This creamy Fettuccine Alfredo with chicken is a comforting dish that warms your heart. It features tender pasta tossed in a rich Alfredo sauce and topped with juicy chicken pieces!
Who can say no to pasta covered in creamy goodness? I love to make this when I’m craving something filling and delicious. Pair it with garlic bread for a treat! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fettuccine Pasta: Fresh or dried fettuccine works well here. If you can’t find fettuccine, try tagliatelle or even spaghetti. Both have a nice bite that blends perfectly with the sauce!
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great, but you could use thighs for more flavor. Alternatively, rotisserie chicken can save time and effort if you’re in a hurry.
Heavy Cream: This is key for that rich sauce. If you’re looking for a lighter version, swap it with half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative, like coconut cream.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better than pre-grated. If you’re out, Pecorino Romano or any hard cheese can work as a substitute, but it will change the flavor slightly.
How Do I Cook Juicy Chicken for My Alfredo?
Cooking the chicken right is crucial for this dish. Here’s how you can achieve juicy chicken every time:
- Start with room temperature chicken. It cooks more evenly.
- Always preheat your skillet until it’s hot before adding oil. This helps create a nice sear.
- Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side without flipping too often. Let it properly brown for better flavor.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps it moist.
Following these tips will help ensure your chicken complements the creamy fettuccine perfectly!
Fettuccine Alfredo With Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fettuccine:
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Alfredo Sauce:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 30 minutes total for this recipe. This includes around 10 minutes for prepping your ingredients, 10 minutes to cook the chicken, and another 10 minutes to make the sauce and combine everything!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Fettuccine:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, add your fettuccine and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (cooked but still firm to the bite). After cooking, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
While the pasta cooks, season both sides of your chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning if you’re using it. Next, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until they’re nicely browned and cooked through. Once done, remove them from the skillet and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing into strips.
3. Make the Alfredo Sauce:
In the same skillet where you cooked the chicken (keeping all those delicious flavors!), reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Allow it to melt, then add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
4. Combine Cream and Cheese:
Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine it with the melted butter and garlic. Let this mixture simmer for about 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently until it thickens slightly. Next, gradually sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth. Taste the sauce and add more salt or pepper if you like.
5. Toss in the Pasta:
Now it’s time to bring it all together! Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce and gently toss everything until the pasta is thoroughly coated with the creamy sauce.
6. Serve:
To serve, plate the fettuccine Alfredo and top it with the sliced chicken breasts. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper for that extra pop of flavor!
7. Enjoy!
Dig in and enjoy your delightful plate of Fettuccine Alfredo with Chicken! It’s comfort food at its best!
Can I Use Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Pasta?
Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta adds a nutty flavor and extra fiber. If you’re opting for gluten-free pasta, choose a variety made from brown rice or gluten-free blends, and adjust cooking time according to package instructions.
How Can I Make This Dish Lighter?
If you’re looking to lighten it up, consider swapping the heavy cream for half-and-half or using a lighter cream like evaporated milk. You can also reduce the butter and cheese to maintain flavor while cutting calories.
What Should I Do with Leftover Alfredo?
Store leftover Alfredo in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or milk to bring back the sauce’s creaminess, and warm gently on the stovetop or microwave.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Pasta?
Definitely! Sautéed spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms can complement the dish beautifully. Add them to the skillet with the garlic for extra flavor before pouring in the cream.
