Description
This Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta is a delicious and comforting dish featuring tender pan-seared chicken breasts tossed with perfectly cooked fettuccine pasta and a rich, homemade Alfredo sauce made from butter, garlic, heavy cream, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Garnished with fresh parsley and optional red pepper flakes, this recipe serves 4 and is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pasta
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta (or penne/linguine)
- Water and salt for boiling
For the Chicken
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
For the Alfredo Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes depending on pasta type. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from pan and let rest for a few minutes before slicing into strips to ensure juiciness.
- Make the Alfredo Sauce: Using the same skillet, melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently. Reduce heat to low, then gradually stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta to the Alfredo sauce and toss to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, stir in some reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached. Add the sliced chicken and mix thoroughly to warm through and combine all flavors.
- Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped fresh parsley, additional Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Notes
- Be careful not to overcook the pasta to avoid mushiness when combined with the sauce.
- Allowing the chicken to rest before slicing keeps it tender and juicy.
- Reserved pasta water helps adjust the Alfredo sauce consistency smoothly.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best flavor and melting texture.
- Customize garnishes to your preference, such as adding red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
