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Chicken Alfredo

Total Time: 33 minutesServes: 6Difficulty: Medium
Chicken Alfredo recipe image

Chicken Alfredo pairs tender pasta with a flavorful sauce or filling for a satisfying main dish.

Provided by Chef Katy

Total Time 33 minutes

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 18 minutes

Yield 6

Number of Ingredients 14

About This Recipe

Chicken Alfredo works best when the pasta and sauce finish together.

Save a little cooking water or sauce to loosen the texture before serving.

Ingredients

  • 16 ounces dry fettuccine pasta
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1/2 cup butter (, cut into large cubes or slices)
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 1 clove garlic (, minced)
  • 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Ingredient Notes

  • Pasta: Cook until just tender so it holds sauce.
  • Sauce: Keep sauce loose enough to coat every piece.
  • Cheese or seasoning: Add gradually and taste before serving.
  • Reserved liquid: A splash of pasta water can help the sauce turn glossy.

Instructions

  1. 1

    Make the noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook until al dente according to package directions, usually 10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of the cooking water, then drain well. Set aside.

  2. 2

    Make the chicken: Season chicken breasts with the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

  3. 3

    Warm the olive oil over medium-high heat in a large nonstick skillet. Once it’s shimmering, swirl the pan to evenly distribute. Add the chicken and leave it undisturbed for 5-7 minutes, until the bottom is golden-brown. Flip over and add in 1 tablespoon of butter between them, picking up the pan to give it a gentle swirl to distribute. Continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes (or an internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.)

  4. 4

    Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let rest for 3 minutes. Cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices. Tent with foil while you prepare the sauce.

  5. 5

    Make the Alfredo sauce: In the same pan, over medium-low heat, add the butter and cream; whisk until butter has melted.

  6. 6

    Add in the minced garlic, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper; whisk until combined and smooth.

  7. 7

    Bring to a gentle simmer (do not boil) and cook for 3-4 minutes, whisking constantly, until it starts to thicken.

  8. 8

    Stir in the parmesan cheese just until melted and the sauce is smooth. (If the sauce ends up too thick, add some of the reserved pasta cooking water, a few tablespoons at a time, to thin it out.)

  9. 9

    Assemble: Take sauce off the heat and immediately toss with the cooked fettuccine noodles.

  10. 10

    Divide the pasta among serving bowls and top with a few slices of chicken. Garnish with parsley, more Parmesan, and black pepper if desired.

Katy’s Kitchen Note: Finish pasta in the sauce when possible so it absorbs flavor.

Katy’s Kitchen Tips

  • Salt the pasta water.
  • Cook pasta just until tender.
  • Reserve some cooking water.
  • Toss pasta and sauce together before serving.

Variations and Substitutions

  • Herb finish: Add parsley, cilantro, basil, dill, or chives.
  • Spicier version: Increase chili, cayenne, black pepper, or hot sauce.
  • Saucy version: Serve with gravy, salsa, pan sauce, or yogurt sauce.
  • Meal prep: Use leftovers in bowls, wraps, salads, or sandwiches.

What to Serve With Chicken Alfredo

Serve Chicken Alfredo with garlic bread, salad, roasted vegetables, or extra grated cheese.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Reheat covered with a splash of water, broth, or sauce to restore moisture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Overcooked pasta: Soft pasta can break and feel heavy.
  • Dry sauce: Keep a little water or sauce to loosen the dish.
  • Rinsing pasta: Rinsing removes starch that helps sauce cling.
  • Serving too late: Pasta thickens as it sits.

FAQ

Can I make Chicken Alfredo ahead?

Yes. Reheat with a little extra liquid or sauce if needed.

How do I avoid mushy texture?

Stop cooking when just tender and let carryover heat finish the job.

Can I add vegetables or protein?

Yes, as long as extra moisture is controlled.

How should I reheat leftovers?

Reheat covered with a splash of liquid to restore moisture.

Nutrition Facts

  • Calories: 919 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Cholesterol: 280 mg
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 39 g
  • Sodium: 1179 mg
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Fat: 65 g
  • Saturated Fat: 37 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g