Description
Indulgent chicken alfredo pasta whisks home cooks straight to creamy Italian comfort, blending rich parmesan sauce with tender chicken and perfectly al dente noodles. Rich flavors and silky textures invite you to savor each delicious, comforting bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Protein:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) fettuccine pasta
- 1 pound (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Dairy and Cream Components:
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
- 1 cup (100 grams) parmesan cheese, grated
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Garnishes:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Freshly cracked black pepper (for garnish)
Instructions
- Boil fettuccine in salted water at 212°F for 8-10 minutes until perfectly al dente. Carefully reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Sear in olive oil over medium-high heat (375°F) for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove and rest for 3 minutes before slicing into thin strips.
- In the same skillet, quickly sauté minced garlic for 30-45 seconds, ensuring it doesn’t brown or burn, releasing its aromatic essence.
- Pour heavy cream into the skillet and simmer for 3-4 minutes at medium-low heat. Gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until sauce becomes silky and smooth.
- Adjust sauce consistency by incorporating reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time. Add nutmeg for depth, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Gently fold cooked fettuccine into the creamy sauce, ensuring each strand is luxuriously coated with the Alfredo mixture.
- Plate the pasta in warm dishes, arranging sliced chicken on top. Finish with fresh parsley and cracked black pepper for a vibrant presentation.
Notes
- Swap chicken for tofu or plant-based protein to create a vegetarian version that’s equally creamy and satisfying.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish celiac-friendly without compromising the rich, luxurious texture.
- Keep extra pasta water handy as a secret weapon for controlling sauce consistency and preventing clumping.
- Experiment with different cheese variations like pecorino or asiago to add unique flavor depth and personal flair.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 56 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg