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Creamy Italian Chicken Alfredo Pasta

Creamy Italian Chicken Alfredo Pasta

Creamy Italian Chicken Alfredo Pasta combines tender grilled chicken with perfectly cooked fettuccine, all coated in a rich, velvety Alfredo sauce made from heavy cream, butter, garlic, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This indulgent yet simple dish is a perfect comfort meal for cozy dinners or special occasions, easy to customize and quick to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 boneless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Pasta

  • 12 oz fettuccine pasta
  • Salt, for pasta water
  • Reserved pasta water, as needed

Alfredo Sauce

  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Garnish

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare and Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken breasts for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove from skillet and let rest for a few minutes before slicing into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, and set the pasta aside.
  3. Make the Alfredo Sauce: In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Slowly add the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, maintaining a gentle simmer throughout.
  4. Combine and Finish: Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken back into the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it to your desired consistency. Finally, sprinkle the freshly chopped parsley over the top for a vibrant and fresh finish.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated Parmesan and freshly minced garlic for the best flavor and texture.
  • Avoid overcooking the chicken to keep it juicy; resting before slicing helps retain moisture.
  • Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency and help it cling to the pasta better.
  • Whisk continuously when incorporating Parmesan to prevent clumping and ensure smoothness.
  • Simmer the sauce gently and avoid boiling to prevent separation or graininess.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chicken Alfredo, Italian Pasta, Creamy Alfredo Sauce, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner Recipe