautéed mushrooms, or roasted vegetables for diverse dietary preferences and exciting flavor variations.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 630 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 43 g
- Saturated Fat: 22 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg