Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe

Creamy Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe That Wows Every Time

Creamy chicken fettuccine alfredo whispers comfort on chilly evenings when you crave something heartwarming.

Pasta lovers understand the magic of silky sauce coating tender noodles.

Weeknight dinners demand simple yet spectacular solutions that satisfy deeply.

Comfort comes quickly with this classic Italian-inspired dish that impresses without complexity.

Rich parmesan and smooth cream create a luxurious backdrop for succulent chicken pieces.

Weekends or busy nights call for meals that feel indulgent yet uncomplicated.

Let’s transform ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary that makes you smile with every delicious bite.

Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo That’s Rich And Satisfying

  • Versatile Flavor Powerhouse: Customize the dish by adding vegetables like spinach or bell peppers, or swap chicken for shrimp or tofu to suit different tastes and dietary preferences.
  • Comfort Food Champion: Creamy, rich sauce combined with tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta creates a soul-warming meal that appeals to both kids and adults, making dinnertime a guaranteed success.
  • One-Pan Magic: Minimize kitchen cleanup by using the same skillet for cooking chicken, sautéing vegetables, and creating the luxurious alfredo sauce, saving time and reducing dishwashing stress.

Chicken Alfredo Essentials

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Breast: Lean protein that adds substance and flavor to the dish, best when fresh and thinly sliced.
Pasta:
  • Fettuccine: Classic pasta that pairs perfectly with creamy sauces, provides hearty base for the meal.
Sauce Base:
  • Half and Half: Creamy dairy product that creates rich, smooth Alfredo sauce texture.
Aromatics and Vegetables:
  • Onion, Mushrooms, Garlic: Provide depth of flavor and aromatic base, enhancing overall dish complexity.
Herbs:
  • Parsley: Fresh herb that adds brightness and color, great for garnishing and finishing the dish.
Cooking Fats:
  • Olive Oil, Butter: Provide cooking medium and contribute rich, smooth flavor to the recipe.
Seasoning:
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the dish's overall taste profile.

Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo How to Cook

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Grab a large pot and fill it with water.

Sprinkle in some salt and bring it to a rolling boil.

Drop in the fettuccine and cook according to the package directions.

Once perfectly cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside, ready for its delicious transformation.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Grab your chicken breasts and give them a generous seasoning with salt and pepper.

Heat up some olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Toss in the chicken and cook until it’s beautifully golden and completely cooked through.

Once done, remove the chicken and keep it warm and cozy.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet, add a splash of olive oil and a knob of butter.

Toss in your chopped ingredients:
  • Onions
  • Mushrooms
  • Garlic

Sauté the onions until they’re soft and translucent.

Add the mushrooms and cook until they’re tender and slightly browned.

Quickly stir in the garlic and let it become wonderfully fragrant.

Step 4: Create the Luxurious Sauce

Pour in the half and half, creating a creamy base.

Let it simmer gently, stirring occasionally.

Watch as the sauce begins to thicken and become gloriously rich, which should take about 8-10 minutes.

Step 5: Bring Everything Together

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.

Sprinkle in some fresh chopped parsley.

Season with additional salt and pepper to make sure every bite is perfectly seasoned.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet, gently tossing everything together.

Let the pasta heat through for a minute, allowing it to soak up all those incredible flavors.

Step 7: Final Touches

Give the pasta a final stir and sprinkle with some extra fresh parsley.

Serve immediately and watch as everyone falls in love with this creamy, dreamy dish!

Alfredo Sauce Tips For Chicken Pasta

  • Pat chicken breasts dry before seasoning to ensure a golden, crispy exterior that locks in moisture and flavor.
  • Gradually add half and half while stirring constantly to create a smooth, creamy Alfredo sauce without curdling or breaking.
  • Reserve a small amount of pasta water before draining, which can help adjust sauce consistency and help sauce cling better to noodles.
  • Toast garlic briefly to release its aromatic oils without burning, creating a more complex and rich taste profile for the entire dish.
  • Substitute half and half with low-fat milk or dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream for lighter or lactose-free versions of the recipe.

Alfredo Chicken That Reheats Smooth and Creamy

  • Store leftover chicken fettuccine alfredo in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Freezes well for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing cream-based sauces if possible.
  • Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of half and half or chicken broth to restore creamy texture. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
  • Reheat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Add a little liquid to prevent drying out. Stop heating once pasta is steaming hot.

Creamy Matches For Alfredo

  • Pair Crisp White Wine: Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio perfectly complement the creamy Alfredo sauce, cutting through its richness with bright, refreshing notes.
  • Serve Garlic Bread Companion: Toasted, buttery garlic bread provides a delightful crunch and helps soak up the luxurious sauce, enhancing the overall dining experience.
  • Recommend Fresh Green Salad: A light, tangy mixed green salad with vinaigrette dressing balances the heavy pasta dish, adding a fresh and zesty contrast to the creamy chicken fettuccine.
  • Match Roasted Vegetable Side: Simple roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts with olive oil and sea salt offer a savory, slightly charred accompaniment that elevates the main course's flavors.

Alfredo With Fettuccine Twists

  • Veggie Lover's Swap: Replace chicken with roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant for a hearty vegetarian version packed with colorful vegetables and protein.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free fettuccine pasta and ensure all ingredients like half and half are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute traditional pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining creamy sauce flavors.
  • Seafood Transformation: Swap chicken for succulent shrimp or seared scallops to create a luxurious marine-inspired Alfredo that brings oceanic richness to the classic recipe.

FAQs

  • What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Fettuccine is the traditional choice, but you can also use linguine or other wide, flat pasta noodles for a similar creamy texture.

  • Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work great and often provide more flavor and tenderness compared to chicken breast. Just ensure they’re fully cooked through.

  • Is it possible to make this dish healthier?

Yes, you can use low-fat half and half, reduce butter quantity, add more vegetables like spinach or zucchini, and use whole wheat pasta to boost nutritional value.

  • How can I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick or clumpy?

Stir continuously while making the sauce, keep heat at medium, and add half and half gradually. If it gets too thick, you can thin it out with a little pasta water.

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Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe

Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Creamy chicken fettuccine alfredo whisks Italian comfort straight to your dinner table. Rich parmesan sauce hugs tender pasta and succulent chicken, promising a luxurious meal that satisfies deep hunger with classic Mediterranean charm.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 2 lbs (907 grams) chicken breast, sliced into strips

Pasta and Vegetables:

  • 3/4 lb (340 grams) fettuccine pasta (or angel hair/vermicelli)
  • 1 lb (454 grams) white mushrooms, thickly sliced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Liquid and Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 3 1/2 cups (828 milliliters) half and half
  • 1/4 cup (15 grams) fresh parsley, finely chopped (plus more for garnish)
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Instructions

  1. Prepare a large pot of water, seasoning it generously with salt. Submerge the fettuccine and cook until it reaches an al dente texture, following the recommended timing on the package. Carefully drain the pasta and set aside, preserving its warmth.
  2. Transform chicken breast into delicate slices, enhancing them with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over robust heat. Sear the chicken pieces until they develop a golden exterior and reach complete doneness, approximately 5 minutes. Transfer the cooked chicken to a covered plate to maintain temperature.
  3. Utilize the same skillet, introducing additional olive oil and butter. Introduce finely chopped onions, allowing them to soften and become translucent. Incorporate sliced mushrooms, stirring consistently until they become tender and release their moisture. Swiftly add minced garlic, creating an aromatic base within moments.
  4. Stream half and half into the vegetable mixture, encouraging it to simmer gently. Allow the liquid to reduce and thicken, stirring intermittently to prevent scorching and ensure a smooth consistency.
  5. Reunite the cooked chicken with the creamy sauce, sprinkling in fresh parsley. Calibrate the seasoning with additional salt and pepper according to preference.
  6. Gently fold the reserved fettuccine into the sauce, ensuring each strand becomes luxuriously coated. Warm the pasta briefly, then remove from heat. Let the dish rest, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.
  7. Before presentation, give the pasta a final gentle toss. Garnish with additional chopped parsley, creating a vibrant visual finish.

Notes

  • Ensure chicken is thinly sliced for even, quick cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
  • Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help achieve a golden, crispy exterior when sautéing.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for richer, more authentic Alfredo sauce depth.
  • Adjust sauce consistency by adding pasta water if it becomes too thick during cooking.
  • For gluten-free option, swap regular fettuccine with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta.
  • Opt for low-fat half and half or milk to create a lighter version of the classic recipe.
  • Enhance protein by adding extra grilled chicken or swapping with shrimp for variety.
  • Control sodium levels by using low-sodium broth or reducing added salt during cooking.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 675
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 650 mg
  • Fat: 36 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 55 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 42 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg
Daniel Bruns

Daniel Bruns

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Recipe development for home cooks, Nutritional analysis and meal planning, Culinary education and food writing

Education

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations
Focus: Classical and contemporary cooking techniques, Culinary entrepreneurship and kitchen management, Menu development and food cost analysis


Daniel’s story started with flour on his face and a pie in the oven at his grandma’s house. He later sharpened his skills at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts.
His goal? Recipes so simple you’ll want to cook every night. When he’s not whipping up one-pan wonders, Daniel’s outside picking herbs, hosting neighborhood cook-offs, or baking chocolate cakes with his kids, messy, sweet, and unforgettable.

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