Chicken Alfredo Pasta brings together succulent slices of chicken with a luscious, creamy Alfredo sauce, elegantly served over perfectly cooked fettuccine noodles. This hearty and indulgent dish is a timeless comfort food classic, ideal for both quick weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Simple to prepare, this Alfredo Pasta Recipe offers a delightful experience that satisfies both the heart and the palate, making it a favorite choice for many gatherings and family meals.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
1 – The Pasta:
- 300g (10.5 oz) fettuccine pasta
- Salt, for boiling water
2 – The Chicken:
- 2 medium chicken breasts (about 300g / 10.5 oz)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
3 – How to make the Alfredo Sauce:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 1/4 cups (300ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (100g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1/4 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add fettuccine and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside. - Prepare the chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from skillet, let rest for a few minutes, then slice into thin strips.
- Make the Alfredo sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Then add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with nutmeg, salt, and black pepper.
- Combine the pasta and sauce:
- Add the cooked fettuccine to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water.
- Top with sliced chicken and garnish with parsley.
- Serve:
Serve immediately with extra Parmesan on the side, if desired.
Alfredo Pasta Tips:
- Use Real Butter and Cream: For a rich, creamy sauce, stick with high-quality butter and heavy cream.
- Fresh Parmesan is Key: Grate your Parmesan cheese fresh for the best melt and flavor.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Slightly undercook the pasta, as it will finish cooking in the sauce.
- Don’t Overheat the Sauce: Keep the heat low to prevent the cream from curdling or the cheese from separating.
- Pasta Water: Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency and help it cling to the pasta.
Alfredo Pasta Variations:
- Chicken Alfredo: Add grilled or pan-seared chicken for protein.
- Shrimp Alfredo: Use shrimp for a seafood twist.
- Garlic Alfredo: Incorporate roasted or minced garlic for extra flavor.
- Vegetable Alfredo: Add broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian option.
- Vegan Alfredo: Substitute dairy with cashew cream or coconut milk, and use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
- Spicy Alfredo: Add chili flakes or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Truffle Alfredo: Drizzle truffle oil for a luxurious touch.
This Chicken Alfredo Pasta recipe is a satisfying and creamy dish that’s sure to impress your family or guests. Perfect for pasta lovers and comfort food enthusiasts alike!