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Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta

A rich and indulgent pasta dish featuring tender chicken breast in a creamy Parmesan sauce with fettuccine noodles. This restaurant-quality meal comes together in under 30 minutes for a perfect weeknight dinner.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Comfort Food, Family Dinner, Main Dish, Pasta
Cuisine American, American, Caribbean, Southern, Continental
Servings 6
Calories 685 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb 450g fettuccine pasta
  • 2 lbs 900g boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
  • Extra Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook fettuccine according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
  • Season and cook chicken: Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Remove chicken and set aside.
  • Make the sauce base: In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
  • Create the cream sauce: Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to slightly thicken.
  • Add cheese: Gradually whisk in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water 1 tablespoon at a time.
  • Combine everything: Return cooked chicken to the skillet. Add drained pasta and toss everything together until well coated. If needed, add more pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
  • Final seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
  • Rest and serve: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese.

Notes

  • For best results, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-grated
  • Don't let the cream sauce boil vigorously as it may curdle
  • Save some pasta water - it's essential for achieving the perfect sauce consistency
  • Chicken can be substituted with shrimp, cooked for 2-3 minutes per side
  • For a lighter version, substitute half the heavy cream with milk or half-and-half
  • Leftovers can be stored in refrigerator for up to 3 days
  • To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess
  • This recipe can be easily doubled for larger gatherings
  • Consider adding vegetables like broccoli, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra nutrition and flavor