Description
Indulge in a rich, velvety chicken Alfredo that comes together in under thirty minutes. This reliable recipe eschews heavy flour thickeners, opting instead for a classic emulsion of butter, heavy cream, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Perfectly seared chicken meets silky, garlic-infused pasta for a restaurant-quality meal that is simple enough for even the busiest weeknight. By focusing on temperature control, you will achieve a luxurious, smooth coating that perfectly clings to every strand of fettuccine.
Ingredients
1 lb fettuccine pasta
2 large chicken breasts, boneless, skinless, sliced thin
1.5 cups heavy cream, room temperature
1/2 cup unsalted European-style butter
1.5 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
3 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and cracked black pepper to taste
Instructions
Boil a large pot of heavily salted water and cook the fettuccine according to package directions until al dente.
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper and sear in a large skillet over medium-high heat until fully cooked (165°F internal temperature).
Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Melt the butter in the same skillet to capture the flavor bits.
Sauté the minced garlic for one minute until fragrant.
Whisk in the heavy cream and simmer for three minutes to thicken slightly.
Reduce heat to low and gradually stir in the Parmesan cheese until smooth and melted.
Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, combine with the chicken, and serve immediately.
Notes
Ensure the heavy cream is at room temperature before adding to the pan to prevent curdling. Always grate your Parmesan from a block; pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent a smooth melt. Keep the heat low when adding the cheese to avoid separating the fats.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Baking
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 680
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 165mg