Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe

For decades, chicken Alfredo pasta has been a quintessential favorite for aficionados of Italian cuisine. The creamy, cheesy sauce draped over tender fettuccine, with succulent pieces of chicken, has found its way onto countless dinner tables worldwide. This post is an homage to the classic recipe, providing all the secrets and steps you need to create a restaurant-quality Chicken Alfredo at home. Get your aprons ready, and your appetite too, because this dish is not only scrumptious but surprisingly simple to make.

Ingredients You'll Need

Before you start, make sure your kitchen is stocked with the following:

• 8 ounces (about 200g) fettuccine pasta: The classic choice for Alfredo due to its wide, thick nature that can hold the creamy sauce.
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: One of the stars of this dish, chicken breast provides a lean protein source that pairs beautifully with the rich sauce.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used for sautéing the chicken, it also adds a subtle flavor.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Seasoning is key in every step of cooking especially when you're building layers of flavor.
• 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter: The base of the Alfredo sauce, butter adds creaminess and richness.
• 2 cups heavy cream: This is where the velvety texture of the sauce comes from.
• 1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese: The star cheese for Alfredo sauce, make sure to grate your cheese fresh for the best flavor and texture.
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley: Parsley is a fantastic way to add color and a touch of fresh flavor to the dish.

Now that everything is ready, it's time to get cooking!

Preparation Steps

Preparing the Chicken

Start by preparing the chicken breasts. Season them generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Then, in a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside to rest.

Cooking the Pasta

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. It's important to not overcook the pasta as it will continue cooking in the Alfredo sauce. Once cooked, drain the pasta, and set it aside.

Creating the Alfredo Sauce

The Base of the Sauce

In the same skillet you used for the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat. It's important the skillet has some of the fond, browned bits at the bottom; these add a depth of flavor to the sauce.

Adding the Cream

Once the butter is melted, pour in the heavy cream. Stir continuously until the mixture starts to simmer but not boil. This may take about 5-7 minutes.

Cheese, Please

Gradually sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese while constantly stirring the sauce. Continue to cook over low heat until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. This usually takes another 5-7 minutes. Be sure not to rush this step, as this is where the delicious creaminess comes from.

Melding the Flavors

Cut the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Add the chicken to the Alfredo sauce and allow it to simmer for a few more minutes. This step allows the flavors to meld.

Putting It All Together

Coating the Pasta

Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce and chicken. Toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of the pasta water from earlier to thin it out.

Presentation Tips

Plating

To serve, twirl a generous portion of the chicken Alfredo pasta onto each plate. Use tongs to create a high, inviting mound of pasta.

Garnishing

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley. This not only makes the dish look beautiful but also adds a touch of freshness to cut through the richness of the sauce.

Taste Testing & Serving

Taste Test

Before serving, be sure to taste your creation. Add more salt and pepper if needed. You want the dish to be well-seasoned but not overly salty.

Setting the Table

Prepare the table alongside coordinating side dishes like a crisp Caesar salad and maybe some garlic bread. This classic combo will make your meal feel complete.

With this detailed guide, you're well on your way to becoming a Chicken Alfredo connoisseur. Cooking this beloved dish at home isn't just about the satisfaction of enjoying a hearty, comforting meal; it's also about the joy of bringing family and friends together over good food. Don't be afraid to add your own twist to the recipe, whether it's by incorporating different herbs, experimenting with different types of pasta, or even adding some vegetables to the mix. The kitchen is your canvas, and recipes are merely starting points for your culinary creativity.

For those about to cook, we salute you! Share your experiences with this recipe, and feel free to spread the flavor by sharing this post with fellow home cooks. Remember, the most important ingredient in any dish is the love you put into making it. Buon appetito!