Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo

This Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo recipe is the perfect combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and rich pasta. Made with simple ingredients like chicken breasts, heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and garlic, this dish is a quick and easy way to bring the flavors of Italian cuisine to your home. It’s ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions, offering a comforting, flavorful meal that the whole family will love. With just a few basic steps, you can make a delicious fettuccine alfredo that rivals any restaurant dish. Perfect for anyone looking for a hearty, creamy pasta recipe, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

2 chicken breasts, halved lengthwise
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt & pepper, to taste
Flour, for dredging
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 tablespoons butter, divided

For the Fettuccine Alfredo Sauce:

8 ounces uncooked fettuccine
4 ounces cream cheese, softened (about 1/2 block of Philadelphia)
1 cup heavy/whipping cream
1/4 cup chicken broth
2 large garlic cloves, minced
1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

Prep Ingredients:
Remove cream cheese from the fridge at least 30 minutes before starting or microwave it for 20–30 seconds to soften. Grate the parmesan cheese.
Cook Fettuccine:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine al dente according to package instructions.
Prepare the Chicken:
Halve the chicken breasts lengthwise to create 4 thin cutlets. Season both sides with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Dredge lightly in flour.
Cook the Chicken:
Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, cook the chicken for 5 minutes per side or until golden and fully cooked. Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.
Make the Sauce Base:
Wipe or rinse the skillet to remove excess grease if needed. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, cream cheese, heavy cream, chicken broth, and minced garlic. Heat over medium, stirring as the butter and cream cheese melt.
Simmer the Sauce:
Allow the sauce to gently bubble for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. Slice the cooked chicken into strips while the sauce reduces.
Finish the Sauce:
Stir the grated parmesan cheese into the sauce. Cook for an additional minute until the cheese is melted and the sauce thickens further. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of the reserved hot pasta water. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine and Serve:
Drain the fettuccine and toss it in the sauce until evenly coated. Serve topped with sliced chicken or mix the chicken into the pasta. Garnish with additional parmesan cheese as desired.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comforting Classic: This creamy and cheesy dish is a timeless favorite.
Quick to Make: Perfect for weeknights with a cooking time of under 30 minutes.
Customizable: Easily adapt with different proteins or pasta types.

Tips

Cut Evenly: Halve chicken breasts uniformly for consistent cooking.
Fresh Ingredients: Use freshly grated parmesan for the best flavor.
Don’t Overcook: Keep an eye on the sauce to prevent it from reducing too much.

Variations and Substitutions

Substitute shrimp or grilled vegetables for chicken.
Use whole-grain pasta or gluten-free fettuccine for dietary preferences.
Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version (omit chicken).

FAQs

Can I use pre-grated parmesan?
Pre-grated parmesan may not melt as smoothly, so fresh is recommended.

What if I don’t have cream cheese?
You can use mascarpone or increase the heavy cream slightly for a creamy consistency.

How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a full meal.
Serve alongside steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus.

Suggestions

Sprinkle with fresh parsley or basil for added flavor.
For extra richness, drizzle a touch of truffle oil over the finished dish.