Description
This Best Chicken Alfredo Pasta features tender, juicy chicken breast served over perfectly cooked fettuccine and coated in a rich, creamy homemade Alfredo sauce made with butter, garlic, heavy cream, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This comforting Italian-inspired classic comes together in just 40 minutes and makes the perfect family dinner for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 400 g (14 oz) fettuccine pasta
- 2 large chicken breasts (about 500 g / 1 lb)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (100 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the pan, rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to low and add butter. Once melted, sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer gently for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese gradually, stirring continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce becomes too thick. Stir in nutmeg if using.
- Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce until well coated. Top with sliced chicken and sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce and best flavor. Do not boil the cream aggressively, as this may cause separation. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess. You can substitute shrimp for chicken or add steamed broccoli for variation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 145 mg