Chicken Alfredo is a creamy and satisfying pasta dish that combines tender grilled or sautéed chicken breasts with a rich and creamy Alfredo sauce. The sauce, made primarily of butter, cream, and Parmesan cheese, is tossed with fettuccine pasta to create a luxurious meal. It’s a popular choice in many Italian-American restaurants but can be easily made at home for a comforting meal. Perfect for a quiet dinner or serving guests, this dish balances the flavors of cheese, cream, and chicken with the texture of perfectly cooked pasta.
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 pound fettuccine pasta
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Appliances and Special Utensils:
- Stove
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Strainer or colander
- Skillet or frying pan
- Tongs
- Garlic press (optional)
- Cheese grater
Recipe Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until golden and no longer pink in the middle, about 6-7 minutes per side.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest before slicing it into strips.
- Cook the Pasta:
- While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the fettuccine and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta using a strainer or colander, reserving a little of the pasta water for the sauce if needed.
- Make the Alfredo Sauce:
- In the same skillet used for chicken, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic (use a garlic press if available) and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a simmer.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese (grated using a cheese grater) until the sauce is creamy and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Combine:
- Toss the drained pasta into the sauce, ensuring each strand is nicely coated.
- Add the sliced chicken on top and stir gently to combine using tongs.
- Serve:
- Plate the creamy Chicken Alfredo and garnish with chopped parsley.
- Serve hot with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Enjoy your homemade Chicken Alfredo, a dish that’s both comforting and indulgent!