If you’ve ever found yourself daydreaming of creamy, cozy pasta that feels straight out of your favorite Italian-American restaurant, you’re going to fall in love with this Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo. Perfectly cooked fettuccine is coated in a luxuriously rich Alfredo sauce, studded with golden, juicy chicken breast and finished with a flurry of fresh Parmesan and parsley. It comes together in just 30 minutes, making it an irresistible choice whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family meal or looking to impress friends with a restaurant-quality dinner at home. This is the kind of comfort food you’ll crave again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo lies in its simple, everyday ingredients working in perfect harmony. Each one brings something important, from creamy texture to comforting flavor and a pop of color.
- Fettuccine pasta: The flat, sturdy shape holds onto all that buttery Alfredo sauce—don’t skip it!
- Olive oil: A gentle sear in olive oil helps the chicken get golden and juicy.
- Chicken breasts: Thinly sliced for quick cooking and tender bites in every forkful.
- Italian seasoning: Adds classic herby warmth to the chicken without fuss.
- Salt and black pepper: Bringing all the flavors to life and keeping everything seasoned perfectly.
- Unsalted butter: Delivers the rich, silky base your Alfredo sauce needs.
- Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic blooms in the butter, infusing the sauce with fragrant depth.
- Heavy cream: The heart of the luscious Alfredo sauce—opt for full-fat for the richest result.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated melts smoothly and gives that unmistakable savory flavor.
- Fresh parsley (optional): Chopped parsley adds color and a touch of freshness as a finishing touch.
How to Make Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo
Step 1: Cook the Fettuccine
Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a boil, then cook your fettuccine according to the package instructions until it’s just al dente. Remember to stir occasionally so the noodles don’t stick together. Once cooked, drain the pasta well and set it aside—you want it ready to be tossed with Alfredo sauce while it’s piping hot.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Pat your chicken slices dry with a paper towel, then season them all over with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pieces are golden on the outside and fully cooked through. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside while you make the sauce.
Step 3: Build the Alfredo Sauce
In the same skillet (no need to wash out those flavorful browned bits!), reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once it’s melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about one minute until fragrant. Next, pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring as the mixture thickens and bubbles. Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and keep stirring for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce is beautifully thick and glossy.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Pasta
Return the cooked chicken (along with any flavorful juices) to the skillet, tossing to coat every piece with the creamy Alfredo sauce. Then, gently add in the drained fettuccine, using tongs to toss until each strand is fully coated in sauce and every bite is loaded with chicken and cheesy goodness.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
For a picture-perfect finish, sprinkle over freshly chopped parsley. The subtle green flecks pop against the creamy pasta and brighten up the flavor. Serve immediately—Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo is best enjoyed steaming hot, with extra Parmesan on the side for good measure!
How to Serve Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo
Garnishes
Nothing takes your Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo from comforting to truly special like a fresh garnish. A generous handful of chopped fresh parsley adds color and a subtle herbal note, while extra shavings of Parmesan make every bite feel extra indulgent. If you’re feeling fancy, a sprinkle of cracked black pepper or a light drizzle of olive oil just before serving can elevate the flavors even more.
Side Dishes
This dish is rich and decadent, so consider serving it with sides that offer contrast and balance. A simple green salad with a zippy vinaigrette is a fresh partner to the creamy pasta. You can also whip up some garlic bread for a classic Italian-American experience, or lightly steamed green vegetables like broccoli or asparagus for extra color and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress, plate Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo in wide shallow bowls so every portion gets plenty of sauce. For individual servings, twist each portion of pasta into a nest with tongs and spoon chicken and sauce on top. Or, serve family style in a big, pretty platter so everyone can dig in together—there’s no wrong way to share this crowd-pleaser!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo is just as comforting the next day! Let leftovers cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, and it makes an easy heat-and-eat lunch or dinner.
Freezing
While the sauce can sometimes separate after freezing, you can freeze portions of Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo for up to two months if needed. Be sure to wrap it well and thaw overnight in the fridge for best results. If you’re planning ahead, consider freezing just the cooked chicken and cooked pasta separately, then making the Alfredo sauce fresh when you reheat—it’ll taste just-made!
Reheating
For the creamiest results, reheat Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to help loosen the sauce. If you’re using the microwave, cover loosely and heat in short intervals, stirring often, to keep the sauce from getting too thick. Add a fresh sprinkle of Parmesan and a little parsley to revive the flavors before serving.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta shape instead of fettuccine?
Absolutely! While fettuccine is classic for Alfredo because it holds the sauce so well, you can substitute with linguine, tagliatelle, or even penne—just adjust the cooking time according to the package directions.
What’s the best way to get juicy, tender chicken?
Thinly slicing the chicken breast is key, as it cooks quickly and evenly. Let the skillet get hot before adding the chicken, and don’t overcrowd the pan. A quick sear locks in moisture for that perfect juicy bite in every forkful of Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo.
Can I lighten up the sauce?
If you’d like something a bit lighter, swap in half-and-half for heavy cream, but keep in mind the sauce will be less rich and won’t thicken quite as much. Adding steamed broccoli or sautéed mushrooms is another way to stretch the dish with lighter elements and more veggies.
Can I make Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo gluten-free?
Definitely! Just use your favorite gluten-free fettuccine or other pasta and double-check the labels on your Parmesan and any seasonings. The creamy sauce and flavorful chicken are naturally gluten-free, so you won’t miss a thing.
How do I keep the Alfredo sauce from getting grainy?
The secret is low, gentle heat and using freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Pre-grated cheese can contain anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Always add the cheese gradually and keep stirring as the sauce thickens into that dreamy, creamy consistency.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo really is a comfort food dream come true—a true classic you’ll want to make over and over. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends (or just treating yourself!), you’ll love how quickly it comes together and how luxuriously delicious each bite is. Now go ahead, grab those ingredients, and bring a bit of creamy pasta magic to your own kitchen tonight!
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Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a creamy and satisfying Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo that’s perfect for a comforting meal. Tender chicken and fettuccine pasta are coated in a rich Parmesan cream sauce for a classic Italian-American dish.
Ingredients
Fettuccine Pasta:
- 12 ounces fettuccine pasta
Chicken:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Alfredo Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook fettuccine in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Season and cook chicken in olive oil until golden brown. Set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter, cook garlic, add cream, Parmesan, and simmer until thickened.
- Combine and Serve: Toss chicken with sauce, add pasta, combine, and garnish with parsley.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Add steamed broccoli or sautéed mushrooms for extra veggies.
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 690
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 410 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 21 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 49 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 160 mg
