Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe

Creamy Homemade Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe

Creamy chicken fettuccine alfredo whispers comfort and indulgence with every twirled bite.

Pasta lovers understand the magic of this classic Italian-American dish.

Silky noodles coated in rich, velvety sauce promise pure satisfaction.

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this recipe delivers elegance without complexity.

Home cooks can master this restaurant-style favorite in minutes.

Each forkful brings warmth and deliciousness that makes everyone smile.

You’ll want seconds of this irresistible pasta masterpiece.

Chicken Alfredo That’s Creamy, Rich, and Reliable

  • Quick Comfort Cooking: Whip up this creamy chicken fettuccine alfredo in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknight dinners when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Minimal Ingredient Magic: Uses simple pantry staples like chicken, pasta, cream, and Parmesan cheese, making it budget-friendly and easy to prepare without needing fancy or hard-to-find ingredients.
  • Family-Pleaser Guaranteed: Delivers rich, cheesy flavors that appeal to both kids and adults, ensuring everyone at the table will love this classic Italian-inspired dish that feels like a restaurant-quality meal made at home.
  • One-Pan Wonder: Streamlines cooking process by preparing everything in a single skillet, reducing cleanup time and making meal preparation stress-free for home cooks who want maximum taste with minimal dish washing.

All the Parts You Need for Chicken Alfredo

Main Protein:
  • Chicken: Tender protein that provides hearty flavor and substance to the dish, boneless and skinless chicken breasts work best.
  • Garlic: Aromatic base that adds deep, rich flavor to the chicken.
Pasta and Liquid Base:
  • Fettuccine Pasta: Classic long, flat noodles that hold creamy sauce perfectly, choose high-quality Italian pasta for best results.
  • Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and enhances overall savory taste, low-sodium version recommended for better control of salt content.
  • Heavy Cream: Creates smooth, luxurious texture and rich base for Alfredo sauce.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance and balance the dish's overall flavor profile.
Cheese and Fat:
  • Parmesan Cheese: Provides sharp, salty flavor and helps thicken the sauce, freshly grated cheese recommended for best melting.
  • Olive Oil: Helps prevent sticking and adds subtle flavor when cooking chicken.

Alfredo Chicken Fettuccine Method

Step 1: Sizzle Chicken and Garlic

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add chicken pieces and minced garlic, cooking and stirring until the chicken turns golden brown and develops a delicious caramelized exterior.

Step 2: Create Savory Liquid Base

Pour chicken broth into the skillet and season with salt and pepper.

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, allowing the flavors to blend and intensify.

Step 3: Cook Pasta to Perfection

Introduce fettuccine pasta directly into the bubbling liquid.

Gently stir and cook the pasta until it reaches al dente texture, ensuring each strand is tender yet firm.

Step 4: Transform into Creamy Masterpiece

Slowly pour in heavy cream and sprinkle:
  • Parmesan cheese

Stir continuously, watching the sauce transform into a luxurious, velvety coating that clings beautifully to the pasta and chicken.

Step 5: Plate and Devour

Transfer the steaming, creamy fettuccine onto serving plates.

The aroma will immediately tantalize your senses, promising a mouthwatering meal that’s both comforting and elegant.

Pasta Tips for Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo

  • Select high-quality, fresh chicken and authentic Parmesan cheese for the most robust flavor profile.
  • Stir fettuccine frequently during cooking to ensure even heat distribution and prevent clumping.
  • Adjust heavy cream quantity to achieve desired sauce thickness – less cream for thicker sauce, more for a lighter texture.
  • Swap chicken with grilled shrimp, tofu, or plant-based protein alternatives for dietary variety and personal preferences.
  • Cook pasta just until firm to the bite, typically 1-2 minutes less than package instructions for perfect texture.

Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo Storage

  • Store leftover chicken fettuccine alfredo in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
  • Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or chicken broth to restore sauce's creamy consistency and prevent drying out.
  • Spread pasta evenly on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
  • Cream-based sauces tend to separate and lose texture when frozen, so consuming within a few days is recommended for best taste and quality.

Pasta Pairings for Chicken Alfredo

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chardonnay or pinot grigio that cuts through the creamy sauce, balancing the rich chicken alfredo with its bright, acidic notes.
  • Complement with Fresh Salad: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a zesty contrast against the heavy, velvety pasta dish.
  • Match with Garlic Bread: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up extra alfredo sauce, adding a delightful crunch and complementary garlic flavor to the meal.
  • Enhance with Roasted Vegetables: Add simple roasted asparagus or broccoli as a side dish, bringing fresh green nutrients and a slight char that brightens the creamy pasta.

Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo Pasta Spins

  • Vegetarian Delight: Replace chicken with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms for a hearty plant-based version.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional fettuccine with gluten-free rice or chickpea pasta to accommodate wheat sensitivities.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Use spiralized zucchini noodles instead of pasta, reducing carbohydrate content while maintaining creamy sauce texture.
  • Dairy-Free Version: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a lactose-free adaptation.

FAQs

  • Is this dish high in calories?

Yes, Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo is a rich, creamy pasta with high calorie content due to heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and chicken.

  • Can I use a different type of pasta?

While fettuccine is traditional, you can substitute with linguine, penne, or any similar pasta shape that holds sauce well.

  • How do I know when the chicken is properly cooked?

Chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and appears white throughout with no pink areas.

  • What makes the Alfredo sauce creamy?

The combination of heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese creates the signature smooth, rich texture of the sauce.

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Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe

Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe


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4.8 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Creamy chicken fettuccine alfredo delivers classic Italian comfort with luxurious pasta and rich sauce. Parmesan-coated tender chicken and silky noodles promise a delightful meal you’ll savor with each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced

Pasta and Liquid Base:

  • 375 grams (13 ounces) uncooked fettuccine pasta
  • 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream

Seasonings and Finishing Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Sear the chicken pieces in a hot skillet with fragrant garlic until they develop a golden-brown exterior, ensuring even cooking and rich flavor development.
  2. Pour in chicken broth and season with salt and pepper, allowing the liquid to reach a vigorous boil and infuse the meat with additional seasoning.
  3. Introduce fettuccine pasta directly into the bubbling liquid, gently maneuvering the strands to prevent sticking and promote uniform cooking until they reach a perfect al dente texture.
  4. Gradually pour heavy cream into the skillet, creating a luxurious base for the sauce, then sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously to achieve a smooth, velvety consistency.
  5. Once the sauce has thickened and coats the pasta and chicken elegantly, remove from heat, letting the residual warmth further meld the flavors and create a creamy, indulgent dish.
  6. Transfer the steaming fettuccine Alfredo to serving plates, garnishing with additional Parmesan and fresh herbs if desired, and serve immediately to preserve the optimal temperature and texture.

Notes

  • Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the most tender and lean protein in this classic dish.
  • Grate fresh Parmesan cheese instead of using pre-packaged to enhance the sauce’s richness and authentic flavor.
  • Control the sauce’s consistency by adjusting cream and cheese quantities – add more cream for a lighter sauce or more cheese for a thicker texture.
  • For a healthier version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk and use whole wheat fettuccine to boost nutritional value.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 680
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 35 g
  • Saturated Fat: 20 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 60 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg
Emily Harper

Emily Harper

Nutrition Consultant & Recipe Analyst

Expertise

Healthy Recipe Modification, Nutritional Analysis & Meal Planning, Global Cuisine & Dietary Adaptations​

Education

School: French Pastry School, Chicago, IL

Program: L’Art de la Pâtisserie

Focus: Intensive training in traditional French pastry techniques, baking theory, and confectionery arts. ​


Emily’s journey started in a pastry kitchen but took a detour into the world of health and flavor science.
Graduating from the French Pastry School and studying nutrition opened her eyes to a new mission: making healthy food taste like something you’d actually crave.
At Dining At Home, Emily’s the go-to for smart, feel-good recipes that don’t trade flavor for nutrition.
She’s all about adding a fresh spin on old favorites and finding small ways to make everyday meals a little brighter.
Outside of the kitchen, Emily is most at home walking forest trails, testing plant-based recipes, or sharing a picnic under a wide-open sky.

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