Fettuccine Alfredo with Chicken is a creamy pasta dish that’s super comforting and delicious. It features fettuccine noodles tossed in a rich Alfredo sauce, topped with tender chicken!
This dish makes dinner feel special, even on busy nights. I love pairing it with a simple side salad to balance things out, because who doesn’t enjoy a little extra green, right? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fettuccine Pasta: This dish shines with fettuccine, but you could use other pastas like linguine or even gluten-free pasta if needed. Just keep an eye on the cooking times.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work great. However, you can substitute with grilled shrimp or sautéed mushrooms for a twist or if you’re vegetarian.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, swap heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but keep in mind the sauce may not be as thick. Non-dairy milks can also be used, just choose ones that are creamy.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is the best for flavor. If you don’t have it, try Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
How Do You Make Creamy Alfredo Sauce?
Creating the perfect Alfredo sauce is all about balance and technique. Start with melted butter and sauté garlic to release its aroma. Then, when you add the heavy cream, remember not to boil it too hard; we want it to simmer gently.
- Cook garlic in melted butter until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and let it simmer, stirring, for a few minutes until thickened.
- Add cheese gradually, whisking to keep the sauce smooth and creamy.
- Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper—that’s key for flavor!
Each step is so important for making a dreamy Alfredo sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta!
Fettuccine Alfredo With Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking chicken)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This scrumptious Fettuccine Alfredo with Chicken will take about 30 minutes in total—10 minutes for prep and around 20 minutes for cooking. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Fettuccine:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the fettuccine and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (cooked but still firm). Drain the pasta and set it aside until you’re ready to add it to the sauce.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
While the pasta is cooking, take the chicken breasts and season both sides with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat up the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 6-8 minutes on each side, or until it’s fully cooked and golden brown. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest on a cutting board for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.
3. Make the Alfredo Sauce:
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and melt the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté it for about a minute, or until it’s fragrant. Then, pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens slightly.
4. Combine with Cheese:
Now, take the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and whisk it into the cream mixture gradually until it melts and becomes smooth and creamy. Taste the sauce, then season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
5. Toss the Pasta:
Add the cooked fettuccine to the Alfredo sauce in the skillet. Toss everything gently to coat the noodles fully with the creamy sauce.
6. Serve It Up:
Plate the fettuccine Alfredo and arrange the sliced chicken on top. Finish by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley to add a pop of color and flavor.
And there you have it! A creamy, comforting Fettuccine Alfredo with Chicken—perfect for a delicious meal that looks as good as it tastes! Enjoy your cooking experience!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. The safest way is to leave it in the refrigerator overnight. For a quicker method, seal it in a plastic bag and submerge it in cold water until thawed.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, you can replace the chicken with grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms. You can also add tofu for extra protein and flavor!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream if the sauce looks too thick.
What Can I Pair with Fettuccine Alfredo?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or garlic bread. Roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus also complement the creamy pasta nicely and add a fresh crunch!
