Nothing says cozy like a plate of Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo on a chilly evening. I remember one winter night when my son, Jake, declared this dish his favorite, and I knew right then that it was a family classic in the making. This Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo is not just a meal; it’s a warm hug on a plate.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love It
- It’s creamy, comforting, and oh-so-delicious.
- You can whip it up in under 30 minutes.
- It’s perfect for family dinners or date nights.
- The homemade Alfredo sauce is a game changer!
Pure Comfort
Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo is the ultimate comfort food. The creamy Alfredo sauce envelops the fettuccine and chicken, creating a dish that warms you from the inside out. It’s one of those meals that brings everyone to the table, sparking laughter and stories as you dig in. Whether it’s a rainy day or a cozy night in, this dish feels like home.
What You Need
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta – You can substitute with penne or spaghetti.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – You can use rotisserie chicken for a quicker option.
- 2 tbsp olive oil – Can substitute with butter.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic is best, but jarred works too.
- 1 cup heavy cream – Half-and-half can be used for a lighter sauce.
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated – Freshly grated cheese melts better.
- to taste salt – Use kosher salt for better flavor.
- to taste black pepper – Freshly cracked pepper adds a nice kick.
- for garnish parsley, chopped – Basil works well too!
Time to Cook
Prep: 10 minutes | Cook: 20 minutes | Total: 30 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Make-Ahead: You can prepare the sauce a day in advance.
Steps to Make It
- Start by cooking the fettuccine according to package instructions. Make sure to salt the water; it should taste like the ocean! Drain and set aside when al dente.
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and no longer pink inside.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. Slice it into strips and set aside. The aroma of cooked chicken will fill your kitchen!
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it; burnt garlic can ruin the dish.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until melted and smooth. The sauce should be creamy and luscious.
- Add the cooked fettuccine and sliced chicken to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated in the Alfredo sauce. It should look rich and inviting!
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water to loosen it up.
- Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley. Enjoy the creamy goodness!
Make It Perfect
- Don’t skip on the cheese; it makes the sauce rich and flavorful.
- For a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Make sure your chicken is cooked through for the best flavor.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melting results.
- Save some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
Mix It Up
- Add steamed broccoli or spinach for a veggie boost.
- Swap chicken for shrimp for a seafood twist.
- Mix in sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of flavor.
Perfect Partners
- Serve with a side salad for a fresh contrast.
- Garlic bread pairs perfectly to soak up the sauce.
- A glass of white wine complements the dish beautifully.
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FAQs
Can I store leftovers?
Yes, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo?
It’s best fresh, but you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Reheat gently.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or a non-dairy cream alternative.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just skip the chicken and add more veggies.
Conclusion
This Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo is sure to become a family favorite, just like it did for Jake. With its creamy sauce and tender chicken, it’s perfect for cozy pasta nights. So gather your loved ones and enjoy this delightful dish together!
Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo for Cozy Pasta Nights
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- pot
Ingredients
Main
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta You can substitute with penne or spaghetti.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts You can use rotisserie chicken for a quicker option.
- 2 tbsp olive oil Can substitute with butter.
- 3 cloves garlic minced, fresh garlic is best, but jarred works too.
- 1 cup heavy cream Half-and-half can be used for a lighter sauce.
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese grated, freshly grated cheese melts better.
- to taste salt Use kosher salt for better flavor.
- to taste black pepper Freshly cracked pepper adds a nice kick.
- for garnish parsley chopped, basil works well too!
Instructions
- Cook the fettuccine according to package instructions with salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Cook chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and no longer pink inside.
- Remove chicken from skillet, let rest, then slice into strips and set aside.
- Sauté minced garlic in the same skillet for about 30 seconds until fragrant without burning.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, then stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add cooked fettuccine and sliced chicken to the skillet and toss until coated with Alfredo sauce.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste, adding pasta water if sauce is too thick.
- Serve immediately garnished with chopped parsley.