How to Make Classic Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo
When it comes to comforting and delicious meals, few dishes can top the creamy indulgence of chicken fettuccine Alfredo. This classic Italian-American recipe combines tender pieces of chicken, hearty fettuccine pasta, and a rich Alfredo sauce made with butter, cream, and Parmesan cheese. The best part? You don’t need to be a professional chef to create this mouthwatering meal at home! In this blog post, we’ll guide you step-by-step on how to make classic chicken fettuccine Alfredo using simple ingredients and easy instructions.
What Is Fettuccine Alfredo?
Fettuccine Alfredo is a beloved pasta dish originally created in Italy. The star of this recipe is the Alfredo sauce— a creamy mixture of butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. This sauce coats the wide, flat ribbons of fettuccine pasta, making every bite rich and flavorful. Adding chicken to the dish gives it an extra layer of heartiness, turning it into a satisfying main course.
Now that we know what fettuccine Alfredo is, let’s jump into the recipe!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here are the ingredients for classic chicken fettuccine Alfredo:
For the chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Alfredo sauce:
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the pasta:
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta (about ¾ of a standard box)
- Water and salt for boiling the pasta
Optional garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese for sprinkling
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s how to make this classic dish:
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
- Start by seasoning the chicken breasts on both sides with garlic powder, Italian seasoning (optional), salt, and pepper.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the chicken breasts for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for a couple of minutes. Then slice it into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
- Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add a generous pinch of salt to flavor the pasta.
- Add the fettuccine and cook according to the package instructions, usually for 8-10 minutes, until it’s al dente (firm but tender).
- Drain the pasta and set it aside. You can reserve a small cup of pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.
Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce
- In the same skillet you used to cook the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir well. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, but don’t let it boil.
- Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Reduce the heat to low, then toss the cooked fettuccine into the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Use tongs or a large spoon to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
- Add the sliced chicken on top of the pasta and gently mix everything together.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Transfer the chicken fettuccine Alfredo to a serving dish or plates.
- Sprinkle chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese on top for garnish.
- Serve the dish immediately while it’s hot and enjoy!
Tips and Variations
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese makes a big difference in taste, so skip the pre-shredded version if possible.
- Add Vegetables: You can upgrade this dish by adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or steamed broccoli.
- Make It Lighter: If you want a lighter version of Alfredo sauce, substitute half of the heavy cream with whole milk.
- Cook Ahead: You can cook the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator to save time during dinner prep.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a mild kick or serve with a side of garlic bread for extra flavor.
Conclusion
Classic chicken fettuccine Alfredo is the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect for dinner parties, date nights, or a cozy family meal. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality dish right in your own kitchen. The creamy Alfredo sauce pairs beautifully with tender chicken and pasta, making this recipe a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
So, gather your ingredients and give it a try! Whether it’s your first time making fettuccine Alfredo or you’re a seasoned pro, this dish will make any mealtime special.
Happy cooking!
