Chicken fettuccine alfredo is a classic Italian-American dish that combines tender pasta, juicy chicken, and a creamy, cheesy sauce Making chicken alfredo at home is easy and so much better than store-bought jarred sauce. With just a handful of ingredients, you can have restaurant-quality chicken fettuccine alfredo on the dinner table in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make chicken fettuccine alfredo from scratch, you’ll need:
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Fettuccine pasta – This ribbon-shaped pasta works perfectly with the creamy sauce
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Chicken breasts or thighs – Chicken thighs tend to be more flavorful. You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a lighter option.
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Butter – Butter provides rich flavor for the sauce.
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Heavy cream or half-and-half – This gives the sauce a luxuriously silky texture.
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Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated Parmesan adds nutty, salty flavor to the sauce.
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Garlic – Minced or grated garlic infuses the sauce with aromatic flavor.
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Chicken broth – The broth adds extra flavor and helps thin out the sauce.
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Olive oil, salt, and pepper – For cooking the chicken and pasta.
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine until al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
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Cook the chicken: Season chicken thighs or breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 3-5 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
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Make the sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the heavy cream, chicken broth, garlic, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 5-10 minutes until slightly thickened.
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Add the cheese: Reduce heat to low and gradually stir in the Parmesan. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth.
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Combine everything: Add the cooked fettuccine and chicken to the sauce. Gently toss to coat.
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Finish and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with extra Parmesan and chopped parsley. Serve immediately.
Tips for the Best Chicken Alfredo
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Don’t use pre-shredded Parmesan cheese as it can make the sauce gritty. Always grate it fresh.
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Cook the pasta very al dente so it doesn’t get overcooked when tossed with the sauce.
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Letting the finished pasta rest for 5 minutes helps absorb more flavor.
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Thin out the sauce with pasta cooking water or chicken broth if it gets too thick.
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Sautéing garlic and shallots in the butter first adds even more flavor.
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Consider adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli for extra veggies.
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Top with crispy pancetta or bacon bits for a savory crunch.
With tender chicken, creamy sauce, and fresh fettuccine, this chicken alfredo is sure to impress. The homemade version beats jarred sauce any day. Experiment with different add-ins to make this classic even better.
How to make Chicken Alfredo Pasta
Sometimes it’s hard to believe that such an iconic dish like chicken fettuccine Alfredo could be so fast and easy. But it really only takes about 30 minutes, maybe 40 minutes the first time you try it. Or if you have children who like to torment each other in the background, that will definitely slow you down.
First we need to sear our chicken. Start by slicing your chicken in half horizontally into cutlets, like this:
Rub it with salt, pepper, and a bit of smoked paprika. You don’t have to add the paprika, but I love the subtle flavor it adds! It also adds nice color to the chicken.
Sear your chicken over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Do not move it once it’s in the pan! This is how you get a nice brown sear.
When you flip the chicken, add in a little butter. This adds flavor to the chicken and helps it brown. (If you cook the chicken in all butter instead of oil, the butter will get too brown and smokey.)
Remove the chicken and make the sauce in the same pan. Add in a whole lotta butter. This is not an apology. I mean, if you are on a diet, you probably just shouldn’t make chicken Alfredo.
Add in 5 cloves of garlic. You can add less if you are a wimp. Just kidding. But do not underestimate the power of garlic! Don’t be afraid of it!
Why you’ll love this Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe
This Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo only takes 30 minutes, but that doesn’t mean it compromises on flavor, texture, or quality. If you’ve only ever had Alfredo sauce from a jar, hoooo boy are you in for a delightful surprise. This recipe uses heavy cream, butter, and parmesan for a rich sauce flavored with garlic, cayenne, and nutmeg. The sauce is served over a bed of pasta with perfectly seared chicken on top. It’s comforting, it’s filling, and yet it’s somehow fancy at the same time. Fettuccine Alfredo is fast enough for a Tuesday night family meal, but indulgent enough to make for your Valentine’s day dinner date. So versatile!
Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe – Easy Dinner
FAQ
How to make chicken alfredo step by step?
- Step 1: Chop the Garlic and Chicken Breasts. …
- Step 2: Put Oil and Garlic in the Pan.
- Step 3: Add Chicken to the Pan. …
- Step 4: Add Butter, Salt and Pepper. …
- Step 5: Add Chicken Broth. …
- Step 6: Add Your Pasta. …
- Step 7: Let It Soften.
- Step 8: Add Cream, Butter and Cheese.
What are the ingredients for chicken fettuccine alfredo?
How should I season chicken for fettuccine alfredo?
My kids love this meal too, which is always a win! To make this delicious dish, start by boiling 10oz fettuccine noodles according to the directions on the box. Then, cut 1 lb of boneless chicken breasts into small pieces and season with a little bit each of salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
What is the difference between chicken alfredo and chicken fettuccine?
The main difference lies in the sauce. Chicken Alfredo is a dish where chicken is added to Fettuccine pasta tossed in a creamy Alfredo sauce.
How do you make chicken fettuccine Alfredo?
Make the crispy chicken in either your air fryer or the oven. This will be the best Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo you’ve had. Slice chicken breasts in half to create cutlets and pound to approximately 1/2 inch thickness Whisk egg and milk together in a shallow bowl and place Panko on a separate plate. (You are preparing a dredging station .
How long does it take to cook chicken fettuccine Alfredo?
The sausage and orzo simmer together in chicken broth, resulting in a creamy, risotto-like dish in under 30 minutes. This creamy chicken fettuccine Alfredo is a comforting crowd-pleaser that you are sure to return to again and again. For the best results, grate your own Parmesan cheese using a microplane grater.
How do you cook chicken Fettuccini?
Add garlic; cook for 1 minute or until fragrant. Stir in soup and milk until smooth; bring to simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes or until chicken is cooked through. Add fettuccini with broccoli. Cook, stirring often, until coated in sauce and heated through. Serve with Parmesan cheese.