A creamy, comforting classic, Chicken Alfredo Pasta is a rich and satisfying dish that combines tender chicken, fettuccine pasta, and a velvety Parmesan cream sauce. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is always a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Alfredo Sauce:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, but adds depth to the flavor)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
For the Pasta:
- 12 ounces fettuccine pasta (or any pasta of your choice)
- Salt for boiling the pasta water
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
- Prep the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 6–7 minutes on each side, until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest. Once rested, slice the chicken into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
- Boil the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually 8–10 minutes, until al dente.
- Drain and Reserve Pasta Water: Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water to add to the sauce later if needed.
Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce
- Melt the Butter: In the same skillet that you cooked the chicken in, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Cream and Seasoning: Pour in the heavy cream and stir. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 2–3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Add Parmesan: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and optional nutmeg. Keep stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce is too thick, you can add some of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Step 4: Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce
- Toss the Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the Alfredo sauce and toss to coat the noodles evenly in the sauce.
- Add Chicken: Add the sliced chicken into the skillet and toss again until everything is well combined and heated through.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or garlic powder if needed.
Step 5: Serve
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the Chicken Alfredo Pasta to serving plates. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately!
Serving Suggestions
- With a Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the creamy richness of the pasta.
- Garlic Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread or a soft baguette to sop up the delicious Alfredo sauce.
- Vegetable Pairing: Pair with roasted or steamed vegetables, such as broccoli, for added texture and freshness.
Tips for Success
- Chicken Variations: You can use grilled, baked, or pan-fried chicken depending on your preference. For an extra flavor boost, marinate the chicken in olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs before cooking.
- Thicker Sauce: For a thicker Alfredo sauce, use a bit less cream or add a tablespoon of flour to the butter before adding the cream. This will help thicken the sauce without altering the flavor.
- Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese works best in Alfredo sauce for smooth texture and superior flavor. Pre-grated cheese may not melt as well.
FAQs
1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, as the sauce may thicken or change in texture if stored for a long period. If you need to prepare it ahead, store the pasta and sauce separately and reheat gently on the stove.
2. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While fettuccine is traditional, you can use any pasta like penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti.
3. Can I make this recipe lighter?
To make a lighter version, try using half-and-half instead of heavy cream and opt for a lower-fat cheese. You can also replace the butter with olive oil for a healthier fat source.
4. Can I add vegetables to the Chicken Alfredo Pasta?
Yes! Steamed broccoli, spinach, mushrooms, or peas all make great additions. Add them to the skillet after the chicken is cooked, or mix them into the pasta for extra color and nutrients.
Chicken Alfredo Pasta is a timeless dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. With tender chicken, creamy sauce, and pasta, it’s comfort food at its finest
