Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo
Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo is a classic comfort meal featuring tender pieces of chicken, wide fettuccine noodles, and a smooth, creamy Alfredo sauce made from butter, cream, and Parmesan cheese. The…
Tip: save now, cook later.Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo is a classic comfort meal featuring tender pieces of chicken, wide fettuccine noodles, and a smooth, creamy Alfredo sauce made from butter, cream, and Parmesan cheese. The sauce clings perfectly to the pasta, creating a rich and satisfying dish that’s both simple and delicious.
I love making this dish when I want something that feels special but also comes together quickly. The creamy sauce is surprisingly easy to whip up, and the chicken adds just the right amount of heartiness. It’s one of those meals that almost everyone enjoys, which makes it perfect for family dinners or sharing with friends.
My favorite way to serve Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo is with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and a side of garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce. It’s a great meal that warms you up without being too heavy, and I find it hard to resist going back for seconds!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fettuccine Pasta: This wide, flat pasta is perfect for holding the creamy Alfredo sauce. If you can’t find fettuccine, tagliatelle or even linguine work well as substitutes.
Chicken: Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts keeps the dish lean and tender. You can swap in chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful option.
Butter and Heavy Cream: These create the sauce’s rich, creamy base. For a lighter version, try half-and-half or milk, but the sauce won’t be as thick or rich.
Parmesan Cheese: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best taste and texture. Pre-grated can work, but the sauce may be less smooth. Grana Padano is a great alternative.
Garlic and Mushrooms: Garlic adds a subtle punch of flavor. Mushrooms are optional, but they bring earthiness and texture. You can leave them out or swap with spinach for a different boost.
How Do You Make the Alfredo Sauce Smooth and Creamy Without It Breaking?
Making Alfredo sauce that is smooth and creamy can be tricky. The key is to heat gently and add cheese slowly.
- Start by melting butter and sautéing garlic on medium heat to avoid burning.
- Add cream and milk, then simmer gently—do not boil—to thicken the sauce.
- Reduce heat to low before adding Parmesan cheese gradually while stirring constantly. This stops cheese from clumping or separating.
- If sauce gets too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Following these steps keeps the sauce silky and helps it coat the pasta evenly. Patience and gentle heat are your best friends!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot – for boiling the fettuccine; it’s roomy enough to keep pasta from sticking.
- Large skillet – perfect for cooking chicken and making the Alfredo sauce in one pan.
- Tongs or pasta fork – helps you toss the pasta and sauce together easily.
- Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula – great for stirring sauce without scratching your pan.
- Grater – fresh Parmesan tastes best, so a grater comes in handy.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for shrimp for a seafood twist that cooks quickly and tastes light.
- Add steamed broccoli or peas to boost color and add fresh, mild veggies.
- Use sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy pop that pairs nicely with creamy sauce.
- Mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat with your creamy Alfredo.
How to Make Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Pasta and Chicken:
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips or bite-sized pieces
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For The Alfredo Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of active cooking time. You’ll spend about 10-12 minutes boiling the pasta and cooking the chicken, plus 8 minutes preparing the creamy Alfredo sauce and combining everything. It’s a quick meal perfect for a weekday dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook The Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the rest.
2. Cook The Chicken:
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Add them to the skillet and cook until they turn golden brown and are cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Make The Alfredo Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. If using mushrooms, add them now and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Pour in the heavy cream and milk, and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce starts to thicken.
Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese gradually until melted and the sauce becomes smooth. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste.
4. Combine Everything:
Add the cooked fettuccine and chicken back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together well so the pasta and chicken are coated evenly with Alfredo sauce.
5. Serve:
Remove from heat. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a fresh, colorful garnish. Serve immediately, perhaps alongside some garlic bread or a crisp green salad.
Enjoy your creamy, comforting Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw the chicken completely before cooking. The best way is to thaw it overnight in the fridge or place it in a sealed bag and submerge in cold water for quicker thawing. Pat it dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.
Can I Substitute Heavy Cream with Something Lighter?
Absolutely! You can use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter sauce, but keep in mind the sauce won’t be as rich or thick. To help thicken, you might simmer the sauce a bit longer or add a small amount of cream cheese or cornstarch slurry.
How Should I Store Leftover Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can cook the chicken and make the sauce a day ahead, then store them separately in the fridge. Reheat gently and toss with freshly cooked pasta for best texture before serving.
